Can’t wait to have Brand New Eyes!

09/24/09

One of my fave bands, Paramore, is releasing their third album, Brand New Eyes, on the 29th. Make sure you resurface from under that rock by then. Or not. Last I checked, pre-orders are on fire right now, so most probably, it’s sold out before the 29th even happens. Paramore, like Imogen, has generously given a preview of their new album on their website! Thus the pre-release review.

Brand New Eyes still has that signature Paramore sound, although with a much softer side. No, not ballad-y, just more melodic. I’m happy to say this one’s an upgrade from their previous album, Riot. It has more flow in it, same impact, a little less head-banging crazy. I’m already liking it, and I haven’t heard everything yet! There’s more restraint in this album. Good restraint, I may add, compared to the last one, although just as awesome. I’d like to say they have grown musically. But then again, who am I to say?

On to the faves. Turn it Off had me the moment I heard it. Brilliant breakup/pre-breakup song to sing your heart to. Looking Up is one of those real fun rock songs you can bop your head to or even dance silly to while singing along, just like Where The Lines Overlap. The Only Exception is a sweet sweet melancholic rock ballad that, I dunno, starts out sad, then makes you smile. Such a sweet track. Misguided Ghosts is different, in way you probably never heard Paramore before. There are more tracks in this album you simply must hear. It’s honestly difficult to pick faves, especially at this moment, but those are the tracks that did stand out to my taste.

If you’ve just discovered the band through a movie OST, Brand New Eyes shows you exactly why Paramore does deserve props, and why they rock. And here’s to me, wanting them to stay. <3

I rate this a stellar 

A Million Reviews in One Post

09/19/09

No, not a million, but quite a lot. Finally one lengthy entry to sum up everything I’ve finally managed to catch up on. Now let’s see…

Nurse Jackie Season1 Finale

About a month ago, Nurse Jackie had its season finale, and I am already missing it. Seriously. I miss Mo-mo, and O’Hara, and Coop. Quite a finale. Like I said, the premiere may not have started as strongly as I’d expected, but it did end brilliantly. I loved how the finale ended almost in full circle with Jackie in the same state she was in when the season began. I also loved it that everything is already out in the open between between Jackie and Eddie. Oh, what hot mess she’s in. Seriously. Husband and two kids, one of which, needs extra attention. An affair with the hospital pharmacist. And, one messy thing with Coop. Ah. I can’t wait for next season. I wonder what happens to that guy Zoey ‘broke’? Anyway, the show did get better and better every episode, just as predicted, and I’m happy to be right. Next season will be even better, I hope.

Ellipse

Also last month, Imogen Heap’s latest album Ellipse hit record bars (and internet stores, and iTunes, and everything in between). I’ve been so looking forward to this album’s release, following “Heap Tweets” and all. The wait was certainly worth it. To be honest, this is the first Imogen Heap album I’ve gotten, and now I’m in the process of finding her older albums, Frou Frou included. It’s quite difficult to pick favorites in this album because each track is just so exquisite. But that’s what uberfaves are for. Of course if you’ve been following Heap, you’d know that two tracks have been released before the album got out. That would be Canvas and First Train Home, which I loved. The album is indeed a must-listen. Speaking of uberfaves, that would be Half Life. It has this melancholic whimsical feel with a dash of Regina Spektor. I’m not sure if that made sense, but if it didn’t, I say it’s beautiful and almost fairy tale like. The lyrics are beautiful as well. Wait It out, strangely, reminds me of a Utada Hikaru song. I can’t recall the title, but its MTV had like a dark circus in it, and twins (plus their separate worlds) divided by clear glass. Anyway, Wait It Out is sad, melancholic, yet beautiful all at the same time. Bad Body Double is also a fave off the album. It’s one of those songs straddling between pop and indie, although of course more indie than mainstream. I actually enjoy singing ang bopping my head to this. All in all Ellipse does more than tell a story in each track. Every song takes you on a ride that you’d love to get on and on and on. Heart this album lots, I give it this rating:

True Blood Season2 Finale

Probably not as rattling as the first season’s finale (in my opinion), although it is one jam-packed episode. I’m sad to see Eggs just last one season. I’ve been wanting to see Tara that happy since season one! The proposal’s timing was way bad. What is up with that? In the end it leaves us all with expectations for season three. The diff here, I think, is that unlike the first season where we had no idea who was at Andy’s car, or who would’ve done it, this season we kind of know who’d be behind Bill’s kidnapping. And please, I’ve already forgotten about the Fellowship of the Sun. So that leaves Eric, and company. So still looking forward to next season, although this one ended on a less “O-M-G!!!” note.

Gossip Girl Season3 Pilot

I am so happy these UESers are back! I’m still keeping my eyes on Jenny Humphrey’s style, as well as Serena’s. And Chuck and Blair are probably the most bizzare on-screen couple ever. Seriously? At some point this season, those games are going to take its toll on this couple. But I heart them together none the less. What I find awkward, really, is seeing the Baker Twins’ tutor, Megan, as the Archibald clan rival Buckley. It’s just weird. I’m half expecting her to go all geeky until I remind myself I’m thinking of the wrong show. Questions raised in this episode: What is up with V? I mean, yes, Dan’s all occupied, but close-minded much, V? How’s Scott going make a mess? When will Georgina come in? Hillary Duff? Who will play S’ dad? Will the whole Carter-Serena thing last? Will J have minions now that she’s queen? Ah, how I missed these characters.

The Vampire Diaries

Seriously. This world needs a new fad. Although I’m a fan of the vamps, this is getting way too exhausting. I’ve read Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, seen the movie and loved it, watched the Underworld series, plus a couple of good, bad, and so-so vamp flicks, and am a major fan of True Blood. And yes, I’ve read the Twilight series, and have seen the movie, and will see the ones coming. But this, has seriously got to end. Fangs are beginning to get way to pedestrian. So why on earth did I even bother seeing this one? Well, people talk about it…a lot. It has two familiar faces, Ian Somerhalder (who played Boone, in JJ’s LOST), and Paul Wesley (who played a nephlim in the TV series Fallen). Boone looked hot on LOST, so why not give this one a look-see. And like I said, girl’s a fan of the fangs. Pre-viewing the pilot episode, I’ve been getting a lot of word about it being Twilight-y. Wasn’t exactly impressed with the movie, so that definitely raised some flags. I watched it anyway, and I guess I’ll add my name to that. Twilight much? The series, apparently, was based (yet again) on another series of books. Clearly, people are getting tired of making something original these days. And Twilight indeed does have similarities to the Vampire Diaries. This doesn’t surprise me. Calm down twi-hards, but I’ve seen this before. When I read the Sookie stackhouse series. Obviously Meyer’s had a lot of resource material for her precious saga. But then again, it could’ve all been subconscious. After all, the series was intended for personal reading, and not the general public.

So back to the pilot. The beginning, although ‘necessary’, was rather cheesy. The next few minutes won me over. I think that attack was really awesome. And then the diary writing begins. Then, Edward Cullen walks in! Seriously, the jacket, the hair, the sunglasses? What is up with that?! I, however enjoyed the classic qualities vamps have in this episode. At last! The glamour, the house entering rule, ah, how sweet it is to be back to the familiar! So what makes them walk under the sun (minus the sparkly skin…thank goodness) is this magic ring of theirs. I wonder what’s in it? The Edward-like stalking, is just too much. Do vampires really have to stalk their object of affection? I thought stalking only happens between predator and prey? I love the shifting too. Very un-True Blood, yet classier and more updated that what I was used to seeing in Buffy and Angel. Lines aren’t bad, the high school stereotypes were there, but I guess that woulld be true to its resource material. I watched and re-watched it, because I think judgements have to be well-thought of, and not just base it on whatever pre-judgements (or lack of) floating around. I’d say there’s potential in it, although I’m not entirely sure if it’ll be hook-line-and-sinker. I guess I’ll give that a few more episodes before either letting it go entirely, or keep myself glued. One thing I greatly enjoyed though, the episode’s soundtrack. If there’d be anything I’d go raving about, it’ll be the soundtrack. I currently rate this:

Inkheart

A movie I saw just recently. I’ve seen it featured on a German TV show. So anyway, Inkheart is basically an adventure-fantasy movie based on a novel by Cornelia Flunke. Didyou know that actor Brendan Fraser was her inspiration for the lead character Mo? No? Well it’s really cool that he does bring Mo to life in this movie. Another familiar face in this movie is Andy Serkis, whose most memorable role was the creature Gollum, in The Lord of the Rings. Inkheart hit theatres back in January 2009. If like me, you missed it, fret not, the DVD is already available. I’ve enjoyed this movie lots, and actually saw it twice. It’s just such a magical story, and absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine how awesome the book would be. Inkheart tells the story of Mo, and his daughter Meggie,constantly on the move, in search ofa book, and Meggie’s mother, Resa. Mo, also called Silvertongue, has the ability to read characters (and more) out of books. However, when one character goes out, someone comes in. Thes their search for a the book in order to read Resa back out. Such a beautiful fun story, and such a heartwarming ending. You have to see it on the long weekend.

I rate this:

I’ve still got lots to catch up on, I missed Friday’s Privileged, and Glee’s premiere, as well as The Beautiful Life. I’ve alsogot books to read, and am so behind my Japanese lessons. Plus, still lots to do on the side business. But hey, lots to do means lots to accomlish. And that, is better than nothing.

Music for a Rainy Wednesday

09/9/09

The rainy days are perfect for staying indoors, sleeping in, and hot chocolate. It’s also a good time to listen to some feel good music. Speaking of music, in case you haven’t heard, Paramore just released their new single Bric By Boring Brick. You can hit that to hear the new single. I’ve also recently acquired Lifehouse’s 2007 album, Who We Are. I’ve been dying to have Broken (off the ATW OST) on my player. I might write about it in a bit. But for now, here’s my eargasm of choice on this rainy day.

I’ve bliped one of her songs recently. I think of her as the female Jack Johnson. I dunno. I guess it has a lot to do with her having the same background, being a beach buddy and all. Tristan Prettyman as three albums, the most recent one released way back in April 2008. To listen to her music for free, click here.

My faves are Love Love Love, Madly, and The Story. Why not have a listen and let me know what your faves are, eh?

Movie buff adventure. The overdue Up review, plus A Time Traveler’s Wife

09/1/09

Well, someone’s been blog-less for a while, eh? I now assume that insanity is the new normal, and that hectic scheds are the new norm. What used to be a normal pace, is now considered a slow day. And what used to be a slow day is now officially a myth. Huh. But despite the craziness that is my life, I managed to see a movie a week. This week might be for District9. But then again, a girl can’t be too sure. So what was it I watched lately? Why, Up and A Time Traveler’s Wife!

Long overdue in Philippine theatres is Pixar’s Up. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Up tells a story of Cark Fredricksen and his overdue adventure to paradise falls, plus uber annoying but cute stow away Wilderness Explorer, Russel. Then insert exotic bird, Kevin, and adorable talking doggie Doug. Then add back stories, a bit of action, and lots of humor. Wow, it sounds so simple when put that way!

I absolutely loved Up. The reviews for this movie were fantastic, and now I know why. It was touching and heartwarming, and actually tear-jerking. But it wasn’t so much that it was disgustingly cheesy. It was hilarious, but not stupid-funny. It was sharp, sweet, and witty. I won’t even go on about this film. We all know Up was amazing! Possibly the best moivie off Pixar to date. What do you think? Wall-e was my uberfave, along with Nemo, but this movie just shone like one helluva shiny disco ball. For best results, watch in 3D. And don’t forget to grab a DVD once it hits stores. Totally worth it.

As you would predict, I rate it 

———————————————————————–

The Time Traveler’s Wife was a movie I’ve been waiting for, for FOREVER! I’ve read the book holiday last year, and it made me tear up so much, even I can’t believe it. The book was absolutely beautiful, touching, and tragic. It takes you on this extraordinay love story that will totally make you admire the heroine that is Clare Abshire. What I loved about the novel was that despite the fictional/fantasy setting, the humanity of the characters were just so real that you might actually believe that there is such a thing as Chrono Displacement Disorder. Despite the less than stellar reviews, I just had to see the movie myself.

From a reader’s perspective, I say the movie does not disappoint…that much. What I mean is that readers are often very nit picky with details, looking for this and that. In short, those who fell in love with the novel won’t be too eas to please. With that said, I wasn’t jumping up and down all gleeful as I exit the theatre. But I wasn’t THAT disappointed that I’d be too pissed. I have to agree with Ben Lyons that something was lost with the book’s trasition to the big screen that’s a bit hard to place. There were important details cleverly inserted on the film, plus, it wasn’t a very literal translation either. The film’s order of events are slightly modified, when compared to the book. Meaning, the order of events in Audrey Niffenger’s novel is not exactly the same as the movie. In fact, the movie does not begin in the meadow, it begins when Henry first discovers he can time travel. The movie had its moments, and it did touch the audience. However something was missing. Thus the absence of tears from movie goers. In the end, I say it was a satisfactory translation, although of course, it could be better.
I rate it: