Forever-A-Critic

Thursday, April 30, 2009

new discovery...Manchester Orchestra

Manchester Orchestra is a new band i've recently discovered and i really love this song....and am currently playing the crap out of it on my ipod! they played on David Letterman last night - just thought i'd share his great performance. oh yeah, the song... I've Got Friends -- first single off their second album, mean everything to nothing.

below is their home website and the link to see their performance on letterman..enjoy!

http://www.themanchesterorchestra.com/us/home

http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/live/index/php/985027.phtml?play=1

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

All-American Rejects, new single "The Wind Blows" music video

All-American Rejects just released a new video from their latest album, when the world comes down....check it out 'cause i'm loving it!

unforunately i can't find a link to play directly on the blog, but if you go to their website (link below) and scroll down - you will find it! let me know what you think....

http://www.allamericanrejects.com

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Photos of Movie Premieres & Gala tributing Tom Hanks

Check out the movie premiere for Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (LA) with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner; X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Arizona) with Hugh Jackman, Taylor Kitsch, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds and Will.i.am ; and so many more...check them out!!

http://movies.yahoo.com/photos

Austin City Limits Music Festival (October 2 - 4, 2009)

Another festival I would love to attend....

In 3 days, over 100 bands playing live.. the last of the 3 day general admission is available for $185.

Some bands on the lineup:

Pearl Jam
Dave Matthews Band
Beastie Boys
Kings of Leon
Ben Harper and Relentless7
Thievery Corporation
John Legend
The Dead Weather
The Levon Helm Band
Ghostland Observatory
Sonic Youth
Mos Def
Toadies
Flogging Molly
The B-52s
Lily Allen
Arctic Monkeys
The Decemberists
Andrew Bird
Girl Talk
STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9)
Phoenix
The Airborne Toxic Event
The Raveonettes
Bell X1

http://www.aclfestival.com/default.aspx

FIGHTING…try to FIGHT not to go to the movies – if you must, rent it!

So don’t get me wrong Channing Tatum – he was the highlight of the movie. And yes (to my disappointment) Terrance Howard was unwatchable. Terrence Howard was trying to portray this tough smart hustler guy who was left behind while his friends all made it pretty big in the hustling game but with a funny accent. Was that just me? His voice – not sure what he was aiming for but it didn’t work well. SOME SPOILERS ---- He discovers Tatum early on in the movie and tells him he can make money fighting… and the rest is history. The only thing that really bothered me with Tatum’s character was the reason for his being in the city alone, no friends, no family. What was the drive behind him? We only literally found this out at the very end but at that point I didn’t even care. There was some small comedic relief through the movie especially in two characters, one of Howard’s errand boys, Ajax, played by Michael Rivera and Tatum’s love interests’ grandma – they made me laugh the most. And lastly, like all other great young films, everybody needs a rival from their past, and for Tatum’s character, this is Evan Hailey played by Brian J. White. You might remember him best from Stomp the Yard and The Family Stone.

Obviously, for those crazy fanatic fans of Channing Tatum, they flocked, I mean, made it to #3 this weekend at the box office – so that is pretty darn good for your first lead role movie. But I’m letting everyone know – if you really want to see it, rent it. This is a stepping stone for Mr. Tatum and it did pretty well, but don’t forget actors have to start from somewhere to get their foot in the door to attempt to get those roles that all actors dream of.

New Dashboard Confessional...Even Now (acoustic & original from NCIS)

Even Now (Demo Acoustic).mp3 - Dashboard Confessional

Friday, April 24, 2009

New single from the band 311, "Hey You"

311 is releasing a new album, Uplifter on June 2

Hey You - 311

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Lollapalooza 2009 Lineup Announced (Chicago-Aug 7, 8 & 9)

Check out the lineup for this years Lollapalooza at Grant park in Chicago... I SO want to go.. thought about flying and driving. anyway, i thought I would share...great great bands --- check it out!

www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/lollapalooza-2009-lineup-announced-1003964506.story

www.lollapalooza.com

Kings Of Leon just added some new dates.....

2009/4/20 - Canadian/US Dates Added
Wed 8/12 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
Thu 8/13 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledom
Sat 8/15 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
Mon 8/17 Portland, OR Rose Garden
Sat 9/12 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
Mon 9/14 Uniondale, NY Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

I was upset that I missed them when they performed at Madison Square Garden, but i'm so happy they decided to do a few more last minute!! they go on sale this Saturday, April 25 at 12:00pm.
I'm SO there for the East Coast shows!!!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

New Band Information..check them out!

Tinted Windows, a new band formed with Taylor Hanson (from Hanson) on vocals, guitarist James Iha (an original member of the Smashing Pumpkins), bassist Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) and Ivy. Bun E. Carlos (legendary Cheap Trick) on drums.

Heard two of their songs and just thought I'd share - they will be David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon next week. They are also performing at the Mercury Lounge to a sold out show.

www.tintedwindowsmusic.com

~ ~ ~

The Dead Weather was formed in Nashville, TN in 2009. Vocalist Alison Mosshart (of The Kills), guitarist Dean Fertita (of Queens of the Stone Age), bassist Jack Lawrence (of The Raconteurs) and drummer Jack White (of White Stripes & The Raconteurs). The band is due to release their debut album Horehound on June 9, 2009. Their first single is Hang you from the Heavens. Mosshart's voice is perfect for this single - it just works really well and makes the song kick ass. They just played two nights ago at a sold out show at the The Bowery Ballroom in NYC which I’ve only heard/read great things of their performance.

www.thedeadweather.com

New Stuff - April/May 09

Fast & Furious.... go watch it!

Go see this movie! It was fun and the cars are definitely cool especially the cars Vin Diesel gets to drive; he drives the bad ass cars and Paul Walker drives more of the normal street cars but with more additions. It was cool to see this movie with the original cast (Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez)! I barely remember the other two sequels that came after the original and before this one - this feels more like the real sequel except. It was definitely more about getting the bad guy's vs the original film, about what's cool now let's get the bad guy but don't forget to look at all the million hot cars. Just talking about me - makes me wanna go see the original (gotta look for it). But watching this brought memories of where i was when the original film, The Fast and the Furious came out.

It's a simple, fun and enjoyable movie. All the scenes with Diesel and Walker are pretty great - they have alot of back and forth chemistry without making it annoying - those two guys make it work so well!! Next time, you go to the movies - go check it out...it was definitely worth it!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

I Love You, Man - Movie Review...wait to rent it!

So I ended up watching this movie after the second option movie (adventureland- which I saw already) was showing really late but we should have waited and gone to see Adventureland...

Ok, it wasn't that bad but it wasn't as funny as I hoped it would be considering Paul Rudd and Jason Segel were co-leading this movie. I'll admit there were scenes that were funny and I did laugh. Jon Favreau was my favorite character I couldn't wait to see him and Jamie Pressly who was playing his wife - they should do a movie based on those two! Oh I almost forgot about the WTF scene with Rudd and Favreau over poker and beer!

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