NEW BAND AND MUSIC REVIEW: The Nth Degree

I’m a little excited and a little nervous about this review. This is the first time I’m going to review music where the band approached me to review their stuff! So without further ado, let me talk to you guys about, The Nth Degree.

Tommy (Vocals & Keys), Dylan (Bass & Backing Vocals), Mitchell (Guitar), Joel (Drums) and Joel (Guitar) are the names of the fresh young musicians who make up “The Nth Degree”. Coming together only last year, these boys have already managed to write and record their own music. To describe their sound I would say: it’s electro-pop meets rock. Their songs are edgy with the collaboration of techno beats and rocky guitar riffs along with awesome drumbeats - it’s enough to make to want to rave and head bang at the same time.

***

Light Before Dawn

On the off set, it almost sounds like a remix of Linkin’ Park’s, “Numb”. Though at times I thought it was a little wordy, I wanted to get up and dance. I’ve never seen these guys live, but I can imagine there would be a lot of hands in the air, head banging and dancing when this song is being performed. I’d love to hear it live!

Perfect

This is song is available on iTunes and I bought it! I have to say it’s in my top two for these guys. What I love the most about it is the build up within separate sections of the songs. Midway through the verses you get a decent in the accompaniment leaving the vocals to reign and it sounds amazing! You guys seriously need to click the link (title) and buy it – definitely worth every cent! My favourite part is the robotic-like overlay on the vocals towards the end of the song, it gives the song another dynamic and creates a different feel as you listen to the song.

Here Tonight

I can see this song for a major action film or video game trailer. It’s definitely much rockier than some of the other tracks on their page but definitely one to have on your iPod. I love the climatic opening along with the combination of the drums and the piano throughout the song. One concern I have is that the vocals have a little too much echo which at times drowns out the accompaniment, but other wise, it's is pretty good.

The Fight

I’d have to say this is my favourite song that I listened to. It’s a softer song with the focus on some strings and the piano; I love the message of not giving up as well. I think I love this song is because you actually get a chance to hear what Tommy is singing. I’m not saying the previous songs were lyrically bad, I just thought they were a little lyrically dense; sometimes there was just too much going on with the music and the singing. This song pulls it back and really allows listeners to sit and listen to the message being sung. And the guitar solo is amazing – totally needs to be on the next guitar hero!

Within the Dream

I have to be honest and say this is my least favourite song. It starts off beautifully (musically), but when the crescendo comes at the chorus there’s just too much going on; the vocals over power on the track, but I think live, Tommy would be drowned out. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a rap somewhere in there too, but if it was I just don’t think it fits with the ensemble. It’s not irritating to the ear and I would listen to it here and there, but I think if I had this song on my iPod I wouldn’t hesitate to press skip. In saying that though, the quieter sections of the song are lovely – it’s just about balancing the vocals and the louder instruments.

The End (One Last Time)

I love how this song opens – the guitar riffs by this band are just superb! There’s a delicate balance of falling and rising in this piece that you could have on repeat. I’m not a big fan of speaking in songs because they’re usually just odd she you're listening – not just for this song, just in general. It makes sense for video clips, but not necessarily within songs. I think the vocals overpower the accompaniment again in this song which is a shame because it’s another soft song, but like I said, I’d listen to this song on repeat.

Sympathy

This is where that ‘electro-pop’ really comes through. There is an excellent split between the techno feel and the rockfish vibe, but they compliment each other very well. I love the vocal dynamics in the second verse for this song, the two voices don’t compete with each other and they really support one another; the lyrics are great as well. There’s just a great energy with this song, it’s one I can see being played at parties and major social events.

Overall

At times the vocals overpower the accompaniment, but it’s not too noticeable. Sometimes there are too many words being sung at once which leads to slight mumbling in the sentences, but it’s well carried regardless of the amount of words per beat. As a whole, The Nth Degree have a very mature sound, it’s hard to believe that they’re still starting out. I don’t usually listen to this kind of music, but I have to say, I enjoy listening to their stuff. Kudos boys!

sL Star Rating: 3.5 Stars

Next on sL: Jake Nauta, From These Hands

FILM: Footloose

I'm going to be honest: I did NOT like this movie.

I tried so hard to keep an open mind about this movie. I actually was looking forward to seeing it, but I had my doubts as well. I mean, there was a lot of hype that came with this re-make, from rumours of who was going to play who and how to make it relevant to audiences of the 21st century and whatever else...but it was honestly like sitting in front of any other dance film. I walked out of the cinema and thought, I can't even write anything that would spur someone to go to a movie that I'm not hyped up about.

But I'll try...

The Story

I literally have no words, but I think Nat pretty much sums it all up (pre-warning she does swear in this video feel free to press stop when her trailer finishes):

So the storyline pretty much went a little like what Nat said. There was no real story except a small town who experienced a tragedy so a bunch of laws decided came in to protect the teens. Instead we got a whole crew of rebel children who are doing whatever behind their parents back to gain a sense of what was before the laws came in. Then you have the typical hero who is orphaned and saves the day with awesome dance moves and a revolt on how kids are meant to make mistakes and have fun before life gets boring.

No joke, I pretty much told you guys the entire dialogue in this film in a nutshell. The entire movie was just an excuse to have some kick-ass dance moves and filter in popular music for the sake of 'newness' and 'cultural relevance'. There was nothing 'new' about the storyline the characters or even the dancing. They're moves we've seen before and they're stories we've heard and they're people we recognise.

The Cast

I'm just going to focus on the two main characters because frankly they're the ones you see the most and have to grow to love or hate to make a film. The other reason I'm focusing on these two actors is because they're not very well known. But...I do have to say KUDOS to: Dennis Quaid, Ray McKinnon and Milles Teller who made this movie bearable.

Kenny Wormald - Sure this guy can dance and his acting was not too bad. The only thing that bothered me was there was nothing too "Wow!" about him. He could have easily blended into that town rather than stood apart like his character was supposed to. I think there wasn't enough dialogue for Wormald to really build his character from the ground up. Stepping back, I don't remember is heroic speech (which is probably because he misquoted my favourite book in the world to make his point) I remembered his awesome dance moves. That's sad isn't it? But I commend him - I just felt in order to be the lead you need something that will catapult you to the position. No doubt his dancing was a spring board, but the dialogue was not springy enough to push his talents to the top.

Julianne Hough - There is no doubt that she can move and she communicates her attitude well, but I just think her character spent too much time looking pretty rather than actually being a rebel child. She was literally modelling rather than acting. Again I have to say it's the lack of dialogue in this film that caused this. I'm all for body language when it comes to dance films, but there was nothing in the dancing that propelled me to think, "Oh, well that says a lot!" It was all very linear - you could pin point at which parts Ren and Ariel were going to like each other and when they hated each other. No real surprise.

The Dancing

Top notch, but nothing new. The only thing I really liked was when Willard (Teller) finally learned to dance and he busts out on the dance floor at the end. His journey was the best :P

Overall

Look, if you're looking for a good movie that involves not thinking, this is it. The biblical references are twisted to suit the movie and are inaccurate, so it's not preaching to you - you'd probably have more fun reading the context of the verses quoted rather than sitting through this film to have a good time. If you like dance films purely for the dancing than go see it, otherwise, I would recommend seeing another film.

sL Star Rating: 1 Star

Next on sL: I introduce you to The Nth Degree :D

FILM: Crazy, Stupid, Love

Cal and Emily Weaver (Steve Carell and Julianne Moore) were your typical couple having a date night, when Emily drops a word-bomb at dessert – she wants a divorce. Cal is numbed by the shock conclusion to their evening. One moment they were talking about sharing a dessert the next she’s talking about sleeping with her work mate, David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon).

Devastated and a little awkward after the settlements, Cal finds himself at a bar, with a watered-down vodka and at the mercy of lady’s man, Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Teaching him the tricks of the bachelor’s trade, Jacob becomes his Miyagi through bachelorhood. At first, Cal thinks it’s all ridiculous, but as soon as he gets into the swing of things, he finds that all the meaningless one night stands isn’t helping him move on, it’s only keeping him cold in a hot bed of desire.

Trying to be a father and a role model for his thirteen-year-old son, Cal needs to make a choice between moving on and letting go or holding on and fighting for what he once had.

The Story

I have to say, this was one of those movies where I thought it would be easy to determine the ending. At first it was, but every time I thought a character would have a bigger role, they didn’t and every time I thought one person wouldn’t be in the movie for too long, they were always there!

It wasn’t just that characters that surprised me, but how they intertwined with one another. The film resonates with Love Actually and Valentines Day, not in the sense that it’s trying to put as many popular faces in front of an audience in a way that locks them to each other, but rather how the lives of the characters are interlocked with one another - innocently and unexpectedly. At a certain point you sit in your seat thinking, “What? No!!!” – trust me, you’ll know when!

The Cast

Steve Carell and Julianne Moore are just an amazing duo. From the beginning you can feel the detachment between their characters, but you also see Moore’s character trying to hang-on to what they had when they were younger. They have a great parental dynamic as separated parents trying to ease their kids into the early stages of the divorce. Throughout the film there’s a sense that you do want them to get back together but you’re also not sure if that’s a great idea. Carell and Moore just have this great balance that make you believe they could re-do their marriage and fight against the speed bumps, but you can also see that if it doesn’t work out it’s not the end of the world, there’s still a possibility of being friends at the end.

Ryan Gosling was just hilarious in this movie! Suave and clean-cut, he was just a womanizer on a prowl. As Jacob mentors Cal, you can’t help but laugh at Gosling’s ease with insulting Carell’s character and again when it’s beautifully reversed when Jacob seeks Cal’s help later on in the film. But there’s another aspect of Jacob that Emma Stone’s character, Hannah, brings out that Gosling beautifully submits to when Jacob is captivated by Hannah in their second encounter.

Emma Stone is as easy going on film as ever. Her character is strong and smart, but just a little complacent in her relationship. As her best-friend Liz (played by Liza Lapira) tries to push her beyond her “PG-13” living, Hannah is reluctant until she’s pushed to her limits. At this point, Hannah breaks through Jacob’s suave tricks, even if that’s what she wants at that time, and falls into a bed of honesty rather than desire. What’s really great about Stone is her ease in making a romantic moment really comical. She’s mastered the art of comedy and allows usually awkward suggestive scenes to have a lighter aspect – I’m not saying she makes sex look funny, I’m simply saying her diversion in the film was brilliant on her part and excellent in writer, Dan Fogelman's part.

Analeigh Tipton and Jonah Bobo added another great dynamic to the film as the naïve little love struck teens. They're the kids still trying to figure out love from those around them and even attempting to get the love from certain individuals. I love the cat and mouse relationship they have as the Bobo’s character, Robbie, tries to convince Tipton’s character, Jessica, that they’re “soul mates”. Naïve, but really sweet...in a creepy kind of way.

Overall

It’s a great film overall. Lots of laughing and not much of tear jerker. Safe to take you boyfriend to and a great choice if you’re taking your girlfriend out to the cinemas. It highlights a different picture of divorce than that of other films that I’ve seen previously. It focuses on the early stages, the first year actually, so it gives a great insight on how as individuals, Cal and Emily are still in love but that love’s been a little damaged and it takes more than saying I’m sorry to fix everything.

sL Star Rating: 3.5 Stars

Next on sL: Footlose

BLOG: Changes Coming Up...

Dear Faithful Readers,

It has come to my attention that in the past year you have all been loyal to all my little spats and quirks from Justin Bieber rants to McFly promotions and I thank you all for that. As you've seen in the past 19 months there have been some relatively 'big' changes:

• Opening a Twitter account (twitter.com/strictlyLeisure) and
• Tumblr (strictlyleisure.tumblr.com)
• as well as changing from "stricKlyLeisure" to "stricTlyLeisure".

Along as the small:

• I no longer review "LIVE Shows" - just concerts,
• I also gave up on book reviews (since I didn't have time to read them and then review them for you guys)
• and I have been active on my YouTube Channel (youtube.com/stricklyMEH)

There are MORE changes coming along that I need to let you guys know about.

• Taylor Swift's 2012 Speak Now Tour may be my last ever concert that I will review. Since Miss Swift was my first review, I saw it fit that she would be my last. Depending on me calendar, her concert may be the last concert I share with you guys. If not...
• New Empire's 2011 Symmetry Tour will be my final concert that I will review.

The reason for these changes is that concerts eat a lot out of my pockets. The tickets are usually well priced, but when transport, food and paraphernalia are added to the mix it's not as appealing to do too often (as a Uni student anyway!). So, as soon as I make a decision about Taylor Swift, I'll let you guys know which will be my last concert.

• Books and DVDs (rented films) are also being taken off the list.

Like I said, it was taking too long for me to read books and I watch movies at the cinemas too often to need to hire more films out. It's actually cheaper for me to do my mini-movie-marathons than hiring out new releases. So that's why they're coming off the list as well.

***

Which means as early as next year, I will only be reviewing movies (in cinemas) and music. But don't stress! If I go to a gig, I will share as many photos and videos I can on my Facebook and YouTube Channel. So you won't miss out on much from that end. At the end of each year I will also make a video about books I recommend - just in time for Christmas!

So don't worry! Not too many changes, it's been a long time coming anyway. So what I'm saying is not too much if a surprise. :P

Thank you all again for reading my stuff, I really appreciate it.

God bless and Lots of Love,

sL xxx

Next on sL: Crazy, Stupid Love.

NEW ALBUM: New Empire - Symmetry

SYMMETRY has been out for exactly a week and it’s already sold out across the nation! 2011 is shaping up to be a great year for New Empire as they’ve been on the road with the likes of Good Charlotte, Owl City and soon, Simple Plan. With a track record like that, it seems only fitting to release their second album as well as their own national tour later on this year.

From the consensus, there have already been favourites picked out by fans from this long awaited album after two weeks of previews. Songs such as: Here In Your Eyes, Give Me The World, Train On Time and One Heart / Million Voices have resounded through the crowds throughout the nation.

Just like Speak Now, I’ve reviewed Symmetry song-by-song and added my favourite lines from each song. Enjoy!

***

Across The Oceans

“In coming home you’ll find you’ll have all you need.”

What I really like about this song is the drum beat that is complemented by the acoustic riff. When I listen to this song I think of Pirates of the Caribbean and Pocahontas all in one. Especially in the second verse, where Jeremy sings about buried treasure and the anticipation of hitting the unknown shores. This song talks about a journey all across the world and yet finding that there’s no place like home.

The first time I heard this song I was lying in my bed at 3am and I was thinking, “I could really get up and dance right now.” (I didn’t, because I was up at an ungodly hour!) But seriously, it’s one of those songs that you can’t stand still to. You have to be bopping your head, tapping your foot or mouthing along to the lyrics.

Train On Time

“You just have to know, that I can’t let you go.”

Who doesn’t like a song with a ‘call and response’ aspect to it? What’s really good about this song is the music coincides with the story it’s telling. There’s a sense of urgency that the music builds up until the final moments where it dies down – like the person running is taking a breath from their run – and then the chase picks up again.

Did anyone notice the paradox between the story and the title of the song?

“When your head says, ‘Go, ’cause they’re coming after you, like a train on time.”

The protagonist is running away and the people running after her are ‘like a train on time’. Usually when you go to catch a train you’re hoping it’s on time, but in this simile she’s hoping that there’ll be a delay, but there’s an expectation that she will be caught (because they’re ‘on time’). That is, she can keep running, but she may never get away.

Moving away from my English student persona – this song really pushes you to run. I recommend playing it while you’re exercising. Sadly, yes, I have done this – but exercise is exercise! Why not?! Or dance - which ever is fine!

Give Me The World

“So count me in, you can count on me.”

Music wise, it’s very rock-ish and different to all the other songs that we’ve previously heard from New Empire. It’s definitely one of the louder tracks on the album and it’s one of those songs that you belt out.

Lyrically though I can’t pin down who the speaker is asking the world from, neither can I see from who’s perspective it is being sung. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I just think it’s a little too simple to say that it’s coming from a guy who is saying it to the girl. Or maybe it is…the story behind this song is a little ambiguous as to who the lyrics are talking about. Another perspective I can think of is God talking to His people – but then the entire song breaks down. Like, why would God need the world and then give it back? (John 15:18-25)

To be honest, I may just be reading into the song. (Which is probably that English student rearing in her ugly head!) But whenever I listen or sing this song, it’s the question that runs through my head; my question aside, this song is worth a listen and is one you can rock out to.

Ghosts

“I’m chasing shadows as they surround you in this empty room.”

At first I didn’t really like this song. I thought it was just a little too different. The only way I can explain my discomfort is if you type in “McFly” into iTunes and compare their earlier tuff to their current album (Above the Noise). There’s a conscious change in the musical direction and it’s similar to what New Empire have chosen to do with Symmetry.

With Ghosts I just felt like it wasn’t New Empire. But what ‘salvaged’ this song from the skip button are the lyrics. I’m not saying that the music is terrible – it’s just a little too common (different to New Empire’s sound, but similar to many others already being played all around the world). What I like to do with this song is just sit and listen to the lyrics. Unlike Across The Oceans - where you need to be moving - this song just allows you to sit or laydown to contemplate.

I like poetry; so songs with great imagery, allusions and ambiguities capture my attention – and this is one of those songs. I guess the reason I didn’t like it at first was because I saw the video clip before I heard the song. I was focusing a little more on the story of the video than the song. Relax guys; I did like the video clip. I’m pretty sure I’m part of the 100% of New Empire fans who enjoyed the running on the beach, but my favourite part was at the end. As the song finished and they're all slowly disappearing and eventually all you can see are the piano keys playing themselves.

Tightrope

“Keeping your balance is easy when you are sure of the promise that you’ll never fall.”

My favourite song from this album since 16.07.11 (Here In Your Eyes Tour). I loved this song two months before I heard it through and through. The strings at the beginning, the claps in the verses and the metaphor of a tightrope – sold!

What I really like about this song when I heard it live was the mixture of not knowing the song and having to appreciate it as a wall of sound that embraces you - it was just utter bliss. It was a little hard to hear Jeremy, so all I could decipher was, “You could’ve lied to me…and would you write to me…the hardest part is giving up.” When I got the album and heard the song all the way through, I was really encouraged and inspired by it.

Like I told you guys on Tumblr, sometimes confidence in something you’re not sure you can do is all you need. There’s a part of all of us that hesitates before we take that first step, but we all need to know that there’s always going to be a bar in our hands that will help us keep our balance. Even at the point when we feel like we’re about to fall, we need to know that there’s always going to be someone there to catch us. In truth, the hardest part is not trying, but “giving up”.

Worth The Wait

“I wanna say that you have been worth the wait.”

Another rocky song that requires a series of head banging! Don’t hate me for saying this, but the entire theme of the song kind of reminds me of Taylor Swift’s, Change and Long Live. When I listen to this song I see this image that you only get in those great epic movies when the war is over.

You know what I mean? The mise-en-scene where the hero stands at the centre looking over the damage, but as the sun rises it’s not just him that you see. You also see his men and they’re standing perfectly diagonal on either side of him and they all have that look. The whole, “It is finished.”

Yeah, I watch to many movies. Let me know if you feel the same way when you listen to this song. (Does anyone else get a picture of King David when they listen to this song?!)

Staircase

“I will give you all of my soldier’s heart.”

It does have that R’n’B feel to it, much like One Republic’s, Apologise. Much like Ghost, it’s the lyrics that saved this song from being skipped. But in saying that, what I love the most is the dynamics in the chorus with Jeremy’s falsettos.

I am a little hesitant to say that I prefer the piano version that you get on iTunes over the original because the song overall is not overly embedded with the heavy R’n’B beats, it just has minor elements. As a whole the song is rather quiet so there’s not big difference between the acoustic version and the original track.

Aside from that, I like that it’s kind of like a little prayer. Similar to Tightrope, it gives me the sense of pushing through even if the fight is harder than you thought. Listening to this song I get that feeling that it's ok to ask for help, because it's always there to be found.

Long Way Home

“I will fight for your every word, from years of fighting for me first.”

Another one of my favourites and it’s definitely one of the quieter tracks. I like this song because this is definitely a ballad of surrendering all that you are for a greater cause. I love knowing that this life is not to be done alone – that it’s supposed to be done together, and this song just depicts that beautifully.

I get the image of Footprints whenever I hear this song. The image that God is always walking along side us and whenever we come across challenges He’s right there with us – even better He’s gone a head of us. This song stirs my spirit to a place of security and peace. It’s a really encouraging song, especially on this narrow road we walk.

Here In Your Eyes

“As I run through this forest, I’m just a child inside.”

The first single from this album and I have to say, the first time I heard this song I was a little shocked to recognise Jeremy’s voice! I had been so out of the New Empire loop (two years to be exact!) that I felt like I didn’t even know who they were anymore!

But when I saw the video lip, I was like, “This is a great song!” I love that you can dance and sing to it all at the same time. I also like the whole idea of past and present colliding in a moment of bliss. This song is like a secret between two friends that’s been communicated through a single glance.

Imagination

“Do they really need us back in the real world?”

This song reminds me of reading a book or trying to stay asleep when you’re having a great dream. Who doesn’t like to delve into their imagination every now and again? When I listen to this song, I close my eyes and see what it brings to life. Nothing freakish like new worlds or psychedelic metric shapes or anything like that! More like memories of good times I’ve had with family and friends or stories I’ve read or even moments where I was just really happy.

It’s so cheery with the drums and the piano, you can’t help but think of the good things – or see the positive in the negative. There’s always something good, no matter how bad things seem.

One Heart / Million Voices

“Hold on to the words they taught us.”

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have this song as his or her new anthem. The quiet start all the way through to the second chorus just has you contemplating over the words being sung. It talks about promises that are being whispered throughout life that remains with those who are willing to listen. If you listen carefully the heart the beats inside of you may resound the voices that have come long before; voices who listened to those promises.

I’m not going to say much about this song because I generally don’t have many words to explain how encouraging this song is; and because I know you many of you love this song.

Overall

The album is perfect for your everyday commute and chillaxing with friends. I have to admit that some of the slower songs resonate with Jeremy’s solo album, Diamonds Without A Name, but it’s definitely the New Empire that people have known and new fans have grown to love. To secure your copy, be sure to call your nearest JB Hi-Fi / Koorong stores so they can order/save a copy for you. It’s also available on iTunes with TWO bonus tracks and a digital copy of the lyric booklet. I’m pretty sure it’ll be available when the tour starts as well. (PS. If you click the titles for Give Me the World, Ghosts and Here In Your Eyes they'll take you to the video clips.)

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: CHANGES to sL

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Owl City - All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour

OWL CITY

Literally a month after New Empire I was back at The Metro Theatre with my hands raised and voice warmed up for Mr. Adam Young – aka. OWL CITY!!! Here’s how the night went…

Breanne Duren

Breanne Duren started the night with her smooth, soft tunes to set the evening’s atmosphere. With nothing but her keyboard and her unique voice to get this show going, Breanne serenaded the audiences with her solo tunes. Encouraging us to dance for her final two songs and with voluntary ‘clap-alongs’ (as well as swaying from time to time!) for her earlier songs, it was soon established that this night was one where you would not stand still – and what kind of concert would that be!!!

I have tremendous respect for Breanne since she acted very professionally when a member of the audience was yelling out obscene things while she was performing. She kept a smile on her face and kept speaking to the rest of us, even if the person in question was yelling over the top of her. (Mental note to audiences: please DON’T come to a concert drunk. Others: Don’t laugh or give them death eyes if they do, it’ll only encourage them.) Otherwise, Breanne started the night brilliantly – I only hope I could’ve told her how much respect I had to her to her face. Nevertheless, I had a great time swaying, clapping and clicking with the crowd! (KUDOS to the young lady next to me who knew all the words to Breanne’s songs!)

New Empire

Do I really need to talk about this band?! Seeing as I reviewed their Sydney show a month ago, I’ll make it quick!

As always Jez, Pete, Kale, Kyle and Thom were a blast to sing and dance along with. New or old songs I was jumping and clapping. I surprised myself a little when I knew the words to some of the new songs - slips in the reminder: SYMMETRY release 16^th September 2011.

For more on this band see my last blog post: stricklyleisure.blogspot.com/2011/07/here-in-your-eyes.html

OWL CITY

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you’re in Sydney, Australia? The Opera House? Harbour Bridge? No. For Adam Young it’s, “P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney!!!” The crowd was up in a roar of laughter with Adam’s hello and his instrumental start. Entering to the sound of owl’s hooting (appropriate, right?) Owl City picked up where New Empire left off and expressed his delight of being with his Sydney fans on a beautiful Tuesday night.

Playing songs from Ocean Eyes and his current album, All Things Bright and Beautiful, the crowd was not short in knowing all the lyrics and joining Adam and the rest of the band in their dancing. Adam waved his hands about to keep us in time like a professional conductor as we happy sang along. Fans showed their appreciation as favourites like: Cave In, Hello Seattle, Meteor Shower, The Tip of the Iceberg, Vanilla Twilight, The Real World, Deer in the Headlights, Angels, Galaxies, Alligator Skies, The Yacht Club and more filled The Metro.

And what would a night be without their most popular song: FIREFLIES!!! Without a doubt, the beloved song was not short in voices as the entire first chorus was sung by the crowd. With a grin on their faces Owl City danced along with us. That’s what happens when we nocturnal few prefer “to stay awake when we’re sleep”.

The entire night Adam told us bits and pieces of his adventured here in Australia. From eating fish‘n’chips on the beach or shopping for Ugg Boots, his stories were never short of a chuckle or a cheer. One thing I loved the most was Adam’s some-what interpretive dance, whether it was with his guitar or just in general – it as infectious (and painful for me the next morning! Worth it!)!!!

I was absolutely glad when I heard my two personal favourites: Meteor Shower and Galaxies. These songs are such powerful songs about the incredible love and grace of God. Simple in their lyrics and absolutely dynamic in their musicality, I was put into a flash back to Easter Fest with Hawk Nelson. Jason said, “We have the best job in the world. Touring and making music are not just routines – it’s our ministry.” Such powerful words of truth! And I’m glad they’re not the only ones who see their passion for music as a ministry.

Overall…

BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT NIGHT!!! I seriously have never danced and cheered so hard in my life (sorry New Empire!)! I was so glad to have shared it with a close friend and I’m glad she had a great night out. Happy engagement Miss Lord!!! (Yes her last name is ‘L.o.r.d.’)

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars!

Next: SYMMETRY

FILM: Green Lantern

Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) was your typical daredevil pilot who loves a challenge. The only thing is, the challenge is sometimes facing his fear of being close to people. Scared by his emotional past, Hal has not been able to commit to anything. While he deals with his own problems on earth, the fate of the universe is in peril as a new threat has been released from its bondage.

Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison), leader of the Green Lanterns (the intergalactic space rangers who keep the peace), has been hit by Parallax (voiced by Clancy Brown) and must now flee to find a suitable replacement – which brings us back to earth.

The prerequisite to be chosen as a Green Lantern is to be fearless. When fear is a noun rather than a verb and is about to destroy your home planet, quitting is not an option. With his ring on his finger and his greatest power – will – at hand (pun not intended), Hal comes face to face with Fear and it’s a fight to the death.

The Story

Much like Thor I’m not big expert on the comic book story, so I have to take what I’ve been given. The whole idea of personifying (or should I say ‘alienifying’) fear is a little cliché. Removing the great names of ‘Green Lantern’ and ‘Parallax’, this is a story about facing your fears.

The storyline was sweet and simple wrapped in some warped science-fiction theme with cool masks and super-suits. But let’s face it. You can’t really have enough ‘face your fears’ movies can you?

The Cast

I’ll be honest, at first I wasn’t so sure if Ryan Reynolds was a great option for a super-hero film. Coming from his Wade Wilson/ Deadpool character from X-Men Origins: Wolverine role where he was comical, I just did not think his comedic charm was appropriate for a super hero film. And you know what? I think I’m right. Agree or disagree with me, you know that the comedic lines in this film were going to be 100% delivered perfectly by the comedy star. Don’t get me wrong! I’m not bagging Reynolds out! It’s just usually the comic relief comes from the supporting actors not the protagonist in super hero films – so I think it’s a fresh take on the whole genre. Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t super heroes usually disturbed (Batman) or somehow depressed (Superman) – Green Lantern (according to cartoons) is the same. I suppose it’s a nice change to have a super hero who can nail the punch line once in a while.

Blake Lively in her brunette appearance delivered a very good portrayal of Carol Ferris, Hal’s childhood friend and love interest. Strong, smart and dangerous in flight, Lively lives up to her name and brought her character to life in order to resonate with many women today. Carol is the epitome of a woman who can hold a career and yet still want a solid relationship with someone. But as the storyline would have it, Hal’s not the ‘commitment type’. Nevertheless, she was amazing – Carol is definitely far from her Gossip Girl or Sisterhood roles. This is definitely a more serious role for Blake.

Peter Sarsgaard who plays Parallax’s protégé on earth, Hector Hammond, was a great super villain! He totally freaked me out and amazed me when fear consumed his entire being. I love how he fits in the political scene along with the climax of the film and even the romance dynamic of the plot. I think he’s one of the best super villains that I actually believe in. There’s a sense of humanity in him, unlike the Joker or Magneto (in the first few X-men films). I think it’s because he fit so well into the entirety of the film that he’s believable.

Mark Strong, aka. Sinestro was a great contrast to Reynolds’ comic presence. It would make sense considering he’s the predecessor of the Green Lantern company. He balanced out all the funny tones that Reynolds’ character had and made Hal a little more believable in terms of the film’s focus on his humanity. (Kudos to the writers in that regard.)

The Graphics

100% brilliant! All the cool will-made weapons were so well thought through and coincided with the personalities of each Green Lantern. I thought that was cool. I love that you knew that theses abilities weren’t real. Because their weapons were made from their imagination, the graphics were a little easier to marvel at (or laugh at).

The green screen scenes are hardly worth talking about really – I mean it’s a super hero movie. Majority of super hero films are all strings and green screen anyway! I supposed all I can say is: you turn a blind eye to the unrealistic because you knowingly submit yourself to the fictitious images on the screen.

Overall…

It a typical super hero movie – nothing new besides the inversion of who brings the comic relief. The storyline wasn’t anything new – just engulfed in a different hero. Graphics were cool, better than Thor. That’s about it.

sL Star Rating: 3.5 Stars – it just didn’t surprise me.

Next: OWL CITY!!!