Quick Take on Alcatraz, The L.A. Complex, Arctic Air, and One Tree Hill season 9

 

Alcatraz

This show reminds me a lot of the first season of Fringe. It took me awhile to really jump on board with Fringe. While I liked the Peter and Walter characters Olivia had to grow on me. The show also started with a case of the week set up before they really started developing the characters and season long arcs. Alcatraz follows the same set up right now. At this point it is a case of the week show with each week revealing a little more about the cast. I'm hoping eventually they will stray away from the case of the week story lines and build a real story arc. If not I'm not sure I'll stay long term. 

I do like the characters for the most part. I like Jorge Garcia's character but to me he will always be Hurley just like Michael Emerson on Person of Interest will always be Ben. It's not their fault that they played great characters on Lost but it's a by product of being on one of my all time favorite shows. Sarah Jones character reminds me a lot of Olivia on Fringe. They are obviously trying to build the character but at this point she is not overly likable. The same goes for the Emerson character but I don't think he is supposed to be truly likable at this point. 

The one thing the show has done is established a great overall mystery that makes you want to keep watching to see how it all happened and why. Those questions are enough to keep me watching for now. 

The L.A. Complex

The previews for the show reminded me of any other CW show except it was made by Canadians and aired on MUCH. Of course I then found out that the CW was already picking it up for spring/summer TV which doesn't surprise me. 

What I did like was that it felt realistic. Nothing comes easy for people on the show. Only one character has a real showbiz job and even he struggles with being the worst actor on his "show."   This is what the reboot of Melrose Place should have been. The show is still growing but it has potential and the cast is mostly likable.

 

Arctic Air

Since learning that CBC actually airs quality TV shows I've followed the shows on the channel a little more then I use to. When I saw the ads for this one I was instantly intrigued. There aren't many shows with an Aboriginal in the lead role. It was nice seeing an Aboriginal actor get lot's of screen time. 

Of course they show early on that he has made mistakes and even has a son that he has nothing to do with (sadly this is quite realistic) but he doesn't come across as a bad guy. Just someone who made mistakes and doesn't really know how to fix it. 

One thing I like about the CBC is that their shows are all character driven rather then story. It's not that there is no story but they always have solid likable casts and Arctic Air is no different. Being on CBC gives it a little more room as far as ratings and as long as the show is on I see myself watching.

One Tree Hill Season 9

I stuck with this show for nine seasons and it's not like I will be giving up on it now that there is only three episodes left but I have no clue what the writers are doing.

It's like they decided that since it was the last season they were going to do whatever they pleased even if  most of it made no sense. Sure the show still has good parts (I enjoy Chris Keller) but I'm not enjoying most of the story lines at this point.  I will give Mark Schwann the benefit of the doubt with the missing Nathan since James Laffety wanted less episodes. 

Most of the character arcs seem to come out of nowhere. I hope they are going somewhere and the season ends up being redeemed but knowing the few spoilers I have seen I have my doubts. Regardless I just hope the ending justifies the means. It just seems like the show got 13 extra episodes and had no clue what to do with them. Considering I liked how season 8 ended they should have just pulled the plug.

Music Monday: Music To Read To (Catching Fire and Mockingjay)

It so often I read a book that I just can't put down. I end up staying up later then I should and being tired for the next few days. This last week I finished the last two books in the Hunger Games trilogy. Two books in three days. If you could World War Z (Which was easy to read and I kind of rushed it ) I read three books in five days since World War Z was a 7 day loan from the library and I had to read and return it before starting Catching Fire.

Anyways like last weeks Music Monday post I'm going to post six more songs that I felt fit with the imagery of the novels and fit really well with characters and scenes. Again I will not say what scenes to avoid spoilers.

Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
And I don't want to mess this thing up
No, I don't want to push too far

Carrie Underwood - I Just Can't Live a Lie

Could I forget the look that tells me that you want me?
And all the reasons that make loving you so easy
The kiss that always makes it hard to breathe
The way you know just what I mean

No, I can't learn to live without
Ohh, so don't you give up on us now

Ohh, I know I could say we're through
And tell myself I'm over you
But even if I made a vow
I promise not to miss you now
And try to hide the truth inside
I'd fail cause I, I just can't live a lie

Lifehouse - Broken

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you

Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark

If heaven and hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

Pearl Jam - Just Breathe

I wonder everyday
As I look upon your face, aw huh,..
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh,..
Nothing you would take,..
Everything you gave.

Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one knows this more than me.
I come clean.

Zola Jesus - Skin

 

And in the sickness,
you have faith
And in the thickness
you'll find me
Finally

Music Monday: Music To Read To (The Hunger Games)

When I read I like to listen to music. I read the first few chapters and listen to my entire playlist until I get a feel for the characters and the storyline. Then because I am a geek I have songs that I feel fit the story as it goes and this becomes my playlist for the novel. Sometimes it'll end up being a long playlist and other times it'll be ten songs I play on repeat. 

Just so this blog is not too long I limited myself to six songs that fit particularly scenes in the novel. I won't give any details of what scenes but if you have read the book you may be able to guess the scene.

The Veils - Under The Folding Branches

Go, spin me around under the folding branches
Now, is not too late, heaven can wait another year or so

For I loved you once, didn't I?
There, I loved you once, didn't I? 

Matthew Good Band - Running for Home

and after this there's just the circus
and every morning you carnie heart stops workin
it gets tight in there sometimes
looking for the defects, talking like it's a reflex
 I close my mouth now and I scream
  I open the door and there's nothing left redeeming
  I saw your face before the rough
you should wait around awhile cause your body's bound to turn up

Lifehouse - Everything

And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Collective Soul - The World I Know

So I walk up on high
And I step to the edge
To see my world below.
And I laugh at myself
While the tears roll down.
'Cause it's the world I know.
It's the world I know. 

Kris Allen - I Need To Know

Feels so far away
I want to see your face
Are you even there?
Can you show me?
Can you make me believe? 

Taylor Swift Featuring The Civil Wars - Safe and Sound

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

Top Ten: Movies I want to see in 2012

I had originally planned on doing this list just after New Years but I slacked off and it wasn`t like there was really anything released in the last three weeks that interested me. It was kind of sad that I had to stretch to find ten movies I wanted to see this year. I`m sure there will no some independent films I end up loving by the end of the year but I usually watch those films after they have reached theaters and can be found in the $5 bin at Wal-Mart.

I had originally planned to include Super Hero movies as one spot but then was short two films so dropped The Avengers from the top ten and included the two below.  

10. Man on a Ledge

As a police psychologist works to talk down an ex-con who is threatening to jump from a Manhattan hotel rooftop, the biggest diamond heist ever committed is in motion...  

I mostly want to see this film because I loved Inside Man and the premise reminds me of that film.

9. Chronicle

Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery. Soon, though, they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.

I love Super Hero movies and this one is intriguing because it seems almost low budge and the story seems likely if three guys were ever likely to gain powers. 

8. Amazing Spiderman

Teenager Peter Parker grapples with both human problems and amazing super-human crises.

Spiderman has always been one of my favorite super heroes and I liked the first set of films before the disaster that was Spiderman 3. I'll be interested in seeing how they remake this franchise especially with how well the Batman remakes were done. I'm not sold on Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker but I enjoy Emma Stone in everything she's done so hopefully the casting works out. 

 7. Men in Black III

Agent J travels in time to MIB's early years in the 1960s, to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history. 

I loved the first two movies and even it's been awhile since Will Smith had a Summer Blockbuster. 

6. Red Dawn

A group of teenagers look to save their town from an invasion of North Korean soldiers.

I had to use the original trailer since they haven't released the trailer for the remake. This is one 80's movie that I loved and still think can be remade if done well. I like that they updated it situation that drives the kids together to fight. I'm just hoping they don't mess it up.

5. The Woman in Black

 A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals. 

Yes one of the reasons I want to see it is to see Daniel Radcliffe in his first post Harry Potter film role but the movie always sounds promising and creepy. I would have watched it with almost any other actor in the lead role.

4. Dark Knight Rises

 

Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, the terrorist leader Bane arrives in Gotham City, pushing it and its police force to their limits, forcing its former hero Batman to resurface after taking the fall for Harvey Dent's crimes. 

The Dark Knight was amazing and I'm not sure this movie will be able to match the intensity Heath Ledger brought to The Joker but I'm willing to find out. 

3. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

President Lincoln's mother is killed by a supernatural creature, which fuels his passion to crush vampires and their slave-owning helpers.

Regardless of how cheesy the trailer for the book looks it was a really good read and I think can translate well to film. Of course there have been other books translated to film that massacred the book but Tim Burton is a producer on the film and I usually enjoy movies he is associated with.

2. American Reunion

Jim, Michelle, Stifler, and their friends reunite in East Great Falls, Michigan for their high school reunion. 

I was in high school and the first two movies were released so I with Reunion I feel like the films grew up with me. I like the idea of seeing where the characters are now and how it's easy to forgot you are an adult when with high school friends. 

1. The Hunger Games

Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.

I just finished the first book and now cannot wait to see how they do the films. I wanted to see the film before I read the book but it moved up the list after I read it. I like the fact that the author of the film worked on the screen play. One of the things that I think helped the Harry Potter films was that JK Rowling had input into what was included and what wasn't included in the films. I think the benefit of Suzanne Collins working on the screen play will help the film stay focused and include the major elements of the book.

 

 

Music Monday: Great Canadian Singers and Bands

Nessa was showing some songs she wanted downloaded and one of the songs was "Resurrection" by Moist who I loved as a teen and it got me thinking of some great Canadian music I've listened to growing up. 

 

Moist - Resurrection

I thought I'd start with Moist who I really enjoyed but now have come to realize that all there songs sound the same.

Econoline Crush - Sparkle and Shine 

This band was never as popular as I thought they would be back I always enjoyed this song. I bought their CD and sadly this was one of 4 songs I enjoyed. I kinda wish that iTunes was around then so I could have just skipped the album.

I've been luckily enough to see some great bands live. The next few videos are from bands or artists who I was able to see live and absolutely loved the show. 

Matthew Good Band - Strange Days

Our Lady Peace - Clumsy

Chantal Kreviazuk - Surrounded

Sloan - The Good In Everyone

Treble Charger - American Psycho

Jann Arden - Sleepless

And finally a few songs from Canadian Hip Hop artists. I have always been a fan of Hip Hop and Rap even through I preferred other music.

Rascals - Crazy World

 

Choclair - Let's Ride 

 

Kardinal Offishall - BaKadi Slang

Rascalz featuring Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, Thrust, and Checkmate

And just to prove that Canadian Music can be just as generic as American music.

The Moffatts - Girl of My Dreams

B-44 - Get Down

Yes ... bad music exists everywhere!

Top Ten: Best Series Finales

Every Worst list needs a Best list so that is why I asked Amy to also do a Best of list. Coming up with this list was a lot easy the  the Worst list. I came up with ten choices within a few minutes and felt no need to search for any I might have missed. It would have been wasted time since I really like the ten I chose. 

The hard part was ranking them but I got through it and they are below.

A great series finale needs to make you feel like you didn't waste years of your life watching a show only to get stuck with a lot of questions (see Lost). It also has to leave you satisfied with where the characters end up. A great montage reminding you of all the great moments also does not hurt.

You can find Amy's list here: Absolutely Amy

Honorable Mention:

Newhart

I was never a big fan of the show but I always loved the ending. Waking up to the woman who played your wife in your first series was genius.

10. Fresh Prince of Bel Air

I was a huge fan of Fresh Prince growing up. It's still one of my all time favorite sitcoms. The end didn't pack a huge emotional punch but it ended at the right time for a sitcom.

9. Friday Night Lights

With the ratings we were lucky to get a second season. Then we were lucky to get three more seasons so while I think the show could have gone on I can't be greedy and need to appreciate the five seasons the show had. What made this show great was that it was able to basically recast the show as the cast graduated high school and it still kept the great show telling. It had a lot to do with Coach and Tami as the anchors of the show. They were the two characters that were irreplaceable.

The finale did a good job of closing the book on the series. It gave some older characters a chance to come back and say goodbye while staying true to the characters who grew on you over the last two seasons. I also loved the direction that the Coach/Tami story took at the end. I won't say to keep from spoilers.

8. Being Erica

This show could have lasted another season story wise with Erica as a doctor but it still ended the story well. All the characters made decisions for their futures and it all tied together nicely.

7. Dawson’s Creek

I chose two scenes for this one because I couldn't decide between the two. I liked the fact that the finale jumped ahead to finish off the story. It gave the characters time to figure out what most people knew about them without having to drag on the series. Also the Pacey vs. Dawson dilemma landed on the side I wanted.

6. Everwood

I also chose two scenes for Everwood because I loved the montage used but couldn't leave out the final scene. I almost never gave this show a real chance but Amy convinced me to give it a second try and I ended up loving the show. I still think this show should have made the CW over Veronica Mars or that lame show called Runaway.

5. Cosby Show

The first TV show I loved watching. The show balanced comedy with reality so well. They did it all so well and I loved the way it ended for Cliff and Clair walking right off the stage so you can see the audience.

4. Saved By The Bell

I spent a lot of Saturdays watching Saved By The Bell. I always wanted to be able say Time Out and freeze everyone around me. I also always wanted Zach's phone. Sure this was not technically the last episode of Saved by the Bell but was actually part of the poor attempt at a primetime show called Saved by the Bell: The College Years but really that one season of college blends together with the rest of the show.

3. Greek

Easily the only good show on ABC Family. I liked that the show ended before it got pathetic that Cappie was still an undergrad. I loved the show because it reminded me of my time in college. But like real life college ends and people need to move on.

2. Smallville

A great Clark montage can be find here:  Clark Flies

I thought I would end up being disappointed with the finale after 10 seasons of loving the show but the writers did a great job of ending the series with everything viewers wanted. I mean it would have been cool to see Tom Welling in the full Superman suit and not CGI the suit on him but I can appreciate that with a new Superman movie coming they couldn't get the suit.

1. Scrubs

I just couldn't put this one lower then number 1. Sure there was lack of a montage but I can forgive that since it had a great JD/Cox moment at the end and finished with one of the series best JD fantasies. Also using"Book of Love" as the last song was a great choice.

Second Chance: Inception

A new topic I'll be starting is Second Chance for things I initially disliked or simply hated. Sometimes it'll be a something I just couldn't get into and gave up on. Other times it'll be something I hated the first time and feel that I should give it a second try.

The best example if giving something a second Chance is Everwood which I did not like the first time. I tried it again and forced my sense through the first episode and it ended up being one of my all time favorite series.

I'll start with Inception. I watched this on New Year's Eve with Nessa a fee years ago and really didn't like it. I had such high hopes for the film and they I was disappointed. The movie made no sense. It's not that the movie confused me. It's that I became so distracted by the plot home that I couldn't enjoy it. I remember after watching it I complained about it to a coworker who said its a good film if you just watch it and don't think. In other words it's an Adam Sandler film.

I re-watched it recently and I hated it more the second time. I just couldn't take my coworkers advise and shut off my brain. If I wanted to shut off my brain I'd watch Twilight.

I hated the movie more because I knew what was going to happen next so there was no element if suspense or surprise. I knew the plot holes and poor plot that was coming. There was no wishful thinking that maybe the movie would get better as it went on. I just knew it would suck all the way through.

The movie does have good aspects. The acting is tremendous. Considering who is in the movie its not a big surprise. Also the fight scene in the hallway was one if the best fight scenes I've seen in a movie.
The special effects were also really well done. I guess they spent all the budget on actors and effects and dropped the ball on story and plot. Make it shiny and make people think it's smart and people will love it.

College Humor described it best in this clip:

I will not be watching it a third time.

Music Monday: New Music by Old Favorites

Starting off the new year with some of the newest songs from four of my favorite artists/bands.

Snow Patrol - New York

 

If you were here beside me
Instead of in New York
If the curve of you was curved on me
I’d tell you that I loved you
Before I even knew you
Cause I loved the simple thought of you  

Like every great Snow Patrol song this one was featured during a pivotal moment on Grey's Anatomy. I won't say anything else for those who still need to catch up on the show but it was a well done scene and the song fit it really well. The idea of relationship not working even through both sides love each other always intrigued me. I always felt that love could conquer all. I know it's not always the cause but I'm an optimist.

Our Lady Peace - Heavyweight

When all these walls come down
They’ll shake us
We fight not to be
Not to be weightless

This songs reminds me of something that would have been on their first album. It would have fit in perfectly with Naveed and Starseed. It's a nice call back to 90's rock and an enjoyable song. One thing I always liked about Our Lady Peace is that their lyrics packed a lot of punch. Similar to other Canadian rock bands like the Matthew Good Band and the Tragically Hip. Their last few albums have been hit or miss I'll glad they made a return to their earlier sound. 

The Fray - Heartbeat

 

I'm trying to put it all back together.
I've got a story and I'm trying to tell it right.
I got the kerosene and a desire.
I'm trying to start a flame in the heart of the night

This song fits right into what I love. While it's not as good as earlier singles like "Over My Head (Cable Car)" and "How to Save a Life" it's still a good song with a good story. It reminds me of being a teenager and heading to the cabin in Matapedia. I'm not even sure why but it makes me think of summer nights and having a good time with friends in the middle of no where. A stereo and a fire. Just enjoying our youth and the freedom that you have when you are young. Life passes by like a heartbeat. 

Gavin Degraw - Not Over You

If you ask me how I'm doing
I would say I'm doing just fine

I would lie and say that you're not on my mind
But I go out, and I sit down at a table set for two
And finally I'm forced to face the truth
No matter what I say I'm..
Not over you,
Not over you

I can already hear this song playing in the background during an episode of One Tree Hill. I really like the music in this song. The beat gets suck in your head and doesn't want to get out. At least it an enjoyable song so it's not so bad that it gets stuck.