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

NEW VIDEO CLIP & SINGLE: Laswson - Broken Hearted // Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran - Everything Has Changed

Broken Hearted (ft. B.oB.)

Lawson

Video

I absolutely love the concept of this video. Simple, energetic and straight to the heart of the song. I like that a lot of this depicts much of front man, Andy Brown's past relationships. If you're game to know more about these guys, purchase their current album: CHAPMAN SQUARE on iTunes and it comes with a video that breaks down their song writing and album recording process and you'll find much of their songs evolved like this video's storyline.

Song

Not gonna lie, it's a little cheesy with the rhyming at times, but that's what makes it catchy and pushes you to belt it out. It's a great song to rock-out / dance to at the same time, so I recommend it for those times when you just wanna belt-out to a break-up song. I mean, it's just that kind of song you wanna sing regardless of the lyrics.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

Everything Has Changed (ft. Ed Sheeran)

Taylor Swift

Video

At first I didn't like the video, but then when I got to the end, I was like, "Oh, that's cool! That's cute, I get it." It's such a deceiving video, but one that makes you appreciate the song more so than the video.  It's sweet, but it can be interpreted in a lot of ways in relation to Ed and Taylor, but trust me, don't read into it until you've watched the WHOLE video.

Song

Great song written by both Swift and Sheeran. I love singing it out loud in the car, in my room and, well, everywhere really. It's a love song, but it can also be a about a good friendship. I recommend it for a car ride with mates or just a song to have playing in the background while to go about your day.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

Next on sL: "MADE" by Hawk Nelson and "NIGHT IS BROKEN" by Andrew Mihaleff

NEW SINGLE: Union J - Carry You // Carly Rae Jepsen - Tonight I'm Getting Over You // The Wanted - Walks Like Rihanna

UNION J - Carry You

Coming a long way from their position at last year's X Factor UK finals, Union J has released their first video clip to make their mark in the music world.

The Song

Simple and fresh, "Carry You" is this months feel good jam. The lyrics give you the promise that they'll take you through the hard times no matter what. The accompaniment promises fun and adventure. And the overall vibe is one that will get you through the night and keep you dancing through the day.

The Video

It's not a typical boy band video, it's more fun and down to earth, which is what these boys are. The video shows them doing everyday things as well as having fun together. With the subtle reference to an open mic night, the video sees the boys hitting the scene and having fun while doing something that they love.

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Carly Rae Jepsen - Tonight I'm Getting Over You

The Song

It's about a complicated relationship when she wants to be something more, but not sure if they're on the same page on that, so she's over it and is trying to get over the dude. It's a great song. I like the accompaniment, surprisingly, because it's not usually what I'd listen to. I like the pre-chorus in terms of lyrics, and there are a few quirky lines in the verses too. It's a create upbeat song to dance to.

The Video

I don't like it. It really does nothing to support the lyrics of the song. Unless it's making the statement that she can't get over the dude she singing about, or that they've finally figured out what they are, then fine, it's a great video. But I don't think it's a good representation of the song. In saying that, they're are great snippets that I like - the parts where they're jumping - other than those, I don't really like the video too much.

sL Star Rating: 3 Stars

The Wanted - Walks Like Rihanna

The Song

Shallow lyrics hidden behind a catchy tune. I like the chorus, but that's about it. I mean this is coming from a girl's perspective. I kinda feel like I either need to sing or dance - or if that fails, "walk like Rihanna". Ummm...sorry can't do that for you.

The Video

In saying that the song is shallow, I did like the video. I loved the subtle reference to previous boy bands in the industry and it's a fun video clip that I enjoyed watching. I didn't really like the set that made the cut as "the concept" for the video that they ended up with because there wasn't anything original that The Script or McFly haven't done already. I would have preferred something that really defined them as a band. Although in saying that, The Wanted have had very serious video clips prior to this one, so this is a great change for them.

sL Star Rating: 3 Stars

Next on sL: More single thoughts with: Lawson, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran!

FILM: Iron Man III

Recap

In Iron Man we see Tony Stark kidnapped and turned into a man depending on a car battery to keep him alive. Eventually he put his amazing knowledge to work and finds a way to get rid of the car battery and remodel Stark Enterprises beyond weaponry.

Following that, Iron Man 2 in essentially about leaving legacies. We see a maniac attempt to kill Tony, who is already dying from the thing that’s ironically keeping him alive. We also see the initial formations of The Avengers in this film. 

***

Have you ever looked back at your past to only have it catch-up with you? Well this is what Iron Man 3 is about. With the events of The Avengers still fresh in his mind, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is finding it hard to catch a breath. Aliens blowing up the earth; Demi-gods trying to take over or save the earth; psycho experiments gone wrong, but in the right way; and then his own creation: the Iron Man are all rolled into one catastrophic memory causing his insomnia. If that isn’t bad enough, there’s another psycho on the loose blowing everything up for the sake of teaching the US President a lesson. For some reason, everywhere Tony turns something is blowing up and it’s adding to his own anxiety episodes.

The Story

So practically, Tony Stark is trying to settle back into his life of being a billionaire philanthropist, but since The Avengers Initiative, he is finding it hard to wrap his head around the fact that there are more worlds to be safe from (or to save) than one. Spending his sleeping time in his cave, Stark decides to make and remake multiple models of his Iron Man suit. And then comes the issue of unexplained airtime discrepancies from a terrorist named, The Mandarin, and suddenly Iron Man has something better to do with his suits, but as luck would have it, he’s stuck with a prototype.

Overall, I thought the story was well crafted to suit the internal workings of Stark’s mind. Watching it, you wouldn’t realise that it’s jaded and fragmented, you just think there’s a lot of things blowing up and going wrong. It’s definitely one of those movies with bits and pieces that are predictable, but the nooks and crannies that twist in this film as typically hilarious and surprising. I’ve always found that Marvel has a lot of room for quirky one liners, and after seeing all three Iron Man movies in a row, I have to say that the Iron Man franchise has the most quirky lines (obviously due to the nature of Tony Stark). My only issue I had was that there was no clear opponent in this movie – if I spell it out it would be a spoiler so I’m not going to go through the details. At the same time though, I liked the fact that there wasn’t. I also love that Stark really gets back to basics in this film and you realise that he really is Iron Man regardless of the suit – think about that as you watch the film.

The Cast

Robert Downey Jr. – Who doesn’t love Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man? He was hilarious (as always) in delivering his one-liners, as well as his sharp comebacks. But he has this incredible way of bringing you to a point where you also care for Stark during his down times. Overall, there are no negatives from me on his performance.

Gwyneth Paltrow – I love Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper. She has this incredible way of matching Downey Jr. during their dialogue acrobatics as well as creating a strong character of her own. I love that she’s more than a damsel in distress in this movie. She’s been the accidental target in the previous films, but this time I love that its intentional and she gets as much say in it as she has in the previous films.

Don Cheadle – Reprising his role as James Rhodes, I like that Cheadle gets to be in the suit as well as out of the suit just as much as Downey Jr. Although his role is to be the patriotic hero in this franchise, I enjoy the fact that he is also Stark’s bestfriend.

Guy Pearce – I’m a little disappointed with the fact that Pearce’s character was a little too obvious. If it weren’t for the pinnacle combat scenes, then I really would have discarded Aldrich Killian as a Marvel villain. I just felt like they could’ve have done more with his character, but at the same time, I understand that if they did then it would’ve been more obvious – I’m really in two minds with Killian.

Ty Simpkins – Stole the show, easily. Harley ideally is Stark’s unexpected sidekick in this film. A random kid in Tennessee who comes across Iron Man in his shed. Simpkins is almost as feisty as Paltrow when it comes to the dialogue banters. My favourite character in the film.

Special Effects

Things blow up like every five minutes. Seriously. I have never seen so many shards of whatever being spayed across the screen in my life. But besides that firepower in this film, I have to say the incredible amount of times that Stark shifts from being in and out of suit was incredible work. With the armour occasionally flying everywhere, it was great to see that everything came together (somewhat) nicely to save the day. Kudos to the special effects team – seriously, I have no words to describe the amount of work they put into this film.

Overall

Out of the three films in this franchise, I definitely like this film the best. I thought the story mirrored Stark’s psychological framework perfectly (whether or not I was supposed to pick that up or I just read it in that way – who knows? – it was well crafted); the characters were well rounded and supported the storyline soundly; you got a kick out of the humour embedded into the film; and you thoroughly enjoyed the progression of how Stark saves the day. I think everyone will enjoy seeing this film so go see it today!

Star Rating: 3.5 Stars

Next on sL: TBA

FILM: Warm Bodies

It’s the apocalypse and the dead are roaming around thestreets trying to find someone alive to pick their brains on what it means tofeel alive. While that’s happening, the living are trying to either re-kill thedead or find a cure for…being dead – either way, if things don’t end well,someone ends up dead – bullet to the head or guts spread across the road, it’sa no-brainer. Then there are the “Bonies” who seem to take everything seriouslyand fully accept that their living-dead situation is much better than beingrecognisable, so they shed their skin and go on feeding their bare bones. Yetin this world, they all want one thing: connection.

The Story

One of the best amalgamations of comedy, romance and action,there’s enough for everyone to love. It’s scary enough to believe, yet thecomic relief is just so freaking hilarious that you completely forget yourfear. There are moments when you want to say, “awww,” but end up saying,“ewwww,” instead because, well it isa Zombie movie.

I seriously was amazed by how well the literature referencein this film was prolonged before we understood the gist of the storyline theywere going for – I don’t want to spoil it for you guys so I’ll let you figureit out (but it’s one of those, “Oh, I get it!” moments). I also loved themetaphors of “you’re dead in life if you have no connection” and “you’re reallyonly dead without love in your life” – it really makes you think about what wedo live for in life.

I think the story was simple, yet jam-packed with referencesand philosophies that are well embedded in the events of trying to find a curefor being dead.

The Cast

Nicholas Hoult – I’veonly every seen Hoult in X-Men: FirstClass, but I have to say, for a guy who had more lines off-screen than onscreen, he was phenomenal. His deliberately awkward chemistry with Teresa Palmerwas hilarious to watch, yet was the most endearing quality of his character,“R”. I thought Hoult played the role well and delivered a performance that willbe remembered for a long time.

Teresa Palmer – Ihave to say, I’m so glad she’s badass in this movie just like I Am Number Four. I mean badass enoughto be a damsel in distress, but badass to the core to handle a gun andfire-at-will. Palmer delivered a great performance as the daughter trying tofind the father she lost in the war between the living and the dead, and thegirl trying to understand the dead.

Rob Corddry –Comic relief came from Corddry with his fantastic one-liners (between grunts)and zombie movements. I think he was more alive than he was dead from themoment we met him – there was a real element of attachment to his characterthat makes you trust him from the of-set.

Analeigh Tipton –Another brilliant role for Tipton. She was an added source of comic relief likeCorddry, but at the same time, she was able to deliver some heartfelt memoriesin explaining the loss that the world had suffered because of the disease.

Makeup

Ok, you cannot talk about a Zombie movie and not talk aboutmakeup. One word: believable. They were freaky enough to be dead, yet appealingenough to be likeable. Does that make sense? Like they were obviously thewalking dead, but it’s not like ZombieLand where you want to hit the rough and run. It’s more like, you yell, butonly long enough to just get over the initial fear and then you can shoot themor run. Think Goth on a really attractive person – like they somehow can pullthis look off no matter how much mascara or black lipstick they’ve packed on.

Overall

I loved it. I laughed so hard and if there was a point thatwas long enough to be sad, I think I would have cried…well depends really. Butpoint is: IT IS WORTH SEEING. I will warn young kids that there’s a bit of gorein there, so it’s not your typical family movie – it’ll be one for the teensthough. Boys, you’ll love it just as much as the girls – don’t worry, there’smore guns than kissing. Seriously though, go see it.

sL Star Rating 5 Stars

Next on sL: Iron Man 3