FILM REVIEW | Monsters University

Twelve years ago we were introduced to Sulley (John Goodman), Mike (Billy Cristal) and Randle (Steve Buscemi), Monsters Incorporated’s best scarers (and coach) when it comes to generating energy for Monstropolis.

Twelve years later and we’ve travelled back in time to see how Mike, Sulley and Randle became the people we were introduced to twelve years ago.

Welcome to Monsters University – the Ivy League for monsters everywhere!

Think Mean Girls in terms of introductions…you’ve got your Jocks, Goths, Cheerleaders, Art Freaks and the worst…the ‘OKs’ – the Oozma Kappa Brothers.

The Story

If you were fourteen and younger when Monsters Inc. came onto the screen in 2001, then Monsters University is written for you! Back then it was a story about our childhood fears of monsters under our beds and a film that explained to us why our screams were important to the monster world. Now it’s about their college years as we make our own college experiences.

I love that it’s a twist in the internal relationships between the characters that we were introduced to in 2001. It’s still got the heart of friendship, teamwork and friendly competition that Monsters Inc. had, but this time we have the back story and understand how Mike and Sulley became the friends that we were introduced to twelve years ago.

Monsters University was not just written as a new childhood film for this generation, it’s a film for those who remember what their childhood was when we first met the Monsters Inc. crew. We grew up with them and, through Monsters University, we are reliving their memories through our realities today.

The Cast

The Original Cast

Reprising their roles, Billy Cristal (Mike), John Goodman (Sulley) and Steve Buscemi (Randle) bring their characters to life by shedding twelve years off their age. Bringing high hopes, first day jitters and that freshmen confidence, these three recognisable voices bring a familiarity to a see of fresh voices that bring Monsters University to life. Although they’re our beloved voices, it’s great to hear a different side to each of the characters that we fell in-love with twelve years ago.

New Comers

Helen Mirren (Dean Hardscrabble) joins the cast with an overbearing tone that just chills the bones – perfect for a dragon-slash-centipede like monster with the highest know record in scaring history!

Peter Sohn (Squishy), Joel Murray (Don), Will and Grace’s, Sean Hayes (Terri), Dave Foley (Terry) and Charlie Day (Art) bring to life the Oozma Kappa fraternity who come along side Sulley and Mike. The differences between all of these characters would have been nothing without the incredible voices behind the brightly coloured monsters of the OK Brothers. Providing the comic relief and even the touching moments in the film, this band of brothers were an exciting addition to the Monsters Inc. pact.

Castle’s, Nathan Fillion also joins the crew in lending his voice to Roar Omega Roar’s fraternity president, “Johnny”. Every film needs a tough guy and Johnny is the toughest of them all. Fillion did a brilliant job bringing “Johnny-big-man-on-campus” to life in a way that allows audiences to hate him and love him all at once.

The Art Department – Animating The College Experience

Disney Pixar wowed us with their eclectic mix of monsters twelve years ago and they’ve wowed us again with the variety of monsters twelve years later. I think the great thing with a project that allows a lot more imagination like Monsters Inc. and Monsters University, you have a clean slate every time you create a new character.

It was important for the animators to really capture the different characteristics of each fraternity in not just their individual looks, but also in how they come together as a collection. On top of that, creating several other monsters who weren’t fraternity monsters! I was a big task, and a task well executed by the animators.

OVERALL:

It’s a great movie for ALL generations. Kids of today will love the thrill of the story and fall in love with the characters. Those of us who fell in love with Monsters Inc. will relate even more with the characters we met in 2001 and appreciate a film written for us. Although it’s very American in terms of the college display, its universal elements of friendship, growing up and what the future looks like brought a heart-warming and nostalgic aspect to the film. Don’t miss it!

sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

Next on sL: Man of Steel

FILM REVIEW | World War Z

Nobody knows no where it started; nobody knew how fast it would spread; nobody will say what it is – but one thing’s for sure: it’s here and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

It’s the rise of the undead.

The Story

Ok, did anyone else not know that the “Z” stood for “Zombie”?

Yes, ladies and gents, it’s yet another zombie-movie (a zomvie) for 2013 (and for the collection at home for all you zombie lovers) – this is my second one this year!

There’s not really much to go with story wise, I mean all zombie movies kind of start with not knowing where it started then either ventures into survival or finding a cure. This film follows the second path, and let me tell you it’s a path that leaves you jumping. All the action sequence happen in any tight space that you can imagine: traffic jams, abandoned mini-marts and apartment blocks, pitch-black airports, airplanes and medical centres.

There’s just so many of these tight situations that there’s no room to feel for the family element of this film, which is a little hard to stomach considering that the whole premise is that Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry, left the U.N. to be with his family. Point is, there are so many “levels” in finding this (possibly non-existent) cure that by the end of the film you just don’t believe half the things that Gerry goes through.

The Cast

Brad Pitt – I’m only going to talk about Mr Pitt because frankly this movie was about Gerry and no one else. As a whole, Gerry is portrayed as a hero and seemingly the “only hope” for humanity, so in terms of portraying that aspect, Pitt was brilliant. As a dad he was alright, but again, there wasn’t enough time in the film to actually mould the ‘father-figure’. Otherwise, if you like characters that are “larger than life” then Pitt did a great job.

Cinematography and Graphics – Raising the Dead

I have to say, the single transformations of the Zombies were well done – so kudos to make-up for the hard work. But overall, I thought there were so many scenes that were way too messy and unbelievable that I couldn’t stomach most of the scenes. I thought the countdown of the spread was a great concept, but when you saw the swarms of zombies it was just a moment of, “What?!” – you just couldn’t grasp it (in terms of grasping fictional concepts like zombies).

OVERALL

Story and execution wise, I thought it was too video game like. I appreciated the concept and the progression of the plot, but I just thought it was a movie that purely showed you how many ways you could kill a zombie. I found myself saying, “Just hack his head off!” towards the end – mimicking my conversations when I watch my brother and cousins play similar games. It was a great thrill, but I came out thinking, “Dude, what’s the point of ‘surviving’ a Zombie apocalypse if: 1) there’s ideally no cure and 2) I most likely won’t survive anyway.” Any-hoo…

sL Star Rating: 3 Stars

Next on sL: Monsters University

NEW SINGLE: The Voice // Harrison Craig - Unconditional

HARRISON CRAIG

The Voice 2013 Winner

It's been a few days since HARRISON CRAIG was crowned this year's The Voice winner, and already his winner's single, "Unconditional" is climbing the Australian iTunes and ARIA Charts. This is the second year "Team SEAL" has taken the winning spot in the singing competition.

Seal and Harrison

One of the youngest contestants on the show, Craig defied all odds with his stutter and sang himself into the hearts of many viewers in the country. With a voice that captured many from the Blind Auditions aired a couple months before, Craig has shown his diversity throughout the competition to prove that anything is possible.

The Voice Final Two: 

Luke Kennedy and Harrison Craig

***

Purchase "UNCONDITIONAL" on iTunes Today!

The winner's single is simple in both its lyrics and the accompaniment, highlighting Craig's winning voice. There's a great enjoyment in the track that captures his humble and down-to-earth nature. It's more than a love song; it's a song that says, "Thanks" for all the support and in taking the journey with him during the last few weeks.

sL Star Rating: 3 Stars

NEXT on sL: WORLD WAR Z

FILM REVIEW | The Internship

 Billy (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Owen Wilson) are the last of their kind – door-to-door salesmen – trying to make their mark in the sales industry. But when their final sale turns out to be a final bust, the two ex-salesmen find themselves out of luck, until “Google-ing” doesn’t become an option, but rather an opportunity.

When Billy scores Nick and himself a spot on the Google Internship program, the summer has been set with one goal: land a job at Google. Working (and competing) with the best-of-the-best college student for one of the most sought after job in the country, Billy and Nick need to do what they do best: relate with people – not only learn from the best, but also teach those who need to believe that they are the best.

The Story

It’s really a collision of generations. It's a movie where the "Baby Boomers" enter the world of “Gen Y”. Billy and Nick find themselves in a world where information is at the tip of people’s fingers; where communication is as instant as pressing a button; and where the American Dream has been contained as just that – a dream.

I loved the generational collision in this film. There’s a playfulness of “you’re too old to get what we’re doing” and “you’re too young to get anything I’m saying”. It’s got a Grown Ups vibe to it in terms of that element of wisdom being passed down through generations of lessons about growing up and having grown up and what that means in this present age.

It’s a story that really takes you in from the beginning. Old or young, this movie suits anyone who’s ever had a hard time finding a job or is worrying about his or her future. Not gonna lie, kinda makes you wanna apply for your own spot as an intern at the most popular search engines.

The Cast

Vince Vaughn – Billy is the “ideals” man of the partnership. He has the big dreams, big ideas and thinks future track. The down side is that he never gets there; there are little things that stop him from getting there, and too often it’s those big dreams that don’t follow through with logical procedures. Vaughn has this lovable quality that allows him to portray this character. There’s an endearing attribute that he has and places in his characters that allow you to love him and feel for his character when it doesn’t work out. Kudos buddy!

Owen Wilson – Nick is the “heart” of the partnership. He relates to people by attempting to get to know them and see the best in them. I like the fact that he was the rock of the relationship and that he never gives up on his friend and their team. When Wilson brings his characters to life, there’s a nice-ness in him that makes you believe the struggles and the victories that happens in the character’s journey. Hats off to you mate!

Josh Brener – Lyle is the junior manager at Google who hasn’t found his feet in the work environment just yet. He knows the company inside and out, but isn’t confident in himself as a person as he is about his efforts behind his computer screen. Brener was adorable and hilarious all at once. He played that lovably awkward nerd that you feel sorry for and root for to get his dream girl.

Max Minghella – Graham is the typical bully on the playground that’s over compensating for something. Minghella has taken his role in The Social Network and really pushed it to its limits to produce the perfect villain for everyone to hate. All movies need one and I’m glad Graham was believable and not too evil.

Dylan O’Brien, Tiya Sircar and Tobit Raphael – Stuart, Neha and Yo-Yo are Nick’s and Billy’s fellow teammates on “Team Lyle” – aka. Team Leftovers. Stuart is the, “too-cool-for-school” nerd; Neha is the “fantasy” nerd; and Yo-Yo is the “overachiever-with-mama-issues” nerd. Not fitting-in with anyone else, this team has been put together to work with each other for a spot at Google after their senior year. The dynamic between O’Brien, Sicar and Raphael is hilarious, believable and realistic. Playing three 21-year-olds with different agendas of being “Nooglers” contrasted with Vaughn’s and Wilson’s seasoned work ethics just creates such a vibrant portrayal of the generational collision.

Rose Byrne – Dana is one of Google’s senior managers who has “lost time” to find love at the expense of her career. Using her Aussie accent (and doing us Aussies proud!) to show Google’s diversity, it was nice to hear a familiar accent. Playing the hard-to-get-forbidden-fruit for Wilson’s character, Byrne portrayed a woman that wasn’t easily wooed, but allowed herself to let loose for one date to make up for the 10 years that she lost working hard for Google. I thought having a love interest for one of the protagonist was a nice cliché to show that all jobs have their costs – even at Google.

Aasif Mandvi – Mr Chetty is the top dog at Google in regards to the internship program. Mandvi was an incredible overseer of the program as well as the giving the odd cynical comment about Billy’s and Nick’s efforts throughout the internship. Mandvi’s character offered a more serious aspect of the film, yet only enough to make some scenes just as comical as the majority of the film.

OVERALL

It’s hilarious, light-hearted and great for all ages. You will be laughing most of the time so be prepared for a loud cinema! I have nothing more to say than: GO SEE IT.

 sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: HARRISON CRAIG's winner's single: UNCONDITIONAL

DEBUT ALBUM: Andrew Mihaleff - Night Is Broken

Night Is Broken

Andrew Mihaleff

I just want to say, this has been a seven-year journey that I feel so privileged to be a part of. I’ve seen Andrew work so hard, especially in the last three years, being in and out of his makeshift studio/s (and occasionally even in our church building) using his God-given talents of being a singer-songwriter as well as a well-rounded musician to give God back the glory. Andrew has blessed so many people with his passion in worshiping God through his talents – it’s so contagious that when he finally contained it to a CD it’s still as infectious to those who genuinely want to sing praises to the Lord God almighty.

FILL THIS HEART

This is a new song for some of us at PCC; it’s one that sets the tone and the “story” for the rest of the album. It talks about coming to the foot of the throne of heaven empty and willing to be filled for the purpose of God. It captures Andrew’s journey and encourages listeners to do the same in their own journey, which is to come, as you are to the foot of the throne and give what is due to the Lord and he will bless you.

GREATNESS OF KNOWING YOU

Stemming from the place of willingness from the above song, this song just allows you to come to your knees and praise God. It’s a great song that just declares that there’s nothing in this world that’s worth more than being in the love of God.

OUR GREAT GOD

Another great song, but I’m not too keen on the beginning, “Oh-oh-ohs” – that’s just me though! It’s most likely because we’ve never sung it like that in a service and I don’t recall Andrew playing it like that in his launch, but who knows, we may bring them into one of our services soon. Aside from that, this song is a great song and it’s full of truth. It’s encourages listeners and worshipers to raise their voices in praise to God.

MY SAVIOUR’S LOVE (HOW GLORIOUS)

An oldie, but a goody! Adding his own touch to a beloved hymn is typical Andrew; so much so, I think it would have been a little odd not to have a hymn-cover on his album. Enjoy this version and the added bits and pieces as you sing along!

HOLY

This is my favourite song. I love the lyrics and the accompaniment when we sing it at church. There’s a simplicity to it that I love listening to and singing in our services that really lifts the spirit as the congregation sings it all together. I especially enjoy declaring the bridge – there’s just so much truth in it that you really need to affirm!

NEW CREATION

This is a fun song to sing. I must admit, the recording is a lot more upbeat and at times Andrew’s vocals are drowned-out by the accompaniment, hence it’s possible that this song sounds better live rather than recorded. I only say that because Andrew’s voice is very strong – both live and recorded – so in terms of having strong vocals and multiple layers of accompaniment, one is at the expense of the other. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great song and I love singing this song, but I’m not too keen on the recording.

WHERE YOU ARE

Another one of my favourites. Again, it’s simple and the lyrics get straight to the point. I think the songs I enjoy the most are the ones that are clear and simple lyric wise, but also have the same tone when it comes to the accompaniment. I also tend to enjoy songs with great bridges that tend to really spur people to sing beyond the lyrics.

WHO IS LIKE YOU

This song is one we’re actually bringing into the services this month, so I’m excited about talking about this one. The melody is like a lullaby, as though to the sooth the soul in times of trouble. Based on Psalm 71, the song talks about the mighty hand of God carrying you through every aspect of the journey. It’s a great encouragement.

PSALM 130 (MY SOULD WAITS)

The lyrics for this song are amazing and I love singing the melody. It’s a beautiful soft recording of the song that offers room for the lyrics to really stand out. (Andrew please don’t shoot me for the next comment!) My only issue is the key. I found that listening to the recording, the female vocalist that is featured in this song tended to fade on some of the higher notes in the chorus. Much like New Creation, two opposing strengths were playing on the track leaving one to dominate over the other. Perhaps, it’s another song that is meant to be sung live - again this is just me.

WE CROWN YOU LORD

This one of the earlier songs that I remember learning and it’s so nice to hear it recorded. I love the lyrics and the hymn-like nature to it – for all you hymn lovers, this one’s for you!

EMMAUS ROAD

Written for Easter, this song talks about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who encountered the risen Christ Jesus and did not recognise him. It’s a great song for the season and just to check your own walk with Jesus, it questions, do you recognise Christ walking with you?

AMEN

I love this song. It’s such a great song to close the album with. It’s even earlier than We Crown You Lord and I found myself thinking, “Man, I remember learning this one!” And now look how far it’s come. So much truth in it and it’s rightly titled, “Amen,” because that’s all you want to sing out after singing this song.

OVERALL

Personally, I’ve been waiting to review this album since October 2011 and now it’s here I can’t believe I’m actually writing about it! As a fellow sister in Christ, who’s sung 10 out of 12 of these songs on various occasions with Andrew, I just feel so blessed to have seen a brother’s dream come true. If you get a chance to buy this album on iTunes then I hope you’ll feel the same. Personally, I think worship music sound better live, and I believe most of these songs do sound better live, because (like a mentioned) Andrew’s an amazing vocalist and musician.

I don’t know if any of you guys believe in God, but if you do and you love listening to worship music, this is an album that you may want add to your collection to worship God in your house, in your car or as you’re walking down the street to the shops or wherever.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars - the next album needs some growing space!



Next on sL: The Internship