Quick Take: The Hunger Games, Pearl Jam 10, Foo Fighters, Don't Trust The B in Apt 23, Tyler Hilton

It's been awhile since I did some Quick Take reactions so I'm just gonna throw out a few now. 

Hunger Games

I went to see this the week after it opened so I could try to avoid the crowds and it was still packed so waiting didn't help much. 

The film was no more or less then I expected. I think they did an amazing job casting the film. Before seeing the film I was unsure of Woody Harrelson as Haymitch but I liked the choice after the watching. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutchenson were also great choice as Katniss and Peeta. I'll reserve judgement on Gale until Catching Fire when he has a bigger role. 

When moving a great book to film some of the emotional is always lost. It's just impossible to convey everything (except Shawshank Redemption which had more emotion then the novel it was based on) and I think some of the emotion between Katniss and Peeta was lost on film. I think the same could be said about the friendship between Katniss and Rue even through the death scene played out really well. 

I personally liked the camera work that was used for the film but could understand the complaints on the shaky cam technique and how people didn't like it. It did get annoying after awhile and hope they use less of it in the two sequels. 

Overall it was a good but not great adaptation. Better then Twilight anyways.

Pearl Jam 10

It was an interesting documentary but I felt it would only be worth waiting for those who are fans of the band. There isn't much that will appeal to people not familiar with the band.

There was a lot I knew but it always showed a lot of the mindset of the band as they grew in popularity in the 90's. I liked seeing the mindset of the of the band during the Ticketmaster boycott and the decision to not do videos for their singles.

Watching the documentary shows that there was so much that could have derailed the band but they stayed true to themselves and twenty years later they are still making music.

If you like the music and the band I'd recommend watching.


Foo Fighters: Back and Forth 

Of the two music documentary I enjoyed this one more because I learned more about the band. While I've always enjoyed the band's music I never really followed the band enough to know the details. 

It amazed me with how many band members they have gone through. Dave Grohl never seemed the easiest to work with but you have to admire his desire to stick to his own vision of the band. He'd rather replace a member then compromise on the sound. While it may make him an asshole to work with it's also most likely one of the reasons the band is still going strong.

One thing the documentary did make me realize is that I liked Foo Fighters more then I liked Nirvana. Maybe it's because Foo Fighters lasted longer but I prefer their songbook more. I also realized that had Kurt Cobain lived Nirvana would not have lasted. Dave Grohl obviously loves being a front man for a band and I think him and Kurt would have butted heads and eventually it would have ended the band. 

Like Pearl Jam 20 I don't think it would interest people who aren't fans of the band. 

The Bitch in Apt 23

James Van Der Beek makes this show better. Without him it would be just an average show but you have to appreciate someone who is willing to make a fool of himself every week while playing himself. I do like the other characters but I always end the show remembering his scenes the best. He definately steals the show in the same why Matt LeBlanc steals the show on Episodes.

The show still has a lot of room to grow the characters but I'm enjoying it for now. Hopefully it becomes more as it goes on but the first three episodes have been good.

Tyler Hilton - Forget the Storm

This is an amazing album. I've been a fan of Tyler Hilton since he was on season 2 of One Tree Hill and I purchased his album that was current at that time and loved it. This album is better then "The Tracks Of."

My favorite songs on the album are the two listed above as well as Jenny, and I belong. The only miss on the album for me was the new version of You'll Ask Me More because I really like the version featured on One Tree Hill season 4 better. To me this version loses some of the emotion of the One Tree Hill version.

Version featured on One Tree Hill

Version from Forget The Storm

It's not a bad version. I just enjoy the older version. It doesn't change the fact that this is a great album and should be selling better.

Need vs Want

I've lead a life where I could pretty much eat whatever I wanted without worrying about weight or health benefits. My family was definitely not healthy eaters. The only veggies we ate were potatoes, corn, and the basics that go in a salad. And usually these veggies would be drenched in something not entirely healthy like gravy, butter, and salt. Other then that we ate a lot of take out food and there was always junk food.

I never worried about it growing up. I ate a lot but I was also an active kid. I played soccer until grade 11 and spent a lot of time playing pick up basketball. I also walked a lot until my friends got cars. Through my teens I was able to stay slim. That all changed when I got to university. I covered my problems in university in a previous blog so I'll move on.

Now I'm in my thirties and I was at the point where most of the time I felt like crap. I have sleep apnea which I'm sure was caused by being overweight. I always had a hard time breathing but it seemed worse.  And there was other things that just weren't working properly and worry me.

With these in mind I decided to join the gym when Nessa showed interest. I have even been going although I honestly need to push myself to start sticking to a regular exercise schedule. Even with the gym I haven't changed my eating habits. I know I can't go full diet on our budget but I should be cutting out junk good and take out which will actually help us by saving money.

This is where I have decided to implement my Need vs. Want mindset. When I'm at the store picking up groceries I'll pick up what is in the list but while sending at the check out aisle next to the evil display of chocolate bars and candy I will need to force myself to consider need vs want. I'll probably always want it but will never need it.

Of course coming up with the plan and following it are two different matters. I need to be better and I want to feel healthier. I know I'll have craving that if I ignore will force me to go crazy with the junk food. It's happened to me many times and I'll need to learn how to satisfy the cravings while not allowing myself to over do it. I'll also need to try to lower the amount if cravings I get for junk good. I've done it with Pepsi. I once always wanted it and now I can totally live without it. It's mind over matter. It seems so simple. Choosing need over want. If I don't need it then simply skip. Unfortunately sometimes the easiest plans are the ones that are hardest to follow.


 It'll be hard work but I need to do it now before its too late.
 

Top Ten Movie Twists

I've heard that the new film Cabin in The Woods has a nice twist in it. I haven't seen it yet but it made me think of other great movie twists which is how I got to the list below. 


It goes without saying that it you live under a rock and haven't seen these movies then you should probably turn away as there are spoilers below.

10. Drew Barrymore dies in Scream

She was on the poster for the film. She was even prominently placed on the poster. She was a huge star which made sense to have her in the film. I remember thinking there was no way they would kill her at the start and watching waiting for her to be saved. I was shocked yet thrilled when she was actually killed off as it felt like I was seeing something that was truly different even if the killing of a big star had been done before Scream.

9. David Drayton kills his son right before he is rescued in The Mist

This one is more sad then shocking. I couldn't imagine what was going through the characters mind and the ending is different then how the Novella ends.

8. Tyler Durden is imaginary in Fight Club

I couldn't find a great clip for this one but I love the ending. I had the feeling that a twist was coming while watching but was surprised what the twist ended up being.

7. The mother is dead in Psycho

I chose this one mostly because the scene freaked me out when I was young.

6. Verbal Kint is Keyser Söze in The Usual Suspects

One of the best reveals of a twist ever ...

5. Jigsaw gets up in Saw

Other then this one which almost felt like it came out of no where but still blew my mind.

4. They are on Earth in The Planet of the Apes

I loved this movie growing up (The remake is horrible) and always enjoyed the reveal at the end. This was the first ending to a film I can remember being truly surprised for.

3. Michael Faraday is tricked into driving the bomb into the building in Arlington Road

  
 We watched this movie in High School at the end of Grade 12. I had a teacher who always just showed movies for History class and at the end of the year he put this on because he wanted to see the film. I remember having no interest in seeing it and then slowly becoming invested in the characters and story. It's an ending that makes you think.

2. Bruce Willis is dead the entire time in The Sixth Sense

Luckily I was able to see this one without being spoiled since I saw it opening weekend. I also don't care what people say. I do not believe they saw it coming.

1. There is no Aaron in Primal Fear

I saw the twist coming but it's how it played out that makes this one the best in my book. I was so sure I knew what was going on only to have it flipped on me.

Music Monday: School Dance Edition

A few weeks ago posting songs in tribute to Whitney Houston made me remember dancing to I Will Always Love You at school dances. That made me think of other songs that were over played at school dances. in the 90's. 

I read an article the other day about how we reached the point were people could be nostalgic about the late 90's. with Boy Bands making a comeback and a new American Pie movie in theaters it just felt like the right time to look back and remember. 

All-4 One - I Swear 

Boyz II Men - I'll Make Love To You

 

Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day

   

Edwin McCain - I'll Be

  

Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply

 

Lonestar - Amazed

KCi and JoJo - All My Life

Top Fifteen: One Tree Hill Episodes

One Tree Hill ended it's nine year run the other night so I thought I'd  post my favorite 187 episodes but that seemed like a lot of work so I dropped it down to a more manageable 15 episodes.

I remember watching the Pilot on TV and liking it. The next morning I saw the ratings and felt the show was doomed so decided not to watch any other episodes. To my great surprise it was given a second season but I still didn't think it would last so I catch up and skipped season 2 as well. I did keep up with the ratings and remember thinking there was no way they get a season 3 but I was wrong again. At this point I decided I'd might as well give the first season a real try. I bothered the DVD from a friend and watched the first 22 episodes in a weekend (Sidenote: I kinda of miss the habit of just sitting around watching a complete season or two. I remember watching the first four Seasons of Smallville in a week with Al. Other then short bouts of sleep and going to get take out it was all we did for the week along with other people who came in and out of the house looking for a party but just found two guys watching a lot of TV).

I was instantly hooked after that first season and proceeded to download the second season and flew that as well. Of course Season 2 ended up being my least favorite season I was still hooked on the characters. That is what made this show. I understand people who disregard the show because of all the crazy shit that it has done (but a dog eating a heart is awesome) if they really sat down with an open mind they would see a great show about people. It was so easy to become invested in the characters and care what happened from episode to episode. Not all shows are lucky to get that second and third season. Even fewer shows get to season nine. And while other shows creatively run out of air after high school years (currently Gossip Girl which has fell apart) One Tree Hill found a way to skip college and reinvigorate the show. Really the show was almost like two different shows. Regardless I loved the show right to the very end and below is my favorite 15 episodes.

15. Don't You Forget About Me (Season 7)

I love John Hughes films so this tribute episode was great. It included nods to so many great Hughes films and was fun to watch.

14. The Last Day of Our Acquaintance (Season 7)

It's crazy when a show can make you care about the death of a character who was in like 4 episodes over the series. I've been lucky enough to not lose a parent but watching Haley and her sisters deal with it was sad and I liked the show showed the emotion.

13. All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (Season 4)

I remember thinking this may be a series finale since the WB was merging with UPN and I felt leaving high school was a good point for the show to end. The episode played like a series finale which makes sense if you agree with my idea that the series can be split into the original series (High School) and the spin off (Post College). The episode also has one of my favorite scenes when Mouth kisses Brooke.

12. The Show Must Go On (Season 3)

The shows best cliffhanger for the series. Season three was such a great season from start to finish and ending with Nathan jumping in to save Cooper and Rachel with Haley screaming for help was a great way to end the season. At this point I figured nothing would stop OTH from getting a fourth season so I was ok with the ending. Also I loved the use of Led Zeppelin at the end. (A milestone since there music had never been used for a Network show before then)

11. Forever and Almost Always (Season 6)

Peyton has always been like Joey Potter for me. I understand they were integral of their shows but they annoyed me quite often. That doesn't change the fact that I was glad Lucas got the girl of his dreams in the same way I liked that Pacey got the girl in the end.

10. Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (Season 9)

 

This episode was just crazy from start to finish. It played like a short thriller with all the story lines coming together for crazy endings.

9. The Other Half of Me (Season 8)

Brooke was anyways given the short end of the stick on this show. She was always the third wheel on the Relationship triangle with Lucas and Peyton. It was nice to see her get a happy ending with Julian.

8. One Tree Hill (Season 9)

I was surprising not overly emotional with the final episode. Nine years is a long time for any show and I am grateful it got to lost this long when you consider other great shows with shorter runs (Everwood and Friday Night Lights to name two) The episode did a great job of tying together the series and giving everything there happy ending.

7. Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them (Season 3)

This episode always seems forgotten because it follows the more emotional school shooting episode but it is just was good in my mind. The emotion the characters show through out the episode from Karen falling apart to Lucas moving from hatred of Jimmy to accepting and attending the funeral because that was what Keith would do.

6. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.  (Season 6)

This episode always hits me because of Jamie's reaction to Q's death. Placing the cape on the coffin gets me every time.

5. Pilot (Season 1)

The episode did what it was supposed to do. Make you interested in the characters and make you want to come back for more. The show did a great job from the start to make you interested in the characters.

4. Darkness on the Edge of Town (Season 8)

I knew there was no way they were going to kill off Brooke but watching Julian carry her out of the water was still terrifying.

3. Some You Give Away (Season 4) 

I loved this episode because it felt like a homage to the first four seasons up to that point but was still able to end with a greater cliff hanger. Lucas hitting the winning shot always gives me chills along with Dan listening to the game on the radio and realizing that Nathan decided to try to win.

2. Danny Boy (Season 9)

Dan was such a great character throughout the series. You wanted to hate him but they made it so hard to hate the character because he added so much to the show. He had so many ups and downs. He showed how a person could ruin their life by living in the past. Even on his death bed he stole the show. Plus the surprise Keith appearance was great considering it's hard to keep anything under wraps in the age of Facebook and Twitter.

1. With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept (Season 3)

Danny Boy came close to topping the list but that would have only been because it was fresher in my mind. This episode is amazing and shows the effects we can have on peoples lives without really realizing it. The acting is well down even by the guest stars and the story lines in this episode played out right until the series finale.

Music Monday: Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up

When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got yeah, we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not
And who I am

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Still looking up.

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up 

We all go through things. Stuff happens. It makes us question who we are and what we want to be. Who we really are is the person who makes it out of those doubts. The person who is left standing and if we let doubts and fears end us then we end up being a shell of who we are really meant to be. 

I am lucky enough to know I am exactly where I want to be. I'm not saying my life is perfect. I tolerate my job but I don't love it. I wish I had a better schedule and could see my wife more. I wish it was easier to quit eating bad food and lose the weight that I allowed myself to gain. 

The key is to see the sunlight at the other end. I'm helping my wife achieve her dream at university and someday I'll get to see her change the world. It makes me so proud to see her going for it. I see the hardships and frustrations she has but she keeps pushing for it. Soon she'll be half way there. 

There is sunlight at the end if you keep yourself focused and fight through the dirty stuff. I am just happy I am alive. I have a wife I love. I have a job. I have a roof over my head. There is a lot of things I need to fix in myself to make things better but I aim to do it with a smile on my face.

If you let all the small things weigh you down it'll eventually hold you down and things will fall apart. I wish everyone could be happy with what they have. If it makes you truly miserable then change it. Life is too short to live with the status quo if it makes you unhappy.

If it makes you happy then don't give up. Fight to fix what is wrong and try to enjoy the good things while you can.

Top Ten: Favorite Movies Ever

It's been awhile since I posted so I thought I'd jump back in with my favorite movies ever. These are the movies I cannot live without. 

10. Date Movie

By far the greatest Spoof Movie ever. I love how they take every joke and beat it into the ground. If you ever aspire to make spoof movies this is the movie you need to see. 

9. Mirrors

Don't let the trailer fool you. This is a great thriller. Kiefer Sutherland excels in this film. 

8. Bring It On

If you only see one sports movie in your lifetime it must be Bring It On. 

7. Eclipse

The best romance since New Moon. 

6. New Moon

The best romance since Twilight.

5. Breaking Dawn

Who cares about the hour long wedding and lead up to that sexy game of chess. The Wolves that sound like Transformers is what makes this film. 

4. Jason X

The person who thought that Jason in space was a good idea is a genius

. 

3. Twilight

 I will never understand how Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson were not nominated for Oscars. They are this decades Leo and Kate.

2. Battlefield Earth

Forgot The Passion of the Christ. This is the real winner when it comes to Religious movies. It makes Scientology look so realistic. 

1. Da Hip Hop Witch

I cannot express in words how great this movie is. Everyone involved must be so proud of this masterpiece. A must see film.