Entertainment Stuff

Alright Alright Alright

Figured I would indulge you all in what movies/television/music i’ve been absorbing over the last few months. I hope those who read this like my picks or check them out if they haven’t heard/viewed them yet!

Television

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix

A woman is rescued from a doomsday cult and starts life over again in New York City.

IMDB

Like most people around me, I’ve already watched the whole season of TUKS in a few days. The Netflix binge watching model was in full stride that weekend, but in reality, there are only thirteen episodes all about 22 minutes long, so there wasn’t that much to watch. The show is hilarious and has a neat premise that works very well. All the characters deliver, with Kimmy herself being a standout character. In my opinion the funniest character and breakout star of the show is Titus Andromedon, who plays the role of Kimmy’s  gay eccentric roommate. The show is filled with great sight gags and smaller jokes that require you to pay attention. If you are a fan of 30 Rock you would like this show as it is very similar (Tina Fey involved in both). The theme song is awesome too.

Trailer

True Detective – HBO

An anthology police detective series in which investigations seem to unearth both personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within or outside the law.

IMDB

Finally got around to watching the show everyone was going crazy about, and boy did it ever deliver. Where to start? The acting is terrific, especially from the two leads Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, with bonus points going to MM for being amazing in this show. Their characters highlight the good and bad in people and how it can help or hinder us in numerous situations. The mystery is engaging and the settings are spot on. There is one episode in particular that had me in suspense the whole episode and had some awesome camera work. The show also had a dual storyline of the main characters in the present discussing their work in the past, an aspect I really enjoyed. I don’t want to say much about the mystery, but I highly recommend anyone who loves good television to watch this show. I hope season two (with whole new characters and story) will deliver as well.

Trailer

Supernatural – The CW

Two brothers follow their father’s footsteps as “hunters” fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.

IMDB

Supernatural is a show I’ve been meaning to watch for ages now. Most of the show is on Netflix, so I decided to give it a try. I’m nearly done of the second season now and I am really enjoying myself. A lot of the first two seasons deal with horror cliches or stories I am familiar with already, but there are small enough differences on how the show presents them that keeps me engaged. The two brothers are great characters and you can tell they really care for each other. They bounce off each other very well and they feel very genuine to me. They both have their flaws and clash with each other often, but are usually able to work things out. There is also a lot of humour in the show, which is nice to see since most of the plot is pretty grim. The main story is interesting so far and I’m excited where it goes. Supernatural has been on for a long time and I am curious to see what happens in all those seasons.

Season 1 Trailer

Movies

Kingsman: The Secret Service – Directed by Matthew Vaughn

A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

IMDB

Fun Fun Fun is what I would say about this movie. The movie is both over the top but grounded in reality for the most part. The action scenes are off the chain amazing, one scene is particular had me laughing in awe at its’ craziness. Good spy movies can be hard to pull off, especially when incorporating great style, young characters and humour. This movie pulls it all off very well and blends everything together smoothly and in unique ways. The characters are likeable and the villain is not your average/cliche bad guy. If you’re looking for a good time with a movie, look no further.

Trailer

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind – Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Warrior/pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.

IMDB

Hayao Miyazaki directs some brilliant animated movies, some being my favourite films of all time. I’ve been meaning to watch Nausicaa for a long time, the movie being one of his earlier directing efforts. Well, I was rewarded with a great viewing experience filled with beautiful animation, an engaging story and unique locals. There is something about the animation that makes you feel comfortable and almost vulnerable too, it draws you in so well. One thing I love about his movies are the quiet moments, from someone flying (there are some sweet flying scenes in this movie) or a character just looking at something in their room. It makes you feel part of the world, because not everything happens a mile per minute. The story takes us all around to different sceneries and the futuristic plot is different enough from other similar stories. Terrific world building is how I could describe this movie.

Trailer

John Wick – Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch (uncredited)

An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.

IMDB

John Wick is everything, John Wick is life. But seriously, John Wick is an amazing movie. It starts with such a simple premise and spirals into a crazy world full of hitmen, gold coins and bad ass kills. Keanu Reeves is perfectly cast as out of retirement hitman JW and pulls off some awesome action skills and takedowns in this movie. The movie takes place in an interesting world and makes the viewer wonder more about it. There is a hotel where all the hitmen stay and gather intel (and where killing is supposed to be off limits). John Wick has history with so many people in this movie, other hitmen, people who clean up after a shootout and even cops! I really wanted to learn more about this hitman world and about John (I think a sequel looks promising). The kill count is insane, the story goes to crazy places and John Wick is a man amongst boys, please watch.

Trailer

Music

Kate Bush’s voice in this song is so weird and mesmerizing that I can’t stop listening to it.

I’ve always liked America, “Sister Golden Hair” being one of my favourites. Recently came across this song they did later in their careers and find it very catchy.

Heard this song for the first time in a long while at trivia one night and have been listening to it regularly since. Never noticed Mick Jagger sings along too.

This song came on a Spotify playlist I was listening too and I can’t stop playing it. I love the beat and the lyrics I find so funny. Something fun to groove to.

This is a newer song playing a lot these days. I find it very fun and actually does make me want to dance a little. It’s pretty tame but I’m into it.

So yeah, these are some of the things I’ve been listening too/watching for the last few months. I hope anyone reading this seeks out some of my selections and likes them too! Feel free to leave a comment on my picks or what entertainment you’ve been into lately!

Recent Viewings

I figured I would make an update on what I’ve been watching and listening to over the last month or so.

Television:

Hannibal

Explores the early relationship between the renowned psychiatrist and his patient, a young FBI criminal profiler, who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers

IMDB

Hannibal is a show I started watching when it aired but got away from after three episodes. Since then, season one and two have been critically acclaimed and my friends who have watched it all won’t shut up about it. Since both seasons were on Netflix and season three is in production, I figured I would get back into it. Hannibal is a show I both like and am annoyed at. I think the acting, design, mood and imagery are amazing (show creator Brian Fuller is known for this). The actual story drives me nuts because Hannibal is such a slippery character and the other characters are so oblivious at times. I guess that is the point, Hannibal is a master at what he does. It will be interesting when the show starts introducing plots from Silence of the Lambs (which I am most familiar with). Check it out if you’re looking for a show with great ambience and tone, but be wary at how nuts it will make you!

The 100

Set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity’s lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet.

IMDB

The 100 was recommended to me by a friend and I cautiously decided to check it out. The 100 is a show on the CW, and I know their shows can be hit or miss (especially when teen characters are involved). Colour me surprised when the show really drew me in. The plot is immediately interesting if you are into dystopian futures and space stories. I like the dual plot of the kids on the ground and the adults up above in the Ark. Both storylines deliver and feel important. There is a lot of forward momentum too, the characters don’t stop to linger or have filler episodes. The female cast is terrific too with half the cast being primary female characters in leadership roles. Usually in these shows there are a few grown worthy characters we don’t care about, but so far most have been consistent and engaging. The special effects and scenery are actually well done for a show like this too.  The show is currently airing season two with no word on season three as of yet.

Misfits

A group of young offenders doing community service get struck by lightning during a storm, and begin to develop superpowers.

IMDB

Misfits is a British show that I’ve been watching on and off over the years. The first three seasons follow the same five/six characters and has a solid conclusion for them. I stopped after that for a while, but decided to try season four which has a whole new cast (save two characters). I was a bit apprehensive about it since I really liked the original cast, but the new cast isn’t too bad actually. The stories are still interesting and I found season four to be really funny. The only real problem came with the powers, they were underused fairly often but it strangely didn’t take too much away from the story. I will probably watch the last season when it’s available (Netflix only has up to season four). If you ever had an interest in the show I would definitely recommend it, there are only seven or eight episodes a season so it is a quick burn.

Movies:

Interstellar

A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in an attempt to find a potentially habitable planet that will sustain humanity.

IMDB

Before seeing Interstellar, I was fairly hyped for it. Anything directed by Christopher Nolan is worth seeing just to see what he does. I am a sucker for science fiction stories set in space, so this seemed right up my alley. I tried to stay in the dark on the movie because I wanted it to surprise me. Well, I finally saw it and I really enjoyed it. The story was intriguing enough to bring me in and the space scenes were incredible. I thought some of the science dialogue would go over my head, but everything was explained very straightforward. The ending is a bit strange and a tad coincidental, but I liked it. It is worth seeing along for ambitious filmmaking and if you want something to think about for a few days afterwards.

Big Hero 6

The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

IMDB

Ah, Disney’s first animated offering based on a Marvel property, and it delivers. Big Hero 6 was a great ride, filled with gorgeous visuals and style. The characters (which I knew very little of beforehand) delivered in numerous ways and had their own unique identities. The is a lot of genuine emotion to be found in the movie too. What can I say, everything just looked so cool and authentic, I wanted to be in that city!

Pumpkinhead

A man conjures up a gigantic vengeance demon called Pumpkinhead to destroy the teenagers who accidentally killed his son.

IMDB

I didn’t get the chance to talk much about Halloween or horror movies last month because of work (two things I love). I was able to watch a few horror movies after work and I came across this gem on Netflix. The movie oozes with ambience and actually has a neat setup story that takes its’ time and introduces us to the characters and settings. The actual “monster” action doesn’t even start until halfway through. The title character of Pumpkinhead was very well designed and looked and moved convincingly. I actually felt bad when some of the teen characters died or were in danger, which doesn’t always happen in these slasher(ish) movies. If you are looking for a horror movie sometime, give this baby a try.

Music:

Thought I would post some songs I’ve been listening to lately.

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger

I’ve been on an Oasis kick lately. They made some great songs, but I like this one the most.

Brandon Flowers – Magdalena

Mentioned in an earlier post that The Killers are one of my favourite bands. For those who don’t know, Brandon Flowers is the lead singer of the band and this song is from his solo album. There are some great tracks on his album, this one being my favourite.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood – The Power Of Love

One of the characters on Misfits sang this song during a scene and I really liked it. I was surprised to see it was done by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who I thought was just that one hit wonder band who did “Relax”.

Yes – The Calling

Yes is a great band. They produce songs that are truly unique and layered. This one by them has been a favourite for the last bit and really gets me pumped!

Head East – Never Been Any Reason

Good old classic rock song.

This has been a taste of what I’ve been up to lately, hope to get back to updating my blog more often!

Checkemout

Sometimes I just can’t decide what to write about next. One moment I feel like writing about movies and then decide maybe television instead. I think when I don’t have a clearcut idea, I’ll try something else. Since things like to happen in threes, I’m going to list off a few recommendations from different mediums. I figure that will cover my bases and let me focus on something I really want to write about.

Movies

Boyhood (2014) – Directed by Richard Linklater

The life of a young man, Mason, from age 5 to age 18.

IMDB

Boyhood was a great joy to watch. While the plot is nothing crazy, the growth and change that happens to the characters and surroundings is fun to watch unfold. I felt the movie resonated a lot with me as well. Since I was close in age with the “boy” of the movie, I myself remember certain music or popular styles being showcased over the years. I felt as though I could watch this boy’s whole life if the movie played long enough. A risky project for the director that turned out great.

Mean Girls (2004) – Directed by Mark Waters

Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.

IMDB

Mean Girls is hilarious and never gets old. This is a perfect teen comedy for both guys and girls (don’t let the title fool you). So many memorable characters and a who’s who of actors and actresses (many have gone on to be more famous). The jokes are great and come from each character, the comedy is spread out thick. If I had to choose a favourite, it would probably be Damien, he delivers on every line. A lot of people think the “teen” comedy movie genre is in bad shape these days, but Mean Girls is a terrific example on how to nail it.

Indie Game: The Movie (2012) – Directed by James Swirsky and Lisanne Pajot

A documentary that follows the journeys of indie game developers as they create games and release those works, and themselves, to the world.

IMDB

I love watching a good documentary, especially one about video games. This is a great video game documentary because it focuses on independent video game creators (if that wasn’t obvious in the title) and the struggle they go through to make games near and dear to their heart. I also like the movie because it gives the viewer a behind the scenes experience of how these games are made and advertised to the public. You can tell the guys behind these games are truly passionate in what they do and treat their games like a child. Check it out and play the games!

Television

Sherlock (2010) – BBC

A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London.

IMDB

Took me a while, but I finally took the plunge on this terrific television series. What took me so long? Well, I’ve seen my fair share of Sherlock Holmes adaptations and I wasn’t in the mood for another. Finally, my girlfriend convinced me one night and I haven’t looked back. First of all, the modern day retelling is crafted very well. Both Sherlock and Watson are portrayed by terrific actors and shine with the writing (which is great as well). The relationship between the pair is ever growing and quite charming. The show is just oozing with fun moments, like when Sherlock is using deduction on someone or when they have a true mystery on their hands. The comedic elements are aplenty and hilarious too.

Lost (2004) – ABC

The survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.

IMDB

You could say this was my first “mature adult” show. Before watching lost, I was still kicking around the usual kid channels and couldn’t look away when I saw my parents watching this new show one night. I decided to watch it too and I ended up loving every minute of it and didn’t miss a new episode until its’ conclusion six seasons later. There is a lot to like about “Lost”, starting with the cast of characters. It’s an expansive cast, that’s for sure, but there’s so many interesting characters that we learn about (or lose). The show was naturally mysterious and full of intrigue and action, and taking place on a (somewhat) deserted island added to these elements. The show was also famous for its’ use of flashbacks for the characters and elements of time (past and future). It’s no surprise why the show became so huge and I can’t wait to watch it all again in a few years once I start to forget the specifics.

Freaks and Geeks (1999) – NBC

A television show about two unique groups of teenagers dealing with life in high school during the 80’s.

IMDB

Talk about a show that ended too soon. Freaks and Geeks is one of best shows about teenagers. The show excels at being both a drama and a comedy. The acting is very well done and the cast is full of future stars, such as James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini and just about everyone else. Freaks and Geeks took place in the early 80s and does a great representation of the time period in numerous ways (clothing, pop culture, music). The music in this show is terrific and includes some awesome tunes in each episode that fits the period exactly. The greatest moments in the show feel truly genuine and as if it could happen to you. The comedy moments are hysterical, especially from the geeks. It’s too bad the show didn’t get more seasons, but the cast and crew (Apatow, Feig) did some even better work afterwards.

Music

Some songs I’m listening to a bunch lately

Love me some Billy Joel! He has some great songs and you can really feel the energy in this song in particular.

Usually I prefer The Beatles over The Stones, but I am a fan of both. This is one of my favourites by the Stones that I can always jam too.

New Order is an amazing band, with lots of little gems. This is probably one of their better known tracks, but is still a beauty.

Such a different song that I come back to every once in a while. The opening is classic.

That’s it for now, until next time!