BLOG: New Year's Resolutions

I was a little surprised that New Year's Eve came out three weeks early! As I recall, Valentine’s Day came out on the week of Valentine’s Day. But I’m not complaining! With this joyous season before us, a film that reminds us about the upcoming year – which is coming is less than TWO weeks time! – was nice to have to just sit back and relax with a couple of friends at the drive-ins.

The Story

Now, if you’ve seen Valentine’s Day or Love Actually you’ll be no stranger to the intertwining stories of different characters within the film. The main point of the story is: “This is it – it’s the start of a new year and this time I’m going to start the year right.” So, you have all these different stories trying to make the most of starting their New Year’s resolutions just as the ball drops at 12am on the dot. Pregnancies with cash payments if they’re the first one to ‘pop-out’ a baby; people swimming through the crowds to have that magical kiss on the first minute of the year or making up for the last kiss of the past year; people trying to make their dreams come true and finally, people making other people’s dreams come true.

The great thing about this film is that you could follow each story and how they connected, even when you think paths were going to collide, someone turns the corner on you! You feel like you’re in the moment with the characters without losing track of who’s connected to who. It’s also very humorous and sweet – one even the boys won’t mind watching!

The Cast

It was a big cast – talk about name-dropping! – so I’ll just review them as an ensemble. As whole they all played off each other really well. I loved how they all had their own little pairs that eventually broke off into other connections; it was a well-rounded and well thought-out script. But I’m going to have to say KUDOS to Mr Jon Bon Jovi who was my standout performer of the film. Why? Well we all know the majority of these actors all have amazing acting careers, but singers entering the film industry – we all know that’s a real privilege, especially when they have their OWN character and they’re not playing themselves. Another stand out performance for me was, Modern Family’s, Sofia Vergara! She play’s the hilarious sue-chef to Katherine Heigl’s character, who is the very definition of a star-struck fangirl. She made me laugh so many times my stomach hurt so much! But as a whole the cast of eighteen did a fabulous job of never out-shining one another.

Overall

It was an amazing set, beautiful combination of actors and an array of talent to tip your hat to. I recommend it for a mother-daughter night; a night with the girls or simply a date night for all you couples out there. Boys, I swear you can tolerate this, it’s not too cheesy and rather realistic – no guns and stuff, but Ludacris does feature in it!

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

Next on sL: One Direction's UP ALL NIGHT

NEW UP: A Sleepless Melody - The Last Teenagers

Available from iTunes or ASM’s Merch Store

If you haven’t heard of A Sleepless Melody then you have now. They’re a Melbourne based band with a light-hearted feel to their music. From memory, I think Matt tweeted me to checkout their stuff on Facebook and since that day I haven’t looked back. Without further ado, here are my thoughts on The Last Teenagers.

***

It’s Not Too Late

The first track of this EP is rather cheery regardless of the story told within the lyrics. Singing about a dysfunctional relationship – a heartbreaker of a girl and a down right smitten boy – the song gives a light feel to the contemplations of the singer. It’s a great start to the EP, the melody and accompany reflects the playfulness of the girl as well as the almost naive pursuit of the boy. It’s got a summer vibe and it’s really nice to have playing on your iPod while you’re on the train or just out and about.

Colour In The Covers

There’s a nice shift from the first track into a jazzier vibe for this next track. It’s one of those songs you would expect on Dancing With The Stars or a ballroom dance floor. It’s also got that flavour of the 50s and 60s. There is a freshness to the sound that makes you flashback to that era, a liveliness and an authentic feel of young love – kind of like The Notebook. It’s like two lovers reminiscing one their past where you can almost hear the laughter and the sighs.

Sunnyside

Taking the glass half-full approach to a dreary situation, this song goes through the motions of finding the Sunnyside of things. It’s like that feeling where you’re not having a good day, but you’re going to smile anyway. Acoustic and slower than the first two tracks, it suits the lyrics perfectly. Listening to this song makes me think of storm clouds, umbrellas and long winter coats, but beneath it all there’s a man with a hat on looking up at the sky and smiling, taking it all in as it is.

Heart In Hand

This has a childish feel to it. The chimes and the beat make you want to sway and click along to the song. It’s got a Hawaiian, beach-y feel to it and is really cheery. Talking about a working hard at a relationship, it’s almost like the guy putting 100% just to make things work and there’s no reciprocation on the girl’s end. The end is absolutely beautiful as the accompany pulls back and the vocals overlay one another.

Beautiful Life

The most soulful and emotional track of this album, this final track s definitely my favourite on the EP. Talking about losing someone rings home with personal events of my own. The whole idea of asking God what’s going on and never knowing if prayers will be answered when it comes to life or death, is so strong in this song. It’s a great reminder that life is fleeting and that each moment is beautiful. Though there’s a quietness to this song the build up towards the end with the guitar solo just gives it that contemplative feel – like an inner battle that is raging but is soothed by the peace of the beautiful life that was lead.

Overall

It's worth every cent. I recommend it for this festive season to give to your friends and family. It's light-hearted and the easiness of each track suits the Christmas feel. Get your hands on it from iTunes or their merch store. You won't regret it - I promise!

sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

Next on sL: NEW YEAR'S EVE

COVER REVIEW: Molotov Jukebox - Get Ready [Cover]

So do you guys remember this band's name from a couple months ago? If you said, "No," then shame on you! You guys need to press PLAY before you even read the rest of this review. As for those of you who said, "Yes," CONGRATULATIONS - unfortunately I have no prizes, but I'm sure you love this cover anyway :D

Get Ready (Cover) - Molotov Jukebox

Covering the beloved "Get Ready" by the Temptations for their new single, Molotov Jukebox have added their own flavour to the classic song along with a spicy organic video clip. The vocals have a great rasp and solidness to them that makes you wanna sing along. The accompaniment is just brilliant! The combinations of the accordion, guitar, violin, drums, percussion and the trumpet all created this amazing feel that makes you want to move your feet. It's a song that's like a gigantic wall of sound that embraces the listener and takes them by surprise at every turn.

What I really love:

1. How the vocals and the trumpet almost seem to have a conversation within the song.
2. The more earthy tone that still retains the elements of the original song.
3. The video looks like it was a lot of fun to shoot!

Overall it's one you can have it playing while you're driving in your car or just singing along to it in the shower. I loved listening to it - special mention to ELEANOR for getting me to review this single, thanks Elle.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

Next on sL: The Last Teenagers by A Sleepless Melody