Forever-A-Critic: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Drake - The Motto (Remix) music video

Such a cool song - really really like this and love this new version... below is the music video!!

Drake ~ The Motto Featuring Lil Wayne & Tyga (Official Video) from OctobersVeryOwn on Vimeo.

Monday, February 20, 2012

The Black Keys, 'Gold on the Ceiling' music video...

The Black Keys latest music video... really like this song and I have always enjoyed watched videos like this - where it shows the behind the scenes, etc. Go purchase their latest album, El Camino.

Get More: The Black Keys, Gold On The Ceiling, Music, More Music Videos

Taylor Swift, 'Safe & Sound' ft. The Civil Wars

The Civil Wars are an awesome duo together... I have to admit I really enjoy folk rock music - I'm a little selective but I do enjoy it. And I think this song is really simple but the sound is pretty clear and The Civil Wars gives a nice touch with Taylor Swift (and people who know me, know that I'm not a huge fan of Swift - appreciate and respect that she writes her lyrics and music, but sometimes, well, you know). Check out the song - really nicely done.

Get More: Taylor Swift, Safe & Sound, Music, More Music Videos

Monday, February 13, 2012

Adele.. VOGUE Magazine

Adele graces the cover of Vogue magazine and just read the article. I have watched and read several interviews with Adele in the past year, year in a half and she always seems the same which is very refreshing. She is a very bubbly, loves to swear, loud individual with a one of a kind voice. And this weekend having to learn that our beloved Whitney Houston has passed... its a reminder that we have to treasure any artist with TRUE talent - 'no gimmick'. Adele is pretty much the girl who did the first album and the difference now is that everyone wants to know her or ask her to perform live and she has stage freight - which she has always had since she started performing, even more so now because her music has gotten so big and known. The link for the article is below and I've posted some photos from the article.

Sharing from Vogue.com

2012 Grammy's... Best Dressed

There were several gorgeous gowns and handsome men and great looking couples and below are my favorites. Thought the women looked AH-mazing and the boys, some look classy nice and some have a little more of an edge. Who was your favorite??

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter - Official Trailer (HD)

This looks kind of intense and intriguing and I'm a sucker (no pun intended) for vampire flicks... what do you think?

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Whitney Houston...

Whitney Houston is one of a few female artists that was a total inspiration to me as a child watching MTV and VH1. Growing up and watching her videos and to listen and sing along to her songs made you feel good and her voice was SO amazing. Her voice is one of a kind and if you look around their is NO artist that has a voice similar to hers. A voice that is simply pure and perfect.. as she used to say 'what other gimmick' does she need. Her voice was a treasure and unique and a gift from someone above and why not share it.. she didn't have to, but she did. I will always appreciate her gift of sharing her voice and songs with us all. 2011 brought us much legendary, important, iconic losses in music but to start 2012 losing an icon such as Whitney is hard. A favorite song would be hard for me to chose, however, favorite movie was The Bodyguard - think I went to the movie theatre four times to see it. But again, song wise - tough, real tough. Huge fan of the 80s songs... what I watched a lot of and in the 90s, hello The Bodyguard soundtrack was played out like crazy, over and over. Really, really great songs and it will be hard to deal with the idea she is not around. My heart breaks for her young daughter Bobbi Kristina - losing a parent so young is never easy. My sympathy goes out to her family, friends & fans and just continue to celebrate who she was and the gift she graciously shared with the world.

'Greatest Love Of All' will always bring me back to school. Sang that song so many times in my chorus class for school at all special events, graduations, etc.

'How Will I know' and 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)' - will always take me back to my first childhood memories of music videos and dancing in my house. I used to attempt to dance and sing like her... those memories will stay with me.

'I'm Your Baby Tonight' - I love this video... seemed so much fun and wanted to have those cut off jeans and that leather jacket. And what girl didn't want to dress up and that video was totally cool and fun.

'I Will Always Love You' - one of the most powerful love songs that I have ever heard. I knew every word to every song off the 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack.

Below are some of my favorite videos... R.I.P. WHITNEY HOUSTON

Get More: Whitney Houston, Greatest Love Of All, Music, More Music Videos

Get More: Whitney Houston, I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me), Music, More Music Videos

Get More: Whitney Houston, How Will I Know, Music, More Music Videos

Get More: Whitney Houston, I'm Your Baby Tonight, Music, More Music Videos

Get More: Whitney Houston, I Will Always Love You, Music, More Music Videos

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Jay-Z and Kanye West 'Paris' Music Video

Love the sound of this second single... here is the new video which has much possibility of giving one a headache! But here it is...

Get More: Watch The Throne, Paris, Music, More Music Videos

Saturday, February 4, 2012

R.I.P. Ben Gazzara....

Ben Gazzara (born Biagio Anthony Gazzara) passed away yesterday, February 3, 2012. He was one of those actors that always stood out whether it was television, films or theatre. He has been in hundreds of films, several theatre shows and did a lot of tv shows, but two films right away stood out for me. First being the classic film, Road House with Patrick Swayze. He played the bad guy but he was so much fun to watch as the bad guy! A classic scene was when he was in the car driving with the top down and he is being a total jerk to everyone in this town and the people around him are struggling to deal with it and he is over here driving around on a sunny day.. life was good for him.

I've also enjoyed his role in Vincent Gallo's Buffalo 66... he didn't have a lot of scenes, but he always stood out in that film. Unfortunately I am unable to find a clear video of the scenes I enjoyed but this is was a little movie that is odd, weird but yet intriguing. I was able to find a clear video of him and Christina Ricci - and the scene just shows a glimpse of insanity that this whole film contained but made you take a pause to rethink what you just saw. http://youtu.be/2yWEs74FsIM

Under IMDB he is first credited as an actor in the early 1950s... the legacy he has left behind is amazing and I thank him for his performances and he will be missed! Rest in Peace...

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Vanity Fair - 2012 Hollywood Issue

I've been a long time subscriber to the classic Vanity Fair magazine and the Hollywood Issue has always been one of my favorite issues every year - very rare when they disappoint. This one is a little special for me because one of my favorite photographers Mario Testino did this cover. The actresses on these covers usually move onto great things and unfortunately, I have noticed from the past anyway, that not all do continue to have hollywood success as I've and everyone else has heard, it's a tough business.

This year they have decided on the following actresses... new and committed to her talent Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska (i've been a fan since HBO's In Treatment, she was awesome in Kids Are All Right and Alice In Wonderland), Jennifer Lawrence (enjoyed her in X-Men First Class & haven't read the books, but intrigued by the upcoming Hunger Games films), Jessica Chastain (loved her in The Help), Elizabeth Olsen (can't wait to see Martha Marcy May Marlene and the upcoming new film Liberal Arts - read only great things from Sundance), another new & upcoming Adepero Oduye, the cool Shailene Woodley (ABC Family's Secret Life of an American Teenager, great The Descandants and in the super cool video directed by Drew Barrymore, Our Deal by Best Coast), the gorgeous and talented Paula Patton (latest Mission Impossible), Felicity Jones (can't wait to see Like Crazy and enjoyed her part in Cheri), Lily Collins (Blind Side, Priest, curious to see her in the other Snow White movie, Mirror Mirror) and lastly upcoming Brit Marling (can't wait to see Arbitrage with Richard Gere). So what do you think - excited about the possibilities of these actresses?

'Project X' Trailer HD

Okay so I saw this trailer over the weekend.. and obviously the song (remix of Kid Cudi's 'Pursuit of Happiness') in the background got my attention but then the movie itself looks super super fun and crazy funny. I can't wait to see this in March.. tell all your friends. Just the screen shot of the little doggy is funny! Enjoy...

Handsome Furs - Serve the People (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

I saw this video right around the holidays so my apologies in the delay of sharing this cool song with all of you guys.. the song itself is pretty cool - liking the sound and the video is pretty neat. I hope you like it...

What's playing on my iPod....

Favorite Lines....

"There's no point to any of this. It's all just a... a random lottery of meaningless tragedy and a series of near escapes. So I take pleasure in the details. You know... a Quarter-Pounder with cheese, those are good, the sky about ten minutes before it starts to rain, the moment where your laughter become a cackle... and I, I sit back and I smoke my Camel Straights and I ride my own melt."~~Reality Bites [Ethan Hawke portraying Troy Dyer]

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." ~~Ferris Bueller's Day Off [Matthew Broderick portraying Ferris Bueller]

"...But we think you're crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a gran... and an athlete... and a basket case... a princess... and a criminal..." [Breakfast Club, written by John Hughes]

"Every day I come by your house and I pick you up. And we go out. We have a few drinks, and a few laughs, and it's great. But you know what the best part of my day is? For about ten seconds, from when I pull up to the curb and when I get to your door, 'cause I think, maybe I'll get up there and I'll knock on the door and you won't be there. No good bye. No see you later. No nothing. You just left. I don't know much, but I know that." ~~Good Will Hunting [Ben Affleck portraying Chuckie]

"...this is all we need. A couple of smokes, a cup of coffee, and a little bit of conversation. You and me and five bucks."~~Reality Bites [Ethan Hawke portraying Troy Dyer]

"If you see me getting smaller, I'm leaving, don't be grieving, just gotta get away from here. If you see me getting smaller, don't worry, and no hurry, I've got the right to disappear" ~~Country Strong [Gwyneth Paltrow portraying Kelly Canter, quoting Waylon Jennings]

Quotes from FAVORITE actors or musicians....

Literary Quotes

'...if he didn't leave, it would never be his life. It would be theirs.' ~Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower
'Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.' ~ Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower
"Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs." - Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
'Enthusiasm is the most important thing in life' ~Tennessee Williams
'Not everyone has a sob story, Charlie, and even if they do, it's no excuse.' ~Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower
'And we could all sit around and wonder and feel bad about each other and blame a lot of people for what they did or didn't do or what they didn't know. I don't know. I guess there could always be someone to blame.' ~Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower

Films 2012

Argo
Your Sister's Sister
The Amazing Spider Man - Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are really amazing actors and are wonderful together. Any scene with the two of these characters together made the film better.
People Like Us
Savages
Snow White and the Huntsman - wow. it was a great fun film! It dragged a little bit towards the end... but other than that - awesome movie! Loved the film visually and the cast was so perfect. Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and so forth and so forth!
Friends with Kids - One of the best films I've seen this year!
Being Flynn
Haywire - great great cast, but have to admit - i was a disappointed! Maybe I was in a weird mood to watch it but really thought it was going to be a kick ass film.. is it me or did anyone really enjoy this film? Again, love the cast!
The Avengers - Fun film! Iron Man, Thor and The Hulk are my favs (in that order)! I was sad about one part of the film, but don't want to spoil it for anyone. I would highly recommend seeing this on a huge screen.
Bully
The Hunger Games - Good film... the cast was really great. Especially Jennifer Lawrence, who had to carry the movie, just as her character 'Katnis' carried the book and Lawrence succeeded with flying colors. Someone else who stood out for me, Woody Harrelson (always been a fan) - just a real treat. This is why movie theatres were built..to watch films this massive on a massive screen. Go check it out when you get a chance!
Contraband - Film was good.. loved the cast, besides the cool Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale - it was awesome to see Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribisi, Lukas Haas, David O'Hara, J.K. Simmons and Diego Luna.
The Vow - Huge fan of Rachel McAdams and I think I put too much on this film. The film was good, very sweet. At times, I felt it was dragging a bit, but it was definitely a sweet movie. Not a total chick flick so thats cool if you end up watching it with a boyfriend or someone who isn't really into 'chick flicks'. I was super happy to see Scott Speedman in a big film (he does a lot of small independent films) - so that was a great bonus!
Man on the Ledge - good cast.. but have to admit I was a bit disappointed.
The Five Year Engagement
Dark Shadows
Red Tails
No One Is Safe
Mirror Mirror
The Raven
American Reunion
The Lucky One
The Woman in the Fifth
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Butter
The Dark Knight Rises
The Gangster Squad
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Django Unchained
Les Miserables

Most Anticipated Films of 2011

The Descandants - George Clooney was really wonderful in this film! The entire cast was great especially the two kids and the oldest daughters' boyfriend. Just really humorous but yet real. If you haven't seen this yet, please do.
Jane Eyre - wow. really really enjoyed this film! Enjoyed it SO much, ended up picking up a copy of the book and read it within 5 days! Mia Wasikowska as Jane did a FANTASTIC job - really. And my latest obsession, Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester - FANTASTIC as well! I really enjoyed him in the X-Men film but wow...can't wait to see him in Haywire, Shame. Literally my favorites scenes were any dialogue between these two - they were just really great to watch and when they were speaking you couldn't turn away for a second.
The Company Men - Really enjoyed this film.. this is not a fast paced film - its about real concerns, real problems. Great cast, Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Craig T. Nelson and the list goes on! Really did enjoy this film...
Beginners - Great film with the legendary Christopher Plummer, the always wonderful & talented Ewan McGregor, playing father & son. Love these guys both - Plummer since I was a child watching him in Sound of Music and McGregor since A Life Less Ordinary & so many others as well. And McGregor's love interest was played by the beautiful newcomer (in the US - known in Europe) miss Melanie Laurent. Great performances, heart warming & at times, emotionally draining - but good movie.
One Day - Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess are great actors but something in the first half of the film was a bit off. The first half of the film they were apart alot, because when they were together, it was great. The second half they were on together much more although more tragic than I thought it was going to be; still the second half was much more in sync for me. Jim Sturgess needs to be in more films...
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 - Okay, good movie, but not my favorite. I know I'm not the first or the last but the books are so much better. I am a romantic but trust me I don't read any romantic novels or anything like that - Twilight was the first book that I read that wasn't an audiobiography since my second year of college (and that was mandatory reading). Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are fun to watch on screen - big future for those two.
50/50 - Good movie. I did like how they were trying to make such a sad and dramatic thing intertwine with some humor here and there. Really like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and he never fails. Just make sure you have some tissues.
Conspirator - Good, good movie. I was finally able to watch this film and really wish I had seen it at the theater but I missed it. The legendary & iconic Robert Redford directed this film and the cast is wonderful. One of my favorite actors, James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline and so many others. It was just so intense and to think this is facts - this did happen in America. Crazy, crazy. Now I'm already anticipating my next trip to Washington to visit some of these landmarks.
Drive - I had to dedicate a whole post to this film. It would have been too much for the side panel. Ryan Gosling is amazing in this film and I highly recommend watching it on a big screen just because of all the driving Gosling does and for the violent scenes. The entire cast was great, but Carey Mulligan and Gosling's chemistry was really lovely and yet heartbreaking - but chemistry was definitely there. Some parts might frustrate you, especially in the beginning because I think they director really wanted you to be attached to the characters and did not want to rush it. Check it out and judge for yourself and please let me know what you thought.
Colombiana - It's a cool movie - its always fun to watch a chick kick ass! Zoe Saldana is an awesome actress and can handle action films and the romance between her character and Michael Vartan was nice.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - SO good... enjoyed it much more than Part 1. I cried, giggled and got a little frightened during a few scenes. I was SO happy that I was able to see this one at the theater - missed Part 1 and was so upset, because it's such a HUGE film that as a fan of the series, you deserve to watch it on the biggest screen possible. It's definitely bittersweet to see this end but what accomplishments and what records haven't they broken. It's such a real great iconic film for the film books. If you haven't seen it yet, go check it out. Performances were outstanding!
Crazy, Stupid, Love - Ryan Gosling was so charismatic in this film, totally fell for him all over again! The entire cast was very cool and I really enjoyed Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's chemistry and I enjoyed watching Gosling and Steve Carell's dynamic back and forth. One thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the younger love story - thought there was a lot of air time that couldn't have been skipped. Really think Gosling should do more comedies!
Friends With Benefits - Wow, Mila Kunis is really beautiful. The movie itself wasn't as funny as I was hoping. I actually enjoyed the chemistry between Mila and Justin Timberlake - they seemed to be old friends just having a ton of fun making out. However, Justin is funny - his skits and performances on SNL prove that every time he is on. But when it comes to being serious or show some affection, unfortunately he does not have that chip. Every time he was trying to be serious - it appeared as his lips were in early stages of a smirk or a smile. Don't get me wrong, still a huge fan of his and will also want him to be a guest on SNL and I am hoping he makes another album, but maybe he should stick to comedies. The rest of the cast were very cool; the always great Patricia Clarkson, Bryan Greenberg, Jenna Elfman and Richard Jenkins, who played Timberlake’s father – there is one scene that totally got me tearing up, a real fine actor that Jenkins. I enjoyed the cameos by Shaun White, funny Andy Samberg, and funny girl Emma Stone.
Horrible Bosses - Jason Bateman is always a winner in my book, even when the movie doesn't turn out as funny as they originally thought it would and it doesn't matter the awesome cast (i.e., Extract w/Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck). But the star for me in this funny movie was Charlie Day - HILARIOUS. The entire cast was funny, great actor Kevin Spacey, the cool Jennifer Aniston and funny Jason Sudeikis were entertaining, but Charlie Day.. just funny. Go check it out if you can, fun movie for boys and girls!
Barney's Version - wow, did not realize it was supposed to be so sad and kinda tragic. but yet strong, hopeful, and Barney is full of determination. Paul Giamatti and Scott Speedman were SO good. real powerful scenes...especially at the lake house. The entire cast was real good as well.
Cars 2 - good movie. leaned more towards the adults than kids. Wish Owen Wilson (Lightening McQueen) had more scenes
The Adjustment Bureau - disappointed. strong actors but the film felt like an underachiever copy cat of Inception.
Country Strong - I know I'm a bit behind on this.. but finally got to rent this film and let me tell you Garrett Hedlund shines in this film - this film is ALL HIM! I usually get inspired by country films and although it was a good story, and the entire cast was great - only a few songs were good for me, so I was disappointed in that aspect. Hedlund completely shines and you have to see this movie to fall in love with this guy! I must admit, I've liked him ever since Troy and Four Brothers, but just really great in this and the chemistry with Gossip Girl Leighton Meester... go rent that ASAP!
X-Men - First Class - Great Movie! Big fan of James McAvoy (loved him as professor xavier) he was just SUPER great and really enjoyed Michael Fassbender... the two guys had a cool thing back and forth! Really hope to see another film with these two guys leading the story... SO GOOD. Oh and the cool Kevin Bacon was SO good and two cameos, but one was really awesome and caught me off guard. So go check it out on the big screen ASAP!
The Hangover 2 - Funny movie, Bradley Cooper is adorable again of course, some funny stuff.
Bridesmaids - Funny movie! Love Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph but Chris O'Dowd and Melissa McCarthy were also real funny!
Something Borrowed - Good movie! I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the movie! It was funny, sweet and real... go check it out if you can!
Fast Five - great, great, awesome fun film! The cast was insanely good and let's not forget funny. Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster - just a cool trio and can't wait to see what happens next with them!!
Jumping the Broom - Ok, the cast was funny. but something was off... a little disappointed.
Scream 4 - Big fan of the Scream films and this latest installment was good. A little disappointed at the end but up to that part I was good. You guys should definitely go see it... Wes Craven had mentioned he has ideas for a few more - imagine?! I wanna see where he can take these films next!
Water for Elephants - Real good movie. The entire cast was phenomenal, but Christoph Waltz was insanely good! Robert Pattinson is so young still (mid 20s) but he is definitely a handsome guy and so talented - really think he will get better and better and even move to more behind the scenes to always being the starring actor. For a 2 hour movie, did not feel it, which always a great sign. The film was very pretty and very old school feel, which is very cool. A good movie to see on the big screen...so check it out when you get a chance!
Your Highness - okay, james franco & natalie portman were funny! love that they can still show their comedic chops even after their nominations and wins for their dramatic roles.
Thor - well, that was a fun movie! The cast was fun and cool... and I actually liked it more than I expected to.
Limitless - okay, a little disappointed. the beginning was so good, but towards the end - it was dragging a little. a few of my friends enjoyed the movie. i will say one thing, Bradley Cooper is adorable!
Red Riding Hood - good movie. really enjoyed the film, was a little worried when I realized it was a 2 hr movie, but went by fast. Well done and if you have seen other Catherine Hardwicke films, you would be able to tell she is involved. Also, one of my favs, Leonardo DiCaprio was an executive producer on this project. Very cool...
The Lincoln Lawyer - the entire cast rocked and the movie was very good - definitely interesting!
Take Me Home Tonight -- it was cute... love me some Topher Grace
No Strings Attached - cute fun movie...
Blue Valentine - good, good movie. ryan gosling and michelle williams were so good. very intimate and not just about sex, but emotional the dialogue - real.
The Dilemma - it was okay, love all the actors, but something was missing
Black Swan - i know, this was released 2010, but only got to watch it January and let me say fantastic, crazy good. Alot scarier than I thought it would be...but wonderful performances, natalie killed it and director did an awesome job.
Hall Pass
Winnie The Pooh
Fright Night (remake)
Restless
I Don't Know How She Does It
Like Crazy

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