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…
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 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.
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
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
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.
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
