Charlie’s (Logan Lerman) starting high school and, like anyregular teenager, he’s not looking forward to it. Being a freshman means havingto survive the seniors who pick on the outcasts; make friends as fast as possible;and either make a mark or stay out of the way – Charlie chose the later thanthe former. It’s going to be a long road to graduation, but with a little bitof help from below average seniors with reputations as outlaws, the first yearof high school isn’t exactly going to be too bad.
***
Ok, so you all know that I read this book in 2010 and LOVEDit! Well the movie is no different. It’s stays true to the book, and I throw myhat off to Mr Stephen Chobsky for writing the script and directing the movie –all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it.
The Cast
Logan Lerman – Ifeel like I haven’t written about Lerman in ages! But this guys just keepsgetting better and better. He’s definitely stepped up from his last role in, Percy Jackson, here by playing Charlie.Taking the confused and inwardly-tortured teenager trying to swim his waythrough the fish tank that is high school, Lerman fully embodies his characterand brings the socially awkward teen from to pages to life. He was believablewith every scene – happy, sad, confused, tortured or even aroused – he was onthe ball.
Emma Watson – Nostranger to the franchise of book-to-screen, I have to say that Miss Watson wasa beautiful choice for Sam. Although her accent faltered at times, she wasconfident and embraced the bad-girl-turning-good role perfectly. This is thefirst time I felt like she was really relaxed in front of the camera. Shelooked comfortable and carefree which is exactly what her character’s like. Ihave to congratulate her for her performance – it was brilliant!
Ezra Miller – Myhat goes off to this man. EXACTLY what I imagined Patrick to be –over-confident, boisterous, yet inwardly broken all at once. He was a brilliantcomic relief, but also the best source for emotion and compassion. I have tosay, Miller was my favourite character in the entire film – sorry Lerman! – Hewas absolutely in is element and was completely believable.
Music / Soundtrack
Perks is one ofthose movies that you have to talk about the soundtrack. Collaborating theclassics and putting them into one film, this movie’s soundtrack is forgenerations past and the generation of today. With songs that I’ve grown up withand songs I wish I did grew up with, this soundtrack is perfect for mums anddads. The soundtrack alone makes this a parent-child film to watch.
Overall
This film is definitely the 21st Century’s teenmovie. It takes us back to the original themes that the 80s classics like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles dealt with and broughtthem to a new era. Taking away parent-child issues and replacing them withextended family issues, Perks dealswith the taboo subject of abuse. Keeping the themes of underage drinking anddrug use, parties, hidden identities and being sexually active, Perks, lays out that not much haschanged – but there’s room for it. This film needs to be seen in conjunction withthe book it was based on. It’s definitely written for adolescents of thisgeneration.
sL Star Rating: 4Stars
NEXT: ON HIATUSuntil Mid-January.
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and I’ll see you in the NEW YEAR!!!
It's finals week and I have a confession to make: I did not watch Monday night's show. :'(
I missed the show because I has preview screenings to...
I'll my review for that is literally after my thoughts on last night's Grand Final show!
***
Samantha Jade Winning X Factor AU 2012
Coming down to Jason, Sammie and The Collective, I was a little apprehensive with last night's verdict show. It was bittersweet watching the end of thebest year that X Factor AU have had in the three seasons that it's been running. Since everyone knows the outcome with Sammie's new single on airwaves as 10pm last night, I'll just cut to the chase.
After Owl City and BoyzIIMen - yes! Freaking BOYZIIMEN - graced the stage along with this year's Top 12 and Top 3, it was time to find out who made our final TWO. With Luke stating "Jason Owens" as the first to make it into the final leg of the competition, I was shattered knowing the The Collective would not go any further than this point - and I was right.
Owl City and the Top 12
BoyzIIMen and the Top 3
Let's just say what everyone's thinking - OMG! That's EXACTLY like One Direction. Well, yes and no. Actually One Direction never have to sing to save themselves, The Collective have been in the bottom two these past two weeks, so it was inevitable that they wouldn't get any further than the Top 3 last night. It was great to see that the boys are staying together though - so who knows? Maybe they are our own One Direction - time can only tell.
One Direction: "Little Things" streamed from the UK
When it came down to Jason and Sammie I just knew that Sammie was going to take the crown. Although Jason had never been in the bottom two and Sammie had been there three times, there was a larger fan base that took the fighting girl to the top - and let's face it, everyone loves a fighter. Big congratulations to Guy for a second-year streak at the title of mentor of the winning contestant - someone's doing something right.
Samantha Jade performs her Winner's Single
"What You've Done To Me"
Overall
2012 has been as amazing year full of talent. I can't wait to see what 2013 brings and I can't wait to share it with you guys :D
With this week's theme of Power and Passion, our Top Four were divided in terms of topping both performances or missing the mark with one and completely nailing it for the other. Singing two songs each this week, we got the double dose of talent to receive the full force of what our Top Four have to offer to get them to next week's FINALS!
Standouts:
The Collective: Finding their feet as a band after being in last week's bottom two, the boys fought hard with fire and large party lanterns to help them feel powerful and look passionate about winning this competition. Taking on OneRepublic's, Apologise and Chris Brown's, Yeah 3x, we saw the boys in their element with a pleasant surprise to hear Zach take the lead this week. Ronan really pulled out the big guns (again) to make sure that the boys have a good chance of being in next week's finale.
Samantha Jade: Being the only contestant to survive THREE elimination nights, Sammie blew the house down last night with her brilliant take on Kanye West's, Heartless and Rhianna's, Where Have You Been. Sounding and looking amazing in last night's double setlist, Sammie was absolutely passionate about each song she sung and was incredibly powerful in her delivery of both songs. Showing the most persistence and fighting spirit, Sammie and Guy pulled out their own gun powder to fight for a spot for next week's finale.
Overall:
Jason fell short in his second song, not being able to hit the falsettos and being unable to connect with Leanne Rhymes' ballad, How Do I Live.
Nevertheless, Jason opened the show with a brilliant take on Rascal Flatts', Life Is A Highway, getting everyone up on their feet and clapping.
Bella on the other hand was attempting to redeem her Party Week number with an attempt to "dance" in her rendition of La Roux's, Bulletproof. The attempt didn't go unnoticed by the judges, with polite encouragements and one BIG pat-on-the-back from her mentor, overall receiving a unanimous, "Well done, but please don't do it again." In my opinion, it was way too late into the competition to be trying "new" things, especially if you've been attempting to mould your contestant into being her "own artist" the since Week One.
Unfortunately, the night was full of more mixed comments from the judges as a perfect (social network) song choice goes sour. Kate Miller Heidke's, Last Day On Earth, should have been a perfect song choice for Bella, but fell short production and vocal wise for Mel B, Guy and Ronan. You have to ask, if Nat and Bella are using Week Nine to make up for previous weeks?
In Bella's own words, "I just knew I was going to have a bad night tonight, don't ask me why, I just did." Could self-doubt be creeping up at the wrong time - again?
I hope you all voted to keep your favourites in for tonight's eviction show!
sL xxx
The Verdict
With great performances last night, it was still a bit of a shock to see The Collective in the bottom two again this week. Judging from last night's performance it came to no surprise that Bella was to join them and sing for her life tonight.
Can I jut say, my heart was pounding so hard as Ronan and Nat saved their own acts and left the real deliberation to Mel and Guy. Since the decision was down to the reality of the contestant being from polar-genres, Guy decided that it would be better for Australia to have their say, which put us into deadlock.
What felt like the longest minute of my life, I jumped and yelped with excitement as The Collective were named the third act to make it to next week's finale show, seeing Bella out of the competition. Although I'm very happy for The Collective, Samantha and Jason, I have to say, Bella has coped the most criticism this season, yet rose to the occasion against all odds. I wish her the best wishes and I hope she gets to live out her dream.
With their “sophomore” album being released worldwide this
Friday, I thought I’d jump on the opportunity to have my review up before then for
those of you who are still unsure about pre-ordering / ordering.
Seeing as the boys let us listen to the entire (standard)
album on iTunes this week, I thought I’d use the preview to really listen and
write up what I could while I could about the album.
I don’t really need to say much about this song considering
reviewed it when it was released. So I’ll just put the video here (along with
the link to my review) for you to enjoy!
Kiss You
This song has got a very 90s vibe in its accompaniment and
in the dynamics of the vocals. The lyrics are very witty and it’s one that will
get you up on your feet dancing. This is where the name of the album comes from
– it’s in the chorus – and it’s so much fun to listen to.
Little Things
This is their current single (written by Ed Sheeran), and is like the slower
version of What Makes You Beautiful –
lyrically. Although the vocals are amazing and I love the stripped-back
acoustic touch to this song, I’m in to minds about this song. On one hand, it
shows off the boys’ voices a lot more than any other song on the album – or
ever – but on the other hand, it’s a typical Ed Sheeran song. There’s nothing
that says One Direction about this song – much like, I Want, was typically McFly
in Up All Night, but this point
definitely comes down to your preference. I love this song, I’m just not sure
if it’s a One Direction song. (Your
call.)
C’mon, C’mon
This has an 80s-Madonna-esk feel to it and the lyrics
resonate with Stole My Heart in Up All Night. It’s one of those feel-good
songs that makes you want to dance and belt this song out along with the boys.
Last First Kiss
This is one of my favourites on this second album; it’s
about falling in love with a friend and trying finding a way to tell them. It’s
about wanting be “the one” for that special friend and making sure that past
relationships don’t matter because you’re here now; it’s a promise of forever.
It’s one of the slower tracks on the album, but it’s not slow enough to slow
dance to, it’s one you belt out.
Heart Attack
Picking up the pace again, this is a track with a Busted-like sound to it. It’s really
playful with it’s lyrics and the “aw!’s” just give it that extra bounce. It’s
really poppy and is definitely one you’ll see along and dance too.
Rock Me
Paying homage to the iconic Queen classic, We Will Rock
You, this song is one you will definitely get rock-neck with. Although I
really like the overall sound of this song, I’m not sure if the lyrics are
being suggestive, you know like the ABBA
song with the same title? But I like that the lyrics say, “Summer of 09”, it’s
really showing their era as a band and bringing everything to the now.
Change My Mind
Slowing things back down again, I think this is my new More Than This – i.e. this is my
favourite track on the album. It’s about falling in love, but you’re not sure
if they feel the same way. I love the pre-chorus and the chorus and the
dynamics of the accompaniment and vocals are just beautiful. Love it.
I Would
Another one that I love – and not just because it’s written
by Tom Fletcher! I love it because the boys really own this song; the only
trace of McFly here is the theme of
the song. Resonating with McFly’s
number one single, Obviously, this
song is about having a crush on someone who’s already got someone and knowing
that you can’t have them. It’s cheeky, fun and fresh; it’ll get you up on your
feet.
Over Again
And coming back to the acoustics, this song has got a very Usher vibe, minus all the techno beats.
The boys are almost rapping rather than singing in the verses and the climax
that comes in the choruses are just brilliant with the combination of their
vocals. Easily another one of my favourites.
Back For You
Bringing the tempo back up, this song reminds me of an
advert, why, I don’t know, it just does. I don’t really like the chorus,
because once they get to the “you” there’s a little screech with the higher
pitch that comes with the word, nevertheless I love the overall progression of
the song. You’ll definitely bang your head to this one too.
They Don’t Know About
Us
I love this song too! This is the typical boy-band sound
that I grew up with. It reminds me of Backstreet
Boys’, As Long As You Love Me, or
All 4 One’s, I Swear, in terms of vocal dynamics and how the accompaniment just
let’s the voices reign. It’s just nostalgic for those who grew up in the 90s
really.
Summer Love
It’s the bittersweet goodbye to your summer love, kind of
like Grease’s, Summer Lovin’, in terms of the theme, but at a slower tempo. It’s a
good song to end on (for the standard version) lyrically and musically, because
it’s got this feel of longing to sing a little bit longer, but knowing that you
can’t because it’s the end – this season is finished, but you’ll always have
the memories (or go on to the next track of the deluxe version :P). Overall,
great ending song!
Deluxe Version
Tracks:
She’s Not Afraid
Loved You First
Nobody Compares
Overall:
It’s definitely better than Up All Night. I really do believe that One Direction have honed down on their sound and know exactly what
they want in terms of being a ‘pop’ act. They’re voices are just fantastic in
regards to melodies and harmonies, as well as leading and supporting each other
in each track. I love the fact that EVERYONE has their own parts in each song on
this album – you can actually hear Louis and Niall a lot, which is awesome, because
now, for those of us who didn’t see them on the X Factor (UK) two years ago, we get to really hear the voices that
got them through in the first place! As a whole, the tracks work so well with
each other and the overall sound is just great. It’s an album that brings what
was to the now. It’s just brilliant.
I was really disappointed with this week's outcome. I was very upset to see Fourtunate in the bottom two and even shocked to see Bella there. To be honest I thought The Collective and Nathaniel weaker performance that week - but Australia's made their call. It's just a shame to see great talent leave the show.
Week 7
Standout: Nathaniel
Eliminated: Nathaniel
Ok now I'm really annoyed! Nathaniel was brilliant this week and being in the bottom two with Samantha was just not cool. This week I thought Shiane and The Collective were the weaker performance this week. It's just a shame that people are getting it so wrong each week.
Just as a note for future voting - re-watch the videos on the X Factor AU YouTube Channel BEFORE you vote. Sometimes they're better / worse than you though the second time around. Vote based on the performance, not their looks.
WEEK EIGHT - Judges Challenge Week
Overall, all the judges made amazing choices for their fellow judges' contestants. I was particularly laughing at the fact that Ronan picked one of his own songs for Jason to sing. This week's elimination will be a tough one.
Standouts:
Jason - cruising through these last eight weeks, Jason has been able to show that he can take on any genre. Mel B has just been an amazing mentor, and even as Ronan gave him his very own, If Tomorrow Never Comes, Jason wowed audiences and the judges with how he tackled the ballad. With a little encouragement from Guy to "feel the song a bit more", Jason amazed everyone again this week.
Samantha - made a come back this week with Kelly Clarkson's, Stronger, which was perfect to make a statement about being in the bottom two last week. Chosen by Nat, Guy was a little unsure, but Sammie took it to new heights and made it her own. She just did so well this week.
The Verdict
With the competition so close, I have to say Australia got it right this week with The Collective and Shiane in the bottom two this week. Seeing Shiane go was a pitty, but I can see why both of them were in this week's bottom two.
Shiane - Although she's been an inspiration these past eight weeks, Shiane is still fourteen. Getting this far in the competition has been incredible, but tonight, she showed her age by having her nerves take over. Forgetting that she started her journey and continued all through bootcamp choosing her own songs and owning them, tonight she let the verdict get to her and her performance faltered. But good one her for getting it this far! She's such a talented girl!
The Collective - Although their take on Justin Bieber's, Beaty And A Beat, was a great come back from last week's shaky performance, it wasn't as great as some of the other's performances. Redeeming themselves with another current Bieber tune, As Long As You Love Me, to save them from the official elimination, these boys need to song like they did tonight to keep them in the finals next week.
RED is Swift’s
third studio album and, like the first two, it’s an outpour of Taylor’s
real-life experiences – except this time, it’s all about the rollercoaster
called, “Love”. Titling the album “RED” to define the overriding message of the
battlefield of love that Taylor has gone through this past 22 years, this album
is retains her country roots but dabbles with other sounds that she’s been
interested in lately and for a while. Collaborating with Snow Patrol’s, Gary Lightbody and Ed Sheeran, RED is a whole new journey for both Swift and her fans.
Personally, I’m a little tired of the whole idea of love’s
ups and downs as a theme with Taylor. Usually I love the breaks of talking
about growing up, family life and the overall ‘we’re all in this together’
ending that her first two albums had, but RED
has been a mental strain for me to sit through and listen too. I even
deliberated as to whether or not I should review this album just because I
don’t really enjoy listening to it – but that’s just me guys! I’m doing this
review to (hopefully) convince myself that this album is actually better than I
think it is AND to give kudos to Taylor for another good album. I won’t deny
that it’s a good album, but whether it’s a great
album is a different story.
RED
Taylor Swift
State of Grace – “I Love You” Doesn’t
Count After Goodbye
This song depicts the battlefield of love. It’s like in the
rush of everything that life has to throw, there’s a moment of bliss; and just
like in a battle, it’s just that single moment before chaos hits again. It’s
hypnotic with its transient sound that comes from the vocals that has an upbeat
accompaniment.
RED – “SAG”
I like this one. This song talks about a relationship based
on colours and the emotions and situations that are attached to those colours.
It’s got that typical country sound that Taylor’s brought to the charts and
it’s one you can sing along to in the car or in your bedroom. I have to say
though, her articulation in the first verse is a little unclear, but when she
repeats at the end of the song, it’s much better.
Treacherous – Won’t Stop Till It’s Over
Another strong country song that talks about the dangers of
falling in love – by “dangerous” I mean love is not an easy path, but it’s
worth it. The acoustic and the drums accompany the vocals well and is one you
can slow-dance to.
I Knew You Were Trouble. – When You Saw
Me Dancing
Rumour has it that song is about Harry Styles, but frankly I
don’t thing it is. The lyrics describe someone that Taylor would have known for
much longer that a few weeks. And frankly, even if Harry is known to be the
flirt of One Direction, there have
been no real reports of him being ‘trouble’ from ex-girlfriends. If it is about Harry, then Taylor read way
into a few conversations and (rumoured) text messages –frankly, she’s a lot
smarter than that. But it’s got a very strong pop vibe and it’s great to belt
out if you have ever fallen in love with someone who was no good for you and regretting
it just slightly.
All Too Well – Maple Latte
Resounding with her Fearless
track, “The Way I Loved You”, this
track carries the same theme of remembering an old love story but having it
tainted by the reality, yet having that longing to have it back. I don’t mind
this track; I enjoy that to-and-fro that the lyrics talk about and the overall
sound of the track. It’s slow enough to sway too, but the vocals are strong
enough to belt it out along with Taylor.
22 – Ashley, Dianna, Claire, Selena
Celebrating 22 years on Earth, this song resonated with
Hilary Duff’s, Sweet Sixteen as
Taylor sings about loving her age and the fun that comes with turning another
year older. It also talks about crushing on someone that’s completely bad news,
but only for that one night. It’s fun and upbeat and I like dancing around to
this song or turning it up as I drive around everywhere.
I Almost Do – Wrote This Instead Of
Calling
This about unacquired love that comes with all the nostalgic
feelings that comes with missing a special person that you once had. This song
is the tragedy of careers tearing two people apart. I like this song; the
lyrics are so well written and the accompaniment compliments the story well.
We Are Never Getting Back Together –
When I Stopped Caring What You Thought
I love belting this song out with my friends. I mean it’s
never applied to me, but it’s so much fun to sing. The video clip was a bit of
a let down, but this song is really chirpy and the title says everything that
this song is about. I think this song is Taylor’s most realistic song and it
defines her musically and literally.
Stay Stay Stay – Daydreaming About Real
Love
This is by far my favourite song on this album. It’s so much
fun to listen to and it’s really playful musically and lyrically. It’s very
country, yet it’s also very pop at the same time. It’s just great.
The Last Time – LA On Your Break
Co-written and featuring Snow
Patrol’s, Gary Lightbody, this song is another favourite of mine. It’s a
beautiful breakup song that takes you through that slow journey for an ending relationship.
The lyrics repeat, but are sung from different perspectives to emphasise that
sense of prolonging the moment before goodbye. I’m just disappointed that Taylor
doesn’t drive this track; vocally, Lightbody overpowers her.
Holy Ground – When You Came To The Show
In SD
Far from the country scene, this song sound a lot like
something out of a rock / pop album with the drumbeat. It’s reminiscing about
that person you shared that one moment with and having it repeat in your mind
again and again. ‘Holy Ground’ is referring to that place that the moment they
shared that dance together and because it’s so sacred, dancing alone – even in
that same place – desecrates the site, action and the moment.
Sad Beautiful Tragic – While You Were On
The Train
This is another mystical song that talks about the loss of
love. (Are you catching the reason why this album is called ‘Red’ yet?) It’s a
simple song about going separate ways geographically and being torn apart by
knowing that the literal distance is where love ends. I like this song, short
and sweet with a haunting sadness.
The Lucky One – Wouldn’t You Like To
Know
I love this song. Written about a past actress, it talks
about the other side of the spotlight; where fame and fortune is not as pretty
as you think. It’s got a 60s feel to it and you can really see the black and
white images that come with this song, along with the curls and the petticoats
that graced the movie and television screens. I love the light-hearted feel of
the song that’s evident in both the lyrics and the music as Taylor writes about
past, present (counting herself) and future starlets.
Everything Has Changed – Hyannis Port
Co-written and featuring one of my current favourite
singer/song writers, Ed Sheeran, this song is another one of my favourites. The
song talks about that first encounter of just knowing that the person in front
of you will special to you, whether it’s a good or bad kind of ‘special’,
everything has changed because you’ve met. So that song endeavours through the process
of figuring out which side they sit on. How? By getting to “know them better”.
Starlight – For Ethel
Written for Ethel Kennedy, Swift pencils a precious
loves-struck memory that comes to mind when thinking of young love. It’s got
that summer love feel to it and it’s really great to pump now a days since it’s
our summer. I wanted to say that it’s a reflection of her own summer love story
with Connor…but due to current reports, it didn’t seem appropriate.
Begin Again – I Wear Heels Now
Talking about learning to love again, this end track is the
perfect way to wrap up an album full of anger, confusion, nostalgia and lost
hopes. It’s a happy ending to a journey full of pumps.
Deluxe Edition Tracks:
The Moment I Knew
Come Back…Be Here
Girl At Home
Overall:
I just think the recent interview with Ellen sums up this
album completely – and who better to talk about the album with then Ellen?!
sL Star Rating: 3 Stars
Next: One Direction's, TAKE ME HOME Coming Up:Perks of Being a Wall Flower (Movie)
