Wednesday, April 27, 2011

FILM: Thor




I don’t know about you, but it’s only sitting through Thor that I realised MARVEL is Science and Mythology united. Actually, if we think about it, most superheroes are link to science by one way or another – with the exception of Batman and Superman who are inhumanly intelligent and the other one being an alien.

But sitting in that crowded cinema on cheapo-Tuesday made me think, “Oh my gosh – why am I only realising this now?!” Mind you, I’m not an acclaimed MARVEL Comic Book reader, but I do know my superheroes. I know of ‘Thor’, but I don’t know the story behind ‘Thor’, which is why I was glad my brother agreed to come see it with me. According to him the movie was accurate, I have faith in my brother, if you disagree tweet me or comment bellow. Regardless, I did like this film – but I’m not going to write about how well a comic book turned into a film, I’m writing from an every-day-person’s perspective.

The Story

Based on the comic book, Thor was the son of a legendary worrier named Odin (Anthony Hopkins). Odin was a man of victory and good value. He reigned the people of Asgard with justice and wisdom; all his actions were done with a purpose, hence the storyline of this film. Seeing his eldest son, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) undo a sacred packed between the waring worlds, Odin banishes his son to Earth, little does he know, his youngest son, Loki, has other things on his mind in regards to the kingdom.

The storyline stems from a mixture of mythical concepts, from the legend of Excalibur to the mythological realm of Olympus. I loved the marriage of science fiction and myth, along with contemporary technology and setting – seeing the old in the new. Seeing as Thor is being re-introduced to another generation, there has to be a consistent factor between those who grew up with the classical comic book figure and the expectation of a new hero on the big screen. Thor cannot not be fully ‘revamped’ like his fellow Avenger, Iron Man, because he is a mythical-like hero, not only in origin but also in style. Think of Thor as an ancient history class reading with a modern twist (like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson Series) ; add a little bit of King Arthur; and finally a dab of M.I.B. attitude and humour and you’ve got Thor.

Cinematography

Setting – New Mexico is a perfect place to set Thor. Wide open spaces and isolated towns – exactly what you need for an extraterrestrial sighting and changed in weather patterns. You have to admit, most superhero film have two locations: wide open spaces and institutions.

Graphics – I understand that much of this film in regards to the other planets other than Earth needs to be in green/blue screen considering they’re fictional places, so I have to say I was impressed by their screen adaptation of the comic illustrations. One thing I will say though is, towards the end, where there’s supposedly a ‘big fight scene’ – or a precursor to, not too sure actually – I was disappointed to have a de ja vu moment back to the Power Ranger days. When I saw the opposing battle stance between the ‘good guys’ and the robotic alien, I was waiting for the Power Rangers theme song to come on. Neverthe less everything else was fantastic!

Casting

Chris Hemsworth did Australia proud as he graced the big screen with a well held British accent. Who knew that Kim from Home and Away would embody one of the most beloved superheroes for this generation? But his acting was also sensational – I’m not being biased because I am an Aussie, but I’m just calling it as it is. He was not just able to hold a British accent, but he was also able to deliver the vanity and pompousness of early-in-the-movie Thor as well as the transformed and wiser Thor at the end of the film. Hemsworth was believable in his portrayal and I only hope he did the character justice for Thor fans out there.

Tom Hiddleston who played Loki was also fantastic in his counter character role. He plays the character so well that you’re not too sure how you’re supposed to read him at first. Kudos to the writers for bringing out a character that matched the heroic qualities with such super villainous traits, Loki is definitely almost in league with The Joker. Kudos also to Hiddleston, his acting supported Hemsworth’s well and at times Loki almost overshadowed Thor, which is great because I think it suited the essence of the film.

Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings were also amazing supporters in being the main source of comic relief. Playing off one another and Hemsworth allowed a sense of humanity in this supernaturalistic story. Granted, they were all super-geniuses, but they all had human qualities that kept this film ‘down to earth’.

No super hero would be complete without his band of helpers. Ray Stevenson, Tadanabu Asano, Josh Dallas and Jaimie Alexander were all fabulous in their roles as Thor’s fellow Asgardian worriers and friends. In their pursuit of saving their planet, the quadrant are contributors to a lot of the fighting sequences and storyline. This group were also great supporters to Hemsworth as they never overshadowed him but helped form a character profile of Thor.

Odin father of Thor, played by Anthony Hopkins was a brilliant character. Hopkins did an incredible job in bringing to life a character that is wise in advocating justice – even to his sons. He was a believable father figure and a great silent worrier. An applause for this man who made banishing your children to Earth by word look awesome within twenty minutes into the movie.

Costume

You cannot talk about a superhero movie without talking about costumes. Based on the fact that the people where Thor came from were supposedly worshipped by the Norwegians back in ancient times, there was no escaping the Viking-like attires. But there was room for modern additions like tones of gold and silver rather than rusty browns and worn-down greys. They retained red coat-like cape definitive of Thor to the classic comic illustrations, but his bold silver metallic bodice and scale-like cuffs, along with black manly boots brought out a definite modern twist to a classic.

This ‘old-in-the-new’ look was worn by all the Asgardian worriers, so obviously they’re going to standout on Earth – “We got Xena, Jackie Chan, Robin Hood…” was one of the lines in the film – no joke! But in all seriousness, the costumes were fantastic!

Overall thoughts...

I really did enjoy the film. It engaged me from beginning to end. Seeing as I did not know anything about Thor, I was really not anticipating most of what the storyline had, I wasn’t completely clueless, there was some things I could pin point, but I was nicely surprised by some things. The actions scenes were well crafted and kept you wanting more. The acting was top-notched and I was genuinely amazed at how well all the characters were portrayed so well.

This film calls for a sequel! Although, the credits are promising with, “Thor will return in The Avengers.” Until then, I’m looking forward to another MARVEL classic with Ryan Reynolds, “The Green Lantern”.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars
Next on sL: Diary of a Wimpy Kid TWO: Rodrick Rules

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: McFly - Above the Noise Tour [Live Streaming]


(Photograph by: Dean Sherwood)
Before I even begin to write about the amazing spectacle that I witnessed in the early morning of April 3, 2011, I think it’s fair I give you guys a brief background of the band that I so willing woke up at 4am for. In all fairness if you know me, I wake up at the apparently ridiculous hour of 5am on a usual day. But for my family members, they were surprised I was up and poised in front of my computer even before breakfast was on the table. Saturday mornings are slow in my household, none of us are really up until 10am and we have been accustomed to “brunch” rather than having a nice “three-square-meal” regime on Saturdays. But on this day I was adamant to treat it like any other day of the week – granted it was because I had an essay to do, so I suppose the live show I witnessed was an incentive to remind me that I had important uni-work to do. So before I talk about the show, I just want to give you guys a few points on the band I’m about to talk about, because I know not all of you know who they are.

McTrivia: 10 Things I Know About MCFLY...
  1. “McFly” are named after “Marty McFly” from Back to the Future.
  2. They’re a British band located in London, England.
  3. There are four members: Tom Fletcher – Vocals and guitar; Danny Jones – Vocals and guitar; Harry Judd – Drums and Dougie Poynter – Bass and Vocals.
  4. They’ve been a band for 7 years (going on 8) and their first single, 5 Colours In Her Hair, hit number one on the UK charts in April, 2004.
  5. They’ve produced five albums thus far: Room on the Third Floor, Wonderland, Motion in the Ocean, Radio: ACTIVE, Above the Noise - not to mention a Greatest Hits Album as well!
  6. They were in the film, “Just My Luck” starring as themselves and playing their own music.
  7. They have a world-wide fan base, but their loyal fans are mostly in the UK.
  8. They’re as much cause-orientated as they are fan-orientated, doing things for Comic Relief and BIRT.
  9. They recently collaborated with Taio Cruz in their 2010 album, Above The Noise – Taio features on their second single, Shine A Light.
  10. They recently launched a “supersite”, officially running for 7 months this April 10, which re-invents social networking and band-sites, taking fan-orientation to a whole new level.

Let's head to the show...

We all know what ‘LIVE’ Entertainment means in a general sense right? – A spectacle viewed by people that is happening in actual time. Before I start talking about the show, I just want to remind you guys about the U2 concert that took place on YouTube on October 25, 2009. Remember when they received news feeds all over the world about the 360 Degrees tour that was being broadcasted ‘live’ to any person who subscribed to their YouTube channel? Another online ‘live’ event was the 2009 Oscars, where the entire event was also on YouTube for everyone to see. Why am I reminding of all this? Well I want to just say that what Pioneers and other Citizens of Super City experienced on April 2nd/3rd, 2011 was not a ‘new’ phenomenon. So it’s no big deal what McFly have decided to do, but it it interesting to note that it was only available to paying citizens of their online site, Super City. So technically, we paid for our tickets before we even knew about the show – now that’s handy!

Before the show...

Obviously I’m going to have different “Before the Show” experience to those who were actually at Wembley Arena. For me it was waking up to the sound of an alarm and simply opening my laptop and having to sign on to Super City. So the pre-show ritual I had was: get up; log on to Twitter and Super City; make myself the first coffee of the day. Next was recap on what I had missed while I was asleep – Pioneer Interviews, Press Interviews and McFly Group Webcam. So, in terms of “liveness”, I had a pretty ordinary day in front of the computer, but in saying that – the actual waiting for the show to start at my computer replicates the same liminality that I have been ordered to ‘wait’ for the show to start. (Yes, I did listen in Reading Theatre and Performance back in semester two.)

The Show...

There are TWENTY songs on McFly’s set list – please tweet me if you know another band/artist that has played over 20 songs on their tour! This is a lengthy set list so I’ll try to condense it for you guys by grouping the songs as the show progressed – complete with transitions and conversations. Alright, let’s get into it…

Party Girl – It’s great to see that the boys kicked off the show with their first single of their current album. Starting the show with an incredibly upbeat song got me going at 5am! I had to make sure no one else in the household would be disturbed as I tried to whisper rather than belt the song from the top of my lungs! This was difficult considering I had my headphones on and I seriously wanted to put my volume up to full so that I could create some kind of similarity to what I was seeing on my screen! (But it’s not the same if you can control the volume is it?)

Nowhere Left To Run – The great thing that I really loved above this show are the transitions from song to song. Instead of finishing Party Girl they went straight into Nowhere Left To Run. When thinking of the set list you have to wonder why this song would come second, right? For those of you who haven’t been the McLoop, McFly, as well as releasing a new album in 2010, also released a mini-film titled Nowhere Left To Run. See how this set list is working in terms of different levels of entertainment? Not only are McFly playing and awesome song – but they’re also using their world wide streaming to (unintentionally) remind fans about their film released in 2010.

iF U C Kate – One of my favourite songs on the ATN album, so much so - I wish I was part of the screaming fans! Instead I was dancing around my room and singing along to Danny Jones. This song had and EPIC guitar solo and it ended with vocals just resounding with, “Tell her that I’m looking for her!” allowing the silence to let the lights and the keys herald the introduction to…

That’s The Truth – LOVE!!!! This song! Another song I was singing at the top of my lungs to (by that time, my house was awake and all doing their own things – dad came in and told me to be quiet, not that I listened!). I thought the stage design was a little plain until lights highlighted that frame work of the interior of Wembley Arena. Zigzag patterns set the mood for this beautiful ballad as the intro played and the crowd raised their voices in excitement to hear the third single from the album blast through the speakers. With yet another mind blowing combo of drums and guitar in the middle of the song – it was clear that the show had only begun.

***

Tom and Dougie break up the night by addressing the live audience before them by reminding them that they are also part of the show as it is being streamed all around the world. In this case, those of us viewing the show via our iPads, iTouches, iPhones and computers are not only watching McFly, we’re also watching our fellow McFans.

Transylvania – Being on stage gives you a certain kind of power – Dougie wanted to show all the fans his "power" by asking the lighting man to dim the lights as his formal notification into the next half of the show. Heralding his masterpiece, as the lights are still dimmed, Dougie plays Transylvania, and soon enough the rest of the boys join in – with a little drum solo for Mr. Judd.

Lies – The show isn’t complete without a bass solo, which is where Dougie’s reign continues as the transition to Tranny turns into another favourite, Lies. This head-banger of a song brought on an overpowering bass solo that led the song into a dynamic finish of transitioning into…

Corrupted – going straight into Corrupted only makes sense energy and (almost) lyrically wise. But what I found really great about this song is how it ends – dead silence from those on stage and loud cries from those in the audience realm.

Falling In Love – I don’t know who decided to start using the “Love Sign” (aka. the make a heart with your two hands and lift them up) during their concerts – but I swear Taylor Swift copied it of Tom! I remember doing the Love Sign back in 2009 at The Metro Theatre. But you have to admit, this song needs it right? Especially if it transitions into…

Obviously – and Danny asks you to smile, “I hope we got a smile all around the world just then.” Yes Danny, I believe you did. Although, I seriously thought the next song was going to be Smile, instead of Obviously, nevertheless I was glad to hear one of their classics blasting through my speakers. Considering…

I Need A Woman – was next on the list. I was so happy when the intro started playing for this song! Extended as the introduction was in order to fulfil a successful then-and-now transition, I think so many McFans would want any of the boys to sing this song to them. Tom and Danny just have amazing control over their voices that make us girls melt when they sing! The McFlyDARES girls were on my screen with a sign that read, “Tom moan for us please.” (or something along those lines) and he did! If you have not heard Mr. Fletcher moan, listen to this song!

***

Another mini-break, the boys introduce their piano/keys man and their backup singers. Introductions done they go straight into their next segment with…

End Of The World – My computer began buffer picture-wise, but the sound was still top notch. The one remarkable thing I want to mention is Danny’s “creeping-Springsteen” – where he bends with his guitars and creeps across the stage moving his shoulders – signature dance move right there!

***

Since we didn’t see the opening bands, McFly had other plans when it came to guests. This next section has a very special person join them on stage, Dougie puts it like this, “We must thank the Lord for giving us Bob Fletcher, because he gave us Tom Fletcher!” Let’s say Dougie had a religious experience because he was wearing his, “Holey Jeans.”

Smile – and who wouldn’t when Bob Fletcher joined his son Tom on the stage to sing one of McFly’s most loved songs. And Smile they all did – along with McFans in the arena and the world. It was one of the most memorable moments that you are proud to be part of – I know I was!

Star Girl – with all the hype from what the fans just witnessed, the extendable stage was an added bonus to the fans as Start Girl herald more than a sing along – it meant free Team Flones and Team Pudd t-shirts! I was more amazed at the fact Tom played the drums while Harry shot T-shirts from a T-shirt gun! I wish I was there to catch one – at least now the store is open.

5 Colour In Her Hair – It’s only right that 7 years after it hit number one, 5 Colours is still on their set list and brings fans to sing to the top of their lungs! I know I was singing loud and proud! How can’t you when it’s such a pinnacle song for every one!

***

If you know McFly then you’ll know that they’re great at doing covers. Rihanna’s Umbrella, Taio Cruz’s Dynamite and now…

Pass Out – Tinie Tempah’s single penetrated through the McFly set list. It amazes me that Danny says he forgets his lyrics but he kicks ass when he raps! The boys need to address this issue! I will say, Danny should never be without his guitar - his hands seemed like they didn’t know what to do! Nevertheless, Danny’s has a great stage presence and none of us can deny that!

***

The End – You think the show is over when this song plays, and you think, “What a great ending – lyrically.” But it doesn’t help when the boys do this:

Say goodbye and then ask for a shout out to Christmas. And Dougie talks about his solo endeavour and Harry tries to aid him – where they have a Pudd moment until Dougie says, “No Harry, there’s no drums, it’s just bass.” And then you hear…

One For The Radio – and then you’re back into the momentum with, “WE DON’T, WE DON’T CARE!”

But thing come down as the show progresses towards its end. Tom brings it down with more goodbyes and talks about the documentary on UK television’s Channel 5. And bring us to tears with…

The Heart Never Lies – where he sings, “I know it’s not easy, but McFly’s here FOREVER!

And the night is just held together by this one line for a while until they officially close the night with thanks to their crew (and a quick birthday greeting to their lighting man). Then they tell their fans to take a bow and they clapped us! And thanked us all with, “We have the greatest fans on planet earth!

***

But we all know a show would be nothing without an ENCORE…

Shine A Light – ended the night with a blast. Being their second single from the ATN album, why not end with the song that carries their album’s title?

Overall thoughts...

McFly have always been great live and I can attest to that! They’re also great stage performers and without a doubt, have always been talented musicians. What I really like about them is that they’re fan-focused and have always catered to their followers. Seeing this show live proves that. Overall, this show was amazing and I can’t wait until they bring it here to Australia!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

INTERVIEW: Nicky is Helping Out the World, One Dare at a Time




So before I write about the Wembley show, I'd just like to introduce the newest member of the McFlyDARES team, Miss Nicky Jones. Before I interviewed her I inquired whether her last name is really 'Jones' - knowing full well that many McFly (more specifically, many DANNY JONES) fans change their surnames to their favourite McFly boys' surname to create a virtual resonance. But I was glad to hear that Nicky's surname is actually Jones. So let's get to know how she was recruited and how she's helped the Eyes Alight Appeal and BIRT.

Congratulations! How does it feel to be part of such a dedicated team?
Thank you! It feels great! I've been helping since they started it to be honest, but now I'm officially a member!

You've obviously been raising money to support Eyes Alight and BIRT, along with McFlyDARES - what drew you into joining such a great cause?
The cause in which they were raising for is absolutely amazing. We do so many things on a day-to-day basis that we just take for granted, and just move onto the next thing, but an activity like this, for the people at BIRT can really make their day, week or even year. To know that we're raising money to make opportunities like this happen is incredible.
How did you come to be a McFlyDARES member?
On the last night of the McFly tour, they asked me if I wanted to become an official member of the team, as I'd helped so much along the way. So of course, I said yes!
McFlyDARES reached their £1000 mark, what's the upcoming target?
We haven't set another specific target just yet, but we're still encouraging donations of any amount!

So the girls have been doing dares and getting in crazy outfits for the tour - what did you do to raise money?

I've been with them nearly every step of the way! I helped at five of the venues, whether it be by selling things - such as ribbon bracelets and badges - or doing dares! http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205024_10150120780956319_654461318_6967770_4306664_n.jpg - This is some of us in our Disney costumes at Wembley!

Were you on your own raising money, or did you also have friends that were by your side?
I was with the existing McFlyDares crew the majority of the time, or if non of them were at that specific venue, we got other people who were willing to help involved!

Now the tour is over, how are you guys going to help raise money?
We're going to continue to take online pledges, but we're also going to be raising money at all the summer McFly shows and we will hopefully be meeting up and raising more money from the general public around the UK. I also plan to do some fundraisers in sixth form over the next few months - which is also a great way to promote the charity.

What are you looking forward to most now that your part of this awesome team?
I am looking forward to being able to get fully involved with the fundraising and promotional side of it, and also knowing that I am part of giving the people at BIRT amazing opportunities that they could only dream of a few months back.

If you could have a slogan for McFlyDARES, what would it be?
"Helping out the world, one dare at a time."
Finish the sentence: "Eyes Alight is a worthy cause because...it will enhance the lives of so many people, who need it most.

As I said earlier, it helps give the people at BIRT such amazing opportunities - which are often just taken for granted in day-to-day lives. The simplest opportunities, for people like you and I, can really mean the world to somebody else. But of course, everything costs money - be it from travel costs to attending the actual event or activity. Our aim is to raise the money for the people at BIRT to be given these opportunities - and possibly even see dreams come true.

Thank Nicky - and we look forward to hearing a lot more about McFlyDARES and how you guys are going with helping to reach Eyes Alight's £100,000 target.

So for more information or to donate go to: