Our First Video Review

Your Chance to Win Usher Tickets!

Hey Guys,
As seen on our review show we are giving away 2 Usher tickets for March 2011!
All you have to do is leave a comment, and in 25 words or less tell us why you should win the tickets.
A post to the review will be made this coming Monday when the competition opens.
The competition will close on November 29th so get commenting!



*Not a real competition

2002- Bowling for Columbine skyrockets Moore's success.

Bowling for Columbine was a confronting investigation into the use of guns in America and there implications in the massacre at the Columbine High School. Moore seeks to find out why the Columbine massacre occurred and why the United States has a high violent crime rate. Moore interviews a range of people including comedian Matt Stone, head of the NRA Charlton Heston, music artist Maralyn Manson and a range of citizens with opinions on the gun laws and restrictions in America. The film has been highly criticized for misrepresenting information, but to say it is confronting, thought provoking and shocking in the evidence it does present would be close to an understatement. 

Image Source: www.michaelmoore.com

From the opening scenes when he gets a free gun by opening a new bank account - Moore uses archived clips, mixed with interviews of people associated with the Oklahoma City bombings to persuade us to accept his arguments. 

Various clips are introduced throughout the film depicting violence in the United States and the fear that citizens live with in this society. There is implication that fear is hyped by the media and controlled by the government to keep the level of fear amongst the populace. 

He also includes a segment comparing the contrast of violence between the U.S. and Canada which has a fairly high percentage of private gun ownership, but very low gun violence.

Why is this? The answer that Moore leads us to is that the reason the United States has so many violent deaths due to guns is not the AMOUNT of guns but due to the exploitation of violence through the media and the governments position to keep Americans on the edge of fear.

The film is very successful at bringing out a reaction from the audience, wether it be disgust at George W. Bush, a new found respect for Maralyn Manson, or a loss of all respect for Moore. 

Find out your reaction by watching the trailer at: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUSpszWfu_w&feature=related

Alex

xx

2010- "Easy A" gets an easy A.

Easy A begins as any stereotypical teen flick with a pan across the school yard, we go on a hunt for our protagonist as her voiceover gives us a background to her invisibility. As we bump, quite literally, into Olive Penderghast. Olive launches quite unintentionally into a graphic description of how she lost her virginity to a college boy in the hope of dodging an invitation to a camping trip with her best friends parents, a couple of modern nudists whose idea of a nice dinner is quite questionable. Olives description of her exploits get overheard by the schools resident christian Marianne who spreads the rumor like wild fire. Olive gets thrown into a web of lies as she uses her new reputation to help out a friend in need. Word gets out of Olive's kind nature and before she knows it she is helping a whole host of guys as she lets people say they "did things." It only takes for olives entire life to fall apart before she realises that maybe telling the truth is a better way to lead her life. 

Image source: www.starpulse.com

The film is really successful in the box office, I've personally seen it twice and i plan to see it again. Obviously im a fantastic example of box office takings but for the more number hungry folk on the 4th of October the film had taken $42,176,967 at the box office in the USA. The film has really capitalised on the increase in internet and mobile telephone use in teenagers across the world. The entire film is based around an video blog post as Olive tries to clear her name in a way she know will reach the most people. Possibly commenting on the new communication methods of the 21st century that are targeting teens. The use of new technology familiar to the "digital natives" of the Y and I generations allows the audience to commect to the character in a way that has become so familiar to them, digitally. Urging forward the success of the film. 

Image source: bitchinfilmreviews.com

'Easy A' has become recognised for its different and when done well, very successful style. The way in which Olive speaks directly to the camera at some points creates the film in a more documentary film style sense and allows Olive to speak directly to the audience, including them in the plotline, and at points, inviting them to comment and form opinions on what is happening. Key to this style of film is the comedy factor which primarily contributes to its success and is overall done very well. Olive's great sense of humour paired with the dynamic script makes this film stand out from all other teen flicks.

Image source:www.cbc.ca

Further contribution to the film's success is Olive as a character herself. Played by Emma Stone, Olive has previously been a bit of a loner, unknown, and as she puts it, 'anonymous'. This is all until the rumours are spread and Olive is transformed into a sexy, very well known, popular with the boys, teen. I believe much of the film's success can be put down to Stone herself and the character she plays, she is very bright and unique. Easily relatable yet distincitive, her transformations are textbook reactions to how high school works. When things eventually blow up for her she handles herself in a way which is beyond her characters years. Portraying strong, passionate qualities, she's a great role model for why you should tell the truth, and simply be yourself.

'Easy A' is in cinemas at the moment and is rated PG.

Reviews:

• it’s easy to love "Easy A," a funny and sweet updating of the high-school comedy genre

• As the title implies, 'Easy A' is a movie made by some smart people.

• This isn't just the sharpest high-school comedy in years, it's also the funniest movie of any kind in 2010 so far.

For more reviews visit Rotten Tomatoes.

Liz and Alex

xx

Don't Stop Believin' in Your Inner Gleek!

Originally a hit for Journey in 1981, “Don't Stop Believin' was covered by the Glee cast in 2009. Since then, they have infiltrated pop culture and continues to climb up the music ladder to success. According to sales source, Nielsen Soundscan, the Glee cast has sold an incredible 2.8 million albums and 11.5 million downloads. The Glee cast had already scored 25 hits in the top 100!
(Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/oct/07/glee-beats-beatles-chart-record )

Glee's version of “Don't Stop Believin'” can be described as bright, bouncy, cheerful and uplifting. The “da-da-da” backing vocals, awesome guitar solo and powerful vocals from Lea Michele (who plays Rachel) has the power to make you smile from ear to ear. It can be seen quite cheesy to outsiders but to Gleeks (Glee lovers), this is the song that makes one want to go that extra mile and punch the air in triumph! "Don't Stop Believin" is featured in two albums: 

Glee: Volume 1

(Image Source: http://www.socypath.com/2010/02/glee-tv-series-sound-track-list-music-of-glee-tv-series-album-list/)

 AND  Glee: Journey to Regionals

(Image Source: http://teamyeheyblog.yehey.com/?tag=journey-to-regionals)

This shows how fundamental the song is to the Glee series. If you haven't watched Glee yet, Why don't you give it ago?

So if you're looking for a song that will give you an extra lift in getting through the day, I (as well as many Gleeks) highly recommend this song! You can watch it here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9d28q_glee-dont-stop-believe_shortfilms

~Yolanda

2001 produced one of the best family movies of all time, Monsters Inc.

Monsters Inc. was the fourth feature length film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and was so well received a sequel is scheduled for release in 2012.

Image: www.impawards.com

John Goodman and Billy Crystal voice the characters of Mike and Sulley, two monsters working to collect screams for children in order to power their city. In this world, access to our world is gained through children's closet doors, creating a portal for transport.
The story surrounds Sulley, who works late one night to see a child's closet door has been left behind on their 'scare floor'. He enters to check if another monster was 'scaring' in their and turns around to find that he has accidently brought a human child into their world.
Mike and Sulley spend the film disguising the little girl, 'Boo' as they name her, as a monster and ultimately try to find her door so she can get home.


The animation is superb and the use of bright colours and flawless effects makes the film very engaging and entertaining to watch. Whilst this is ultimately a kids movie i think it's enjoyable for everyone, give it a go one night this week.


    x x Liz

2003- Rocking it out With Jack Black in "The School Of Rock"

Math is a wonderful thing
Math is a really cool thing
So get off your ath, lets do some math
Math, Math, Math, Math, Math

With a teacher like Jack Black who wouldn’t want to do math! Blacks hilarious performance as Dewy Finn bought classic rock back into the lives of many young people such as myself. The 2003 film grossed $131,282,949 internationally at the box office making it a major success across the globe. This is completely unsurprising as the film is an upbeat protest against the “Man” that gets everyone bopping along in their seats.

Dewy Finn is a washed up rock star fired from his band for his uncontrollable antics on stage including partial nudity, stage dives gone wrong and his elaborate and extended guitar solos. After almost being kicked out of his apartment Finn lands a job at snooty prep school Horace Green by stealing his flat mate’s identity. The kids, although at first resistant to his hopeless charm and abrupt demeanor, grow to love Mr S’s classes as he teaches them the practical and theoretical elements of rock and its history as they strive towards a school assignment of entering “Battle of the Bands.”


Black is found out after a string of events that lead his room mate to telling his ever disapproving fiancé of Finn’s identity theft but the Kids get him off his ass to compete in the Battle that is eventually won by his old band, but “The School of Rock” receive an encore to give ACDC a run for their money. Winning in spirit the kids and Black form an after school program specializing in rock education that rocks out through the credits leaving the audience in awe of the young performers ability.


Black was nominated for a Golden Globe but was pipped at the post by Bill Murray for Lost in Translation. Personally I think Black gave a much better performance, especially given his rocking out on stage in Angus Young-esque attire. Having said this, the real stars of the show were the kids in the film. The cast of very young musicians are amazing in there talent, particularly Tomika, played by Maryam Hassan, who has the most amazing voice and Zach, Joey Gaydos, who is an amazing classical and rock guitarist.

In The words of The School Of Rock

Baby we was makin' straight A's
but we was stuck in a dumb days
Don't take much to memorize your lies,
feels like i've been hypnotised,


and if you wanna be a teachers pet.
well baby you just better forget it,
rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme,
You betta get me to school on time,
Oh yeah!


now can i please have the attention of the class,
todays ass-ignment...ah hemm...
KICK SOME ASS!

Images sourced from:
new.taringa.net
photo.yeah1.com


Lyrics sourced from:
www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/school_of_rock/

Usher made us say "Yeah!" in 2004

Before Usher had us singing “Oh my gosh!”, one mention of a single word: “Yeah!” would instantly create the beginning of what would be the song that we just could not get out of our heads in 2004, whether it be for good or bad reasons. Accompanied by the vocals of Lil Jon and a rap by Ludacris, “Yeah!” was the lead single in Usher's album “Confessions”(2004). The track was placed number one on the U.S Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks - the longest running in 2004. To top it off, it stayed in the top 10 for 24 weeks! * (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeah!_%28Usher_song%29)

The song has been claimed by critics to have a catchy R&B and crunk beat that would be an easy dance floor pleaser. However, I find that to my personal liking it has a constant beat and rhythm. There is no excitement in the dynamics of sound apart from Lil Jon's occasional “Yeah!” which can be interpreted as too repetitive or just overwhelming.

I think “Yeah!” is a good song to listen to occasionally. Usher has grown significantly since the release of this song. 

 (Image Source: http://everydaymusic.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/)

Can't remember the song? Why don't you listen to it here: "Yeah!" by Usher feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris (Youtube Video)


Got a different opinion? Let us know! We would love to hear it! :)


~ Yolanda 

2000- American Beauty

Sam Mendes’s 1999 film American Beauty is probably the only film I have seen in my life that I could actually say was life changing.

The film focuses on a man, Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, having what would typically be referred to as a mid life crisis as he decides his life is a fabrication, each individual element being specially constructed by his wife to keep up the appearance of the perfect suburban family. As a result he develops an infatuation with his daughter’s friend Angela, played by Mena Suvari, quits his job, starts smoking marijuana and gets a job flipping burgers at “Mr Smiley’s.”

Image source: scriptshadow.blogspot.com

Although the film was made in 1999 it won its wealth of awards in 2000 so that’s why I’ve included it in this yea. The film won Peoples Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival, and was nominated for 8 academy awards as well as being given “Top Honours” from industry organizations. The film is visually splendid in its cinematography and brutally honest in its portrayal of suburban life. The Soundtrack is amazing and the imagery of the rose petal ties a string of amazing metaphors together resulting in a fantastic film that is one for the ages.

American Beauty was so personally inspiring because in the process of his life spiraling out of control Lester develops an approach to his life that is so incredibly refreshing. His voice over from beyond the grave says at the end of the film:

 “Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst and then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life..."

This is a sentiment I try to live my live by.
Relax, enjoy life and most importantly… this weekend watch American Beauty.


See the Trailer Here

Alex

xoxo

Number one of 2007: Beyonce's Irreplaceable

"Irreplaceable" is a song by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles. The song was written by Knowles, Ne-Yo, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Espen Lind, Amund Bjørklund, and produced by Stargate and Knowles. The song was written for her second solo album  B'Day , which was realeased in 2006. Originally not created for Knowles, she re-arranged the demo presented by the producers from country tune to a pop-contemporary R&B song, which made it so popular.

http://spirit-melody4life.blogspot.com/2008/01/beyonc-irreplaceable.html

So what made this song so popular? What made girls sing it with so much force and power on there way to work in the car, or in their rooms? The lyrics refer to breaking up with an unfaithful man, part of Knowles and Ne-Yo's vision of creating a record that people could relate to, and was considered an anthem to female empowerment. This sense of empowerment captured the female audience and resulted in the high ratings of this song, which eventually lead to its number one rating.

So what else captured such an audience to the song? It most certainly can be said the catchy tune of the song. The tune "to the left, to the left," was stuck in the majority of peoples head, with this opening line making them mesmirized to the whole song. Along with this catchy line, the up beat pop melody of the song was a very important factor that drew people so strongly to this song.

"Irreplaceable" was a worldwide commercial and critical success, becoming Knowles' second best-selling single in her solo career after "Crazy in Love" and B'Day's most successful release. The single performed well on the US Billboard Hot 100, remaining at the top spot for ten consecutive weeks. Certified multi-platinum, "Irreplaceable" is the US' best-selling single in 2007 and the 25th most successful song of the 2000s!!\

Monica :)

Twilight: the beginning of the much anticipated tetralogy

The release of 'Twilight' in 2008 set the film world up as US$392 million richer as tweens, teens, adults, mothers, males and mostly females rushed into the cinema on November 21 to witness the modern day love story that is the creation of Stephenie Meyer.

The plot follows Bella as an awkward teenager who moves to the small town of Forks to live with her father. She is soon drawn to the strange Edward who she soon discovers to be a vampire. Their relationship develops and shocks many as they fall in love. Edward's very protective nature towards Bella leads to her becoming a target for another vampire coven whom are not as friendly as Edwards family. The plot quickly twists to focus on Bella escaping the sadistic James and ultimately being protected and rescued by the Cullens.


Whilst 'Twilight' is based on the Stephenie Meyer novel it does not reflect the story perfectly. The pairing of Robert Pattinson as Edward and Kristen Stewart as Bella is satisfactory and their chemistry together really only grows towards the conclusion of the film (in setting up for 'New Moon', 'Eclipse' and 'Breaking Dawn'). Much of the films success can be put down to the primary success of the novel and the introduction of the entirely new vampire genre which has started a frenzy of spin-off TV shows, novels and other films.


The style of the film is very fitting. Forks, as a rainy and drab place is tinged with a slight blue to enhance this. Rain and snow are a common occurrence in nearly every scene which creates the film overall in a very 'cold' sense. It is however warmed by Bella and Edward's relationship and their obvious feelings towards each other.
The soundtrack also added another dimension to the film as the production opted for more alternative music. Robert Pattinson contributed two songs to the film, 'Never Think' and 'Let Me Sign' which can be viewed as good indicators as to the musical style that was encouraged.


The film came together really well but i would encourage interpretation isolated from the novel as they are two completely different things. 'Twilight' is rated M and should be viewed by any who are intrigued by this prominent new genre.


'Twilight' Trailer 2008


x x Liz

Top song of 2005; "Since U been gone."

2005 was filled with music that people could play over and over again OR music that was most people's WORST nightmare OR music that made a person want to punch someone whilst listening it it! 2005 was filled with music from all three areas, however this post wll focus on the BEST HIT of 2005. So what made a particualr song so good ? It is the lyrics? The instruments? Or is it the singer itself?

http://www.sleurink.nl/album/870/lyrics/kelly-clarkson/breakaway-songteksten.html

The BEST song of 2005 was most certainly Kelly Clarkson's "Since U been gone" from her hit album "Breakaway." The song was overplayed on the radio millions and millions of times, with fans learning the catchy lyrics word for word! 2005 was the year that Kelly Clarkson outgrew American Idol and became a major pop star in her own independence. "Since U been gone" reached number two in the U.S. and the top five across the world and also earned Clarkson her first Grammy Award for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance."


So what made the lyrical composition so great that each individual soon had the tune and lyrics stuck in their head? The lyrics are concerned with the relief that Clarkson is feeling after her breakup and how she is feeling a sense of "freedom" and a "new beginning." The lyrics became so successful due to that fact that many teenagers and even adults can listen to it after a breakup as a sense of motivation to move on with their life. The tune is catchy with a playful beat that makes girls want to jump around and forgot the boy that broke their heart and nearly destroyed the person they were! Clarkson's image was simple with a high class of personality which made her singing of this song come from the heart, full of attitude and revenge. It is this built persona that made the song so successul, and made a wide range of audiences worship her!


"Since U Been Gone" is one of the most brilliant slices of pop-rock in this decade so far and became the most successful release from Clarkson's album "Breakaway."
Want to listen..CLICK HERE
Want to watch...CLICK HERE


Monica :)

A look at one of 2006's most positively received films, 'Little Miss Sunshine'

'Little Miss Sunshine' brings to light a not so typical family.


The film focusses on Sheryl, the mother who desperately tries to provide the best for everyone, her husband, Richard who is trying to make it as a motivational speaker, Sheryl's brother Frank who must move in with the family after his recent suicide attempt. There is Edwin, Richard's father who has been evicted from his retirement village after recently selling heroin there, Dwayne who has undertaken a vow of silence until he becomes a test pilot and lastly there is Olive, of whom much of the story surrounds as she and her family endeavors to make it to the Little Miss Sunshine Pageant on time.


The story is engaging and unique as we come to know this family and their dysfunction. We grow to connect with the characters, their features and their struggles throughout the film.


Toni Collette is fabulous (as always!) as Sheryl who really holds the family together and Paul Dano deserves a special mention as Dwayne, some of his scenes are the most powerful and most hilarious of the 99 minutes.


The style of the film is also quite unique. It lacks that Hollywood polish over the top that has become all too common. It feels real, their less than indulgent home in New Mexico, their furniture and their clothes all contribute to how these people look similar to the people who live down our street. We relate to them much easier through this realness and it really sets the tone of the whole film really well.


What should be realized first and foremost is that this film is a drama-comedy and should be viewed through these filters. I wouldn't suggest it appropriate for anyone under the age of 15. Yet, i would suggest it to everyone else, a brilliant comedy about life and family and all that each entails.


Little Miss Sunshine Trailer 2006


x x Liz.

AWESOME MUSIC at Macquarie University's Conception Day!

Macquarie University’s Conception Day is GOING TO BE HUGE  and we’re sure all of you are eager to party hard and party good after a semester of uni! Conception Day is going to ROCK with the awesome bands that will bring this event to life! There are so many bands playing today, however the highlights of the day are most certainly going to be Butterfly Effect, Passengers, Gyroscope and Tame Impala. Macquarie University students and visitors are going to be amazed with the superiority within each group of performers, and most certainly will be dancing all day long!

THIS IS A NOT TO BE MISSED EVENT!

Monica’s review on Gyroscope and Tame Impala

So they say they save the best till last and in this case its true…Gyroscope will be the second last band performing on the “Gotalk Prepaid Mobile Stage” from 5.50 - 6.40pm!! So some of you are probably wondering who Gyroscope is…or should I see them over one of the other bands, artists or DJ’s! Well I assure you Gyroscope is going to go off tomorrow…well most of the time!


GYROSCOPE
Gyroscope is an Australian rock band from Perth, Western Australia.Over Gyroscope’s thirteen year career they have produced four studio albums, with their most recent being “Cohesion.” Gyroscope’s second album “Breed Obsession” which was released in 2008 was one of their most successful albums, and in fact peaked at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart. Although, in comparison to Gyroscope’s other albums, its new album seems to be a downfall, with the lead singer sounding like he being “strangled,” which isn’t really pleasant music to the ear. The album seems to be going in the wrong direction with an extremely disappointing follow up. However, Gyroscope will most certainly be changing this “negative mood” with songs such as “Are you involved?” and “Fast girl/Beware of wolf,” which is sure to get all of you excited and filled with enthusiasm! The tune to these songs is catchy, and can be played over and over again! So all those who were hesitant to see Gyroscope...I assure you the some-like “strangling” noise at the start will be compensated by the catch tunes they will perform after!!


TAME IMPALA
So followed by a completely mind blasting performance from Gyroscope will be Tame Impala, who will be the last performer of the night…and will leave you asking for more! Tame Impala are a four piece psychedelic rock band from Perth, Western Australia. Tame Impala will keep you dancing with their great performance skills, with experience from a variety of levels such as Splendour in the Grass, Big Day Out and the Reading festival! Tame Impala's debut album, “Innerspeaker,” was released on 21 May 2010, and has been a great success so far! Tame Impala will most certainly perform there hit songs "Desire Be Desire Go" and "The Bold Arrow of Time,” which represent late-60s American psychedelic. The words and tunes are so catchy, that you can get truly lost with the music and transform into another world! Tame Impala is sure to end the night with a bang, keeping students already thinking about Conception Day 2011!!

             http://www.cme.mq.edu.au/cmeonline/file.php/1/Site_News/ConceptionDayLogo.jpg

Yolanda's review on The Butterfly Effect and Passenger

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT:

Rock on! (and Rock on you shall … at Macquarie University’s Conception Day!)

Expect to have high standards for The Butterfly Effect as their previous album “Imago” reached as high as 2 on the Aria charts and it was their second gold record after the success of their 2003 album “Begins Here” They have received local and international recognition for their “epic soundscapes and incendiary live shows.”
The band’s tour at the end of 2008 was a success as it was sold out! In 2009, they played for the Big Day Out tour with Neil Young, Bullet for My Valentine and The Ting Tings.
However their last album, “Final Conversation of Kings” has been described to be lacking something compared to “Imago” and “Begins Here”. In their previous albums, there was an existence of balance of power in the vocals, the rise and fall of notes and the different dynamics in sounds.
Before you be the judge, from my point of view, the songs from “Imago”; especially “Gone” allowed me to float into another world. As one blogger has said, “The vocal lines take me away and let me float while the guitars bring me straight back down with beautiful force.”

The Butterfly Effect will be performing on the Gotalk Prepaid Mobile Stage: 4:30-5:20pm. 

PASSENGER

Passenger’s previous album reviews were described as "Captivating" (Q Magazine), "Intensely Beautiful" (The Sun, a UK national daily) and "Style and Intelligence" (New Musical Express) it tends to attract your attention”.  This does provide an impressive image of the band! I haven’t heard any of their stuff but it has me interested! Straight from England’s South Coast Resort of Brighton, Passenger reflects on the journey of funding himself through busking in the new album, “Flight of the Crow”. Along the way, they have collaborated with Australian artists such as Josh Pyke, Katie Noonan, Matt Corby and Kate Miller Heidke. So if you like any of these artists’ sounds then perhaps Passenger will also make it to your Ipod! Passenger describes their music as it is meant to be, “unvarnished and honest”. Through powerful tunes and sincerity of lyrics they are meant to strike a chord with the heart. It truly portrays dedication to a "grass roots style of craftsmanship and collaboration…(and) evoking the humble, hardworking creativity of the troubadours of old”.
As uni students, we could probably relate to the hard work he is trying to express!
Passenger will be performing at the Macquarie University Village Stage – 2pm -3pm.

Got an opinion? Do you agree or disagree? You’re more than welcome to post up any thoughts or comments about how you think these bands performed at Conception Day or any other information about the other bands!
Enjoy Conception Day ALL!! Have fun, stay safe! ROCK ON! :)

Welcome!

Hello Everybody!


Our names are Yolanda and Monica :) nice to meet you!
We will be reviewing the hotttest music both underground and mainstream from the naughties!!
We would like to share our ideas and thoughts on various genres of music..and hopefully you will able to join us in sharing our passion!!


We are Alex and Liz and we will be reviewing our favourite movies from the last decade. As two students majoring in Screen Production we share a great interest in films and how films are put together. Ranging in genres and tastes we hope to bring you informative and entertaining posts on the many great films of the past 10 years, addressing both content and the overall production.


Brainstorm & Aims for our blog:

Hope you enjoy!


xx