Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan was set to record vocals for hard rock band Bad Wolves’ cover of ‘Zombie’ this past Monday, January 15th, the day of her tragic passing. Today the band release their version of ‘Zombie‘ in her memory, with proceeds going to O’Riordan’s three children.
“It was the greatest honour to know she liked our version and wanted to sing on it,” says Bad Wolves singer Tommy Vext. “We’re deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Dolores and by the fact that she’s leaving behind three children so we are donating the proceeds from the song to her kids.”
“It’s such a powerful song and the themes are still so relevant, we wanted to release it in her memory,” he continues. “The original lyrics include the line ‘It’s the same old theme Since nineteen-sixteen. In your head, in your head, they’re still fighting’. It’s a reference to the IRA bombings during the Irish Rebellion. We changed that lyric to say ‘2018’ and she was really excited about that because the nations may have changed but we’re still fighting the same battles today. Humanity is still fighting to assert itself despite all the conflicts.”
Vext further discusses the decision to release The Cranberries’ genre-defining in an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone.
Hey there, everyone! I hope you’re having a great weekend so far!
I wanted to write about my experience at the dentist this morning. BLEH. My family has had their share of dental issues over the years, and I’m no exception. When I was 12, I had to have a something called a palatal expander glued to the roof of my mouth. This was essentially a retainer with a metal bridge in the middle that had a tiny key hole in it. Every night, my mother had to stick a tiny key into that hole and push it towards the back of my mouth. As soon as she did it I would grab my head because of the pain. It was basically breaking the bones in the roof of my mouth because my mouth was too small and I needed braces. It was highly unpleasant and created an embarrassing gap in between my two front teeth. After that was removed, I had my braces put on at 13 and joined the sea of metal-mouthed teens at my middle school.
My braces were removed when I was 15 and way too defiant to wear my removable retainer. I mean, why would it have been removable in the first place if it wasn’t supposed to be removed? Lol. Needless to say, my teeth shifted over the years and, once I was able to work, I paid to have Invisalign. Yes, the person who refused to wear their removable retainer was now paying for removable trays to re-straighten their teeth. When that failed, I paid to have actual braces put on. My teeth hadn’t shifted much, but I was old enough to know how important it is to have a nice smile and I wanted mine as close to perfect as I could get it. So I opted for a permanent retainer when that was over. I guess I’d finally learned my lesson.
This leads me to what happened this morning. I haven’t had a cavity for many years. I don’t even remember when the last time was that I had one filled. I can’t go a day without brushing my teeth and I absolutely love the feeling of clean, smooth teeth. So when I brush, I brush. I made my way to the dentist first thing this morning and was greeted with a string of questions: “Have you ever had braces?” “Are you allergic to any medications or anesthesia?” This was all before the dental hygienist even looked into my mouth. After stabbing me repeatedly in the gums with a sharp instrument, she informs me that there is some bleeding and that she’s going to suggest that I have a deep scaling done. I don’t know about you, but the words “deep scaling” should not be spoken at a dental office. It’s terrifying.
I am about to be 34, I have never smoked a day in my life, I barely drink, I don’t drink sodas and I rarely eat candy. I never bleed when I brush or floss, so someone please explain why my dental hygienist believes that bleeding after being stabbed in the gums is a rare occurrence. I believe she had every intention of coming to the “deep scaling” conclusion even before I sat in that plastic wrapped chair this morning. I would love to see one of them be poked in the gums with a sharp tool to see if they bleed. So, now they’re going to call my shitty insurance company to see if the deep scaling will be covered by my insurance, which I’m sure it won’t be. To be perfectly honest, I really don’t care if it is because I’d rather hear this coming from my actual dentist before making a decision.
Does anyone else have this problem?? Maybe I just have to switch dentists or something. Let me know if you’ve dealt with a similar issue! I’m curious.
Have a great rest of your weekend everyone! & make sure to check out my recent posts because I have some great giveaways going on right now!
Calling myself a full-blown germaphobe is a stretch, but I’m definitely borderline. I’m that person who can’t touch anything in public restrooms. I mean, why the hell would someone use the restroom, wash their hands, and then touch the door handle??? It’s disgusting! I’ve been in the restroom plenty of times to witness someone finish their business and then leave without washing their hands. Which means you have no idea how many others have now spread their nastiness on that measly little door handle. No, thank you!
We’re all aware that we’re experiencing a horrible flu season this year, which makes me extra paranoid about germs. If I’m out in public and someone coughs or sneezes, I head in the opposite direction. I love it when I’m out with my mother or my niece–who are the same exact way–and we give each other a look that says NOPE!! NOT TODAY!!
This leads me to germs at work–the motherload of all my germ issues. I even come home from work and disinfect my cell phone with a Clorox wipe. It’s that bad. About a week ago, someone at work started coughing and blamed it on the MILD winter we had here in Miami. After a full week of recycled paper clips circulating around the office, their persistent coughing throughout the day and their flitting about the office like they’re unaware of this flu epidemic, I decided to ask them what they have–strep throat. STREP THROAT!!! To make matters worse, they told me that their doctor instructed them to wear a mask so as not to spread the germs, but they refuse to “look silly” all day wearing it. There is no amount of Lysol that can cure the anger I have towards this total disregard for others. Why would you consciously come to work when there are people who can’t afford to get sick? The funny thing is that they actually complained about some of us spraying Lysol in the office because it makes them cough more. Sorry, lady. I am not giving up my Lysol spray until you stop hacking up a lung!
To those of you who are not self-proclaimed (borderline) germaphobes, please have consideration for those of us who are. If you’re sick and feel the need to tell everyone how sick you are, stay TF home!! I’ve been sick at work before and I stay at my desk with a can of Lysol and a fresh bottle of hand sanitizer. You know why? Because I have the decency to recognize that people have families and that some people get sicker than others. There is no need to spread around your germs when you could be taking PROPER steps to prevent it.
You have just read the Chronicles of a Borderline Germaphobe. Stay healthy, my friends!
This morning has been FANTABULOUS so far because my number one, Justin Timberlake, dropped a new track – “SUPPLIES” – from the upcoming Man of the Woods album! It is SOOOOOOO good!
“Supplies” is the second track that has been released so far and the sound deviates entirely from the previously released track, “Filthy.” This one takes on a more hip hop vibe as opposed to that dance/EDM-type sound found in “Filthy,” and it only proves that Justin really got creative on this album.
The video (see below) has a post-apocalyptic theme featuring EizaGonzález and some odd special effects, but it actually works with the song.
Now, I’m low-key salty that there was a private listening party in New York this past Tuesday that I wasn’t at, but I’m just excited for the promotional content JT is providing leading up to his Super Bowl halftime performance and the new album. I’ll take what I can get! Now excuse me while I put “SUPPLIES” on repeat for the rest of the day.
This Magical Transformation of Hogwarts Castle will Showcase the Four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Officially Debut on Wed., Jan 31 and Run Select Nights Throughout the Year
Guests Can Preview the New Experience During “A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018” on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28
Calling all Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and Slytherins . . .
For the first time ever at Universal Orlando Resort, guests will be able to celebrate their Hogwarts house pride during an all-new, breathtaking experience – The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle – debuting on Wed., Jan. 31 and running select nights throughout 2018.
As night falls in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, state-of-the-art projection mapping, coupled with special effects and lighting, will wrap Hogwarts castle in a dazzling display celebrating the four houses of Hogwarts – Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Guests will watch in awe as the spirit and iconic elements of each house are brought to life on the majestic castle – all set to incredible music based on the original scores from the Harry Potter films.
This will be the second projection mapping experience Universal Orlando has featured in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Over the holiday season, Universal debuted “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” which brought incredible Christmas moments inspired by the Harry Potter series to life. Both experiences were also featured at Universal Studios Hollywood.
“The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will make its official debut at Universal Orlando Resort on Wed., Jan. 31 and run select nights throughout the year – but park guests can preview the new experience on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 during “A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018.” The experience will run continuously each evening starting at dusk.
And guests who’ve purchased A Celebration of Harry Potter vacation package can be among the first to see this experience at Universal Orlando during an exclusive preview event on Friday, Jan. 26. Event packages can be purchased here.
“The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” is scheduled to run Jan. 31 – Feb. 5, and Feb. 7 – Feb. 12. Additional dates will be announced at a later time on www.universalorlando.com.
The Trap Is Set When Jigsaw Returns on Digital January 9 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on January 23 from Lionsgate
4K Ultra HD™ to include both Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos®
The Jigsaw Killer is back and taking his signature brand of twisted scenarios to the next level when Jigsaw arrives on Digital January 9 and on 4K Ultra HD (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand January 23 from Lionsgate. Renown genre directors Michael and Peter Spierig (Daybreakers, Undead) and writers Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger reinvigorate one of the most successful horror franchises of all time with their latest installment starring Tobin Bell (Manson Family Vacation, The Firm, The SAW franchise), Laura Vandervoot (TV’s “Smallville” and “V”), Callum Keith Rennie (TV’s “The Man in the High Castle,” “Californication,” Memento), Brittany Allen (It Stains the Sands Red), Matt Passmore (TV’s “The Glades”), and Hannah Emily Anderson (TV’s “Lizzy Borden Took an Ax”).
In the latest terrifying installment of the legendary SAW series, law enforcement find itself chasing the ghost of a man dead for over a decade, embroiled in a diabolical new game that’s only just begun. Has John Kramer, the infamous Jigsaw Killer, returned from the dead to commit a series of murders and remind the world to be grateful for the gift of life? Or is this a trap set by a different killer with designs of their own?
Here’s what you have to do to enter the giveaway…
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER, INSTAGRAM AND/OR FACEBOOK & MESSAGE ME ON THE RESPECTIVE PLATFORM(S) WITH THE HASHTAG #A2Kjigsaw
Hint: The more places you follow, the better your chances at winning! 😉
Yes, that’s all you have to do!
This promotion will end January 26 at 10:00 AM (eastern time). Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary. U.S. residents are eligible to enter. Winners will be contacted via email. AccordingtoKristin.com and other promotional partners are not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdirected mail.
Immerse yourself within Jigsaw’s world with the release’s extensive Special Features, including an all-new 7-Part Documentary, an Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block, and “The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” featurette. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions feature Dolby Atmos audio mixed specifically for the home, to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray also features Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR), growing Lionsgate’s library of titles featuring both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Together with the captivating sound of Dolby Atmos, consumers will experience both cutting-edge imaging and state-of-the-art sound technology for a fully immersive entertainment experience.
The must-see Jigsaw will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively.
4K UHD / BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block
“I Speak for the Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw” 7-Part Documentary
“A New Game”
“You Know His Name”
“Survival of the Fittest”
“Death by Design”
“Blood Sacrifice”
“The Source of Fear”
“The Truth Will Set You Free”
“The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette
DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
“I Speak for the Dead: The Legacy of Jigsaw” 7-Part Documentary
“A New Game”
“You Know His Name”
“Survival of the Fittest”
“Death by Design”
“Blood Sacrifice”
“The Source of Fear”
“The Truth Will Set You Free”
“The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary with Producers Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Peter Block
“The Choice is Yours: Exploring the Props” Featurette
The Ones Closest to You Can Be Your Biggest Threat When Season 3 Comes
to Blu-rayTM and DVD on March 13
Deception can be your deadliest enemy when Season 3 of “Fearthe Walking Dead” – the companion series to the #1-rated cable series “The Walking Dead” – arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD March 13 from Lionsgate. As society collapses around them, the families must come together to survive the apocalypse and combat the deadly threats on all sides. Hailed as “the best full season so far” (Forbes), “Fear the Walking Dead” Season 3 stars Kim Dickens (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Gone Girl), Cliff Curtis (Risen, The Dark Horse), Frank Dillane (“Sense8,” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), and Alycia Debnam-Carey (Friend Request).
When “Fear the Walking Dead” returns for Season 3, our families are brought together in the vibrant and violent ecotone of the U.S.-Mexico border. With international lines done away with following the world’s end, our characters must attempt to rebuild not only society, but their families as well.
The home entertainment release of “Fear the Walking Dead” Season 3 features audio commentaries as well as deleted and extended scenes. “Fearthe Walking Dead” Season3 will be available on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD for the suggested retail price of $44.99 and $39.98, respectively.
Universal Orlando Resort is poised to kick off the biggest, best, Mardi Gras party in the country Ð straight from New Orleans to you this February 12 through April 23. Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans Ð all inside Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Orlando Resort today announced the headlining acts of its 2018 Mardi Gras celebration – the most authentic Mardi Gras event outside New Orleans, complete with Cajun-style cuisine, dazzling costumed performers and a stunning parade with countless beads.
From Feb. 3 through April 7, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2018 will offer more opportunities than ever before for guests to experience Florida’s Biggest Party. On 13 select nights, fans can sing along to popular hits as some of the biggest names in music take the stage, including GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, Macklemore, international superstar and recording artist, Sean Paul and award-winning, multiplatinum chart-toppers, Fifth Harmony. See below for the complete lineup.
The musical stars won’t be the only ones on display as a constellation-themed Mardi Gras parade will keep the good times rolling every night throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida with breathtakingly detailed floats, festive krewes of colorful dancers and stilt performers, and countless beads. Six new celestial floats – including Taurus, Virgo and Serpentarius – complete a lineup of 12 intricately hand-crafted floats engineered by Kern Studios, designer of the original New Orleans Mardi Gras floats for more than 50 years.
Guests will also enjoy mouthwatering shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and more at the French Quarter Courtyard while listening to authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street.
The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an annual pass. Florida Residents can get three months free on Power, Preferred and Premier Annual Passes with a UPC code from select Coca-Cola products. For more information on Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.
2018 Mardi Gras Headliners Lineup Mardi Gras Event Dates Headliners (Performing in the Music Plaza)
Feb. 3 Sean Paul
Feb. 10 The Beach Boys
Feb. 17 Kelsea Ballerini
Feb. 18 Andy Grammer
Feb. 24 Macklemore
March 3 311
March 4 Phillip Phillips
March 10 To Be Announced
March 11 Fitz and the Tantrums
March 17 Foreigner
March 18 Fifth Harmony
March 24 To Be Announced
March 25 BUSH
2018 Mardi Gras New Orleans Bands Lineup Mardi Gras Event Dates New Orleans Bands (Performing in the French Quarter Courtyard)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 20 Free Agents Brass Band
Feb. 21 – March 6 Naughty Professor Brass Band
March 7 – March 20 New Breed Brass Band
March 21 – March 31 Young Pinstripe Brass Band
April 1 – April 7 Dirty Bourbon River Show
January is here and with the start of any new year it’s the perfect time to come up with resolutions and things to accomplish in 2018. Or you can just cast a spell… That’s what the teen witches of The Craft did and look what happened to them! Oh… Wait a minute…
This month COMET TV has, not just The Craft, but amazing films like Labyrinth, Bubba Ho-Tep (Um… the awesomeness of Bruce Campbell? I say yes!) and more!
There are also Edgar Allan Poe double features all month with tantalizing and terrifying tales from one of the grand masters of horror. As The Raven says, “Nevermore!”
So, I’m teaming up with COMET TV, and we want to give you the opportunity to have an awesome January of your own! The COMET TV January Prize Pack is perfect for casting a spell on the new year or just kicking back and watching COMET TV!
“We are the weirdos, mister.” – Nancy, The Craft
Here’s what you’ll get if you win:
1 – Limited Edition The Craft COMET TV T-shirt: One of my favorite films of all time! This The Craft exclusive T-Shirt features all four witchy guardians of the watchtower on the front and a quote from the film on the back! Welcome to the Witching Hour!
1 – The Craft Exclusive COMET TV Clamshell Box: Talk about retro goodness! This The Craft exclusive clamshell box features exclusive throwback artwork and will immediately take you back to the days of waiting in line for new release movies at the video store!
1- The Craft “Witching Hour Cleansing” Kit: Earth, Wind, Water, Fire! This kit will bring a little sage, crystal and spell scroll into your life. Perfect for getting in touch with your inner earth goddess!
2 – Exclusive The Craft COMET TV Tarot Cards : While you may not be able to tell your future with these two cards, they are exclusive to this set and feature The Craft artwork. The best thing to celebrate the cult classic film arriving on COMET TV this month!
Here’s what you have to do to enter the giveaway…
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER, INSTAGRAM AND/OR FACEBOOK & MESSAGE ME ON THE RESPECTIVE PLATFORM(S) WITH THE HASHTAG #A2Kthecraft
Hint: The more places you follow, the better your chances at winning! 😉
Yes, that’s all you have to do!
This promotion will end February 7 at 10:00 AM (eastern time). Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary. U.S. residents are eligible to enter. Winners will be contacted via email. AccordingtoKristin.com and other promotional partners are not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdirected mail.
20th Century Fox has released the official trailer, soundtrack and first single for their one-of-a-kind teenage drama LOVE, SIMON starringNick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Miles Heizer, Keiynan Lonsdale, Logan Miller, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel and Tony Hale!
SYNOPSIS: Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.
Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.
Executive produced by Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff, the LOVE, SIMON soundtrack’s first single “Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song),” via RCA Records is now available for pre-order at all digital retail providers. The official soundtrack is available on all platforms on Friday, March 16, 2018! Check out the full track listing and link to the first single below.
The trouble with writing is writing itself. It’s a push and pull with words that carry weight in our daily lives. They carry weight for the reader, the writer, and the writer’s ego (if they find themselves receiving more rejection letters from literary journals than acceptances). It’s extremely subjective, and sometimes that’s the trouble too.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve expressed myself through writing. I used to keep a box at the top of my closet that held letters I never intended to deliver. Each page was a confession of how I was feeling in that particular moment, and why I couldn’t bare to express those words verbally. It was a way for me to be completely honest with myself and not have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings, or putting myself in a vulnerable position that I would have to deal with afterward.
I was finally able to catch SKY on Netflix yesterday and it was pretty interesting. It was definitely an indie/low budget film with very minimal dialogue and kind of left me wanting more. I hate to say that because it wasn’t necessarily due to the performances, but there was a lot missing for me, personally.
Here’s what it was about:
SYNOPSIS: Romy (Diane Kruger) is on holiday in the USA with her French husband, Richard (Gilles Lellouche). But the journey quickly turns into a settling of old scores for this worn out couple. After an ultimate fight, Romy decides to break free. She cuts off her ties to a stable and secure life that has become alienating and escapes to the unknown where she meets Diego (Norman Reedus).
Now, I love Norman Reedus on The Walking Dead, and I’ve seen Diane Kruger in a few projects, but I don’t feel like they were really able to shine in this one. Not because of their respective performances, per say, but because we didn’t even get Norman Reedus until midway through the movie. I also didn’t understand why Lou Diamond Phillips played such a tiny role in this movie. We literally say him for a split second, which was odd. As I mentioned, there was very minimal dialogue, so I don’t feel like we were really on the ride with the characters. The relationship between Romy (aka Rabbit) and Diego was obvious in some parts, but I was curious to know how much time had passed since they’d met. The majority of their “relationship” seems to happen off-screen, which was disappointing.
For the first half of the movie, we see Romy dealing with her abusive husband and then trying to find her own way after finding the courage to leave him. Then she meets Diego in Las Vegas and their whole time together is like, “Hey, I want you around,” and then five minutes later it was like, “Ok, I don’t want a relationship. Go away.” I understand the reason for the push and pull, but I would’ve liked to see more of the sweeter moments between them (i.e. more dialogue).
Aside from that, it wasn’t a bad movie. It was just very slow-moving. If you’re a fan of indie movies and enjoy the slow drama, then you just might be a fan of this one.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have another band on our hands!
After an incredible run on ABC’s Boy Band, Jaden Gray, Mikey Jimenez and Marcus Pendleton made it to the top 8, where they fell short of the final band. BUT, never fear, we all knew their talent was far too great to have it end there. With the help of another strong voice from the show, Camry Jackson, the guys formed a new band and announced their name today via newsletter–4th Ave!
After weeks and weeks of speculation, the guys had announced that they would be providing back up vocals for Charlie Puth on an episode of NBC’s The Voice this past season. It was their first TV spot since Boy Band ended and, to be honest, they felt like a band. For them to be back up for an established artist and still have a strong stage presence says so much about these guys. It speaks volumes for what’s sure to come.
In the newsletter, the guys revealed the band name and a first run for merch. They’re releasing it in limited quantities each time a run is out. So, for RUN 1, they’ll have limited quantities and then that design will be thrown out and replaced with a new design for RUN 2. They’re also including a free download of their first single (which I believe will be released on February 9, 2018) with each purchase from RUN 1.
I may be in my thirties, but I’m really excited about this band. Their voices are absolutely incredible on their own, but together they’re about to blow minds. Not to mention the fact that they’re working with some incredible people: Tim Davis and Adam Blackstone.
Head over to 4thavemusic.com to shop the merch in RUN 1. You can also find them at the following links:
SYNOPSIS: Living outside the law in a world where families are limited to one child due to overpopulation, a set of identical septuplets face off against brutal government forces when their sister goes missing.
WHAT HAPPENED TO MONDAY stars Noomi Rapace, Glenn Close and Willem Dafoe, with Rapace playing the role of all seven siblings–Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, who all take on the persona of Karen Settman while out in public on their respective day.
This movie had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. At times it reminded me a bit of Divergent or The Hunger Games because of the dystopian setting, but it definitely stood on its own two feet. Noomi Rapace is absolutely incredible. She really tackled the personalities of all seven sisters, along with the identity they all had to uphold as Karen Settman. It was full of action from beginning to end.
I’m not sure what kind of promotion was available for this particular movie because I hadn’t heard anything about it up until this week, but it’s definitely one that should be talked about. My mouth dropped so many times during the 2 hours of insanity–which is a sign of a great movie. I would absolutely recommend it!
It’s actually a GREAT morning because I was able to sleep after watching IT last night with the family! I don’t know why I agreed to watch that movie at night, but I did. I was tense the entire time and then took the most nerve-wracking shower I’ve ever taken in my life because I was certain that Pennywise was standing outside my shower curtain. Did I mention that I am NOT a horror movie person . . . AT ALL?!
SYNOPSIS: When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries.
Let me start by saying: 1) I do not like clowns. In no way, shape or form do I think a grown adult should be dressing up like that and entertaining children. lol. It’s just creepy in general. 2) As I already mentioned, I am not a horror movie fan, I don’t enjoy being scared, and I totally had to fall asleep last night watching FRIENDS on Netflix so I wouldn’t keep thinking about Pennywise the damn Dancing Clown!!
With that being said . . . the movie was actually better than I expected. I kept getting mad at the typical person walking into the basement instead of out of the house, but I digress. The majority of the cast were minors and I thought they all did a fantastic job! The script was great and they delivered the foul-mouthed lines perfectly. Jack Dylan Grazer, who plays Eddie had to be one of my favorites. The other members of the self-proclaimed “Losers” group alongside Jack Dylan Grazer were Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Finn Wolfhard (Mike on Stranger Things), Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs and Wyatt Oleff.
From watching the trailers, you would think that the sole purpose of the movie is for the kids to defeat Pennywise, but I like the little plot twist. It’s more about their fears than it is of Pennywise himself. He represents the respective fear for each of the kids, and I thought that was pretty interesting. It taught me two things: 1) Don’t let anyone know what your fear is and then maybe it won’t try to kill you, and 2) It you ever have to face your biggest fear, make sure you have the kids of Derry on your side.
Aside from being so incredible tense throughout the movie, I thought it was really good. The cast was phenomenal, the plot was interesting and the only complaint I really have is not being able to understand Pennywise a lot of the time because he constantly drooled and slurred his words. But, then again, I probably didn’t want to hear what he had to say anyway! So check it out and, as always, let me know what you thought!
What’s up, movie lovers?? I was able to watch another movie this week that I thought was worth reviewing, so here I am!
I’d heard about HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS back in 2015 when it was released, but never got around to watching it. For some reason, I felt really good after finally watching it.
The film premiered at South by Southwest on March 14, 2015 and also screened at the Montclair Film Festival on May 1, 2015. Wanted to bring that up since my family is from Montclair, NJ and I thought that was pretty cool.
SYNOPSIS: When Doris Miller (Sally Field) meets John Fremont (Max Greenfield), her company’s hip new art director, sparks fly–at least for Doris. In the cluttered house she shared with her late mother, Doris mines the Internet for information on her one-and-only, guided by the 13-year-old granddaughter of her best pal Roz. When Doris begins showing up at John’s regular haunts, she wins over his Williamsburg friends. Her new life brings Doris a thrilling perspective, but also creates a rift between her and her longtime friends and family, who believe she’s making a fool of herself over a guy half her age. Eager for all the experiences she has missed out on, Doris throws caution to the wind and follows her heart for the very first time.
Now, I did find myself thinking that Doris was a crazy little lady, but she grew on me. The underlying issue was definitely that she missed out on certain experiences because she was forced into the caretaker role for her mother while her brother pursued his dreams. That’s something that I can kind of relate to. The moral of the story is that it’s never too late! Doris quickly became a Grade A stalker when it came to John, but what she craved was that youthful energy, that friendship, the fact that he didn’t look at her like a crazy cat lady who lived her life as a hoarder. He actually liked her quirkiness–and MAN, was she quirky! Sally Field and Max Greenfield had excellent on-screen chemistry throughout, but that’s no surprise. Side Note: If you haven’t seen Greenfield as Schmidt on ‘New Girl,’ do yourself a favor and watch that!
This was a cute little indie film that exemplifies the struggles we sometimes face in order to find ourselves. It made me laugh and it definitely made me sympathize with the characters. Doris was lost, but she was able to find herself through these experiences and I think that’s more important than her moments of cyber-stalking John on Facebook. But, note to the ladies (& dudes) out there . . . don’t be a cyber-stalker. Be yourself–quirkiness and all!
20th Century Fox has released a new featurette for THE POST highlighting actor Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee. The featurette includes commentary from director Steven Spielberg, and fellow cast members Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk, and more.
SYNOPSIS: Steven Spielberg directs Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post, a thrilling drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post’s Katharine Graham (Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. Presidents. The two must overcome their differences as they risk their careers – and their very freedom – to help bring long-buried truths to light.
The Post marks the first time Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have collaborated on a project. In addition to directing, Spielberg produces along with Amy Pascal and Kristie Macosko Krieger. The script was written by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, and the film features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford and Zach Woods.
THE POST is in theaters everywhere on January 12, 2018!
I was finally able to sit down and watch Demi Lovato’s documentary Simply Complicated today and it was so good!
The documentary is a YouTube Original that aired in October 2017. It currently has over 13 million views and with good reason.
It showcases Demi’s life–both the good and the bad. Through family issues, addiction, breakups and the pressure to be perfect, Demi has fought her way to almost 5 1/2 years of sobriety and is still working on finding herself in the process.
I remember sitting down and watching Sonny With a Chance, and Camp Rock with my niece when she was younger. Neither of us knew who Demi Lovato was at first, but I remember thinking that her voice was absolutely incredible. To look back on it now and to know that she hadn’t even tapped into a fraction of her full potential at that time is amazing. Looking at her on-screen, you had no idea that the person behind these characters was struggling with depression, an eating disorder and so many other underlying issues that had barely scratched the surface.
To be honest, I had no idea that things had gotten that bad for her. I knew that there were substance abuse issues, but I wasn’t really aware of the actual timeline of when everything hit rock bottom. I didn’t know the extent of the damage either. So, watching this documentary really shed light on her struggle and the struggle of those around her.
I would strongly suggest preventing your child from watching it if they’re under the age of 13 because it does touch heavily on drug use and alcohol abuse. However, I’m a firm believer in being honest with younger generations and showing them the uglier side of things so that they know what to avoid. This documentary takes an honest look at her struggles, the root of those struggles and the people who helped her through them.
One of the most touching moments for me, personally, was when she spoke about her relationship with Wilmer Valderrama. It’s clear that she still has so much love for him, and it’s nice to see them post-breakup still getting along and not having anything bad to say about one another. I can agree with her reason for needing to be alone and to learn how to depend on herself rather than someone else, but I’m secretly hoping for them to reconnect romantically. What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic lol.
While watching Simply Complicated, I found myself teary-eyed more often than I’d like to admit. Viewers also get a bit of insight to the recording process for her working alongside her producers and manager. If you don’t walk away from this in pure awe of her vocals, you should probably check your hearing. The girl has got some VO-CALS!!
I definitely recommend watching the documentary, especially since it looks like Part Two might be happening in the near future. It’s a fantastic look at a talented young woman’s road to self-discovery, sobriety and overcoming struggles that so many of us deal with.
Check it out and, as always, let me know what you thought!
A Heartwarming Story About Kindness, Love and Friendship
The Critically Acclaimed Film Arrives on Digital January 30 and 4K Ultra HDTMCombo Pack, Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, and DVD on February 13
4K Ultra HD to include both Dolby Vision™ and Dolby® TrueHD
The incredibly moving and heartfelt family film, Wonder, heads to Digital January 30 and 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand February 13 from Lionsgate.
Based on the #1 New York Times bestseller, and USA Today’s top-selling book of 2017, by R.J. Palacio, writer-director Stephen Chbosky (Beauty and the Beast, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) brings to life the uplifting story of a boy who inspires and teaches others that true beauty is found within. Certified Fresh™ on Rotten Tomatoes and co-written for the screen by Steven Conrad and Jack Thorne, Wonder stars Academy Award® winner Julia Roberts (2000, Best Actress, Erin Brockovich), Academy Award® nominee Owen Wilson (2001, Best Writing, The Royal Tenenbaums), Golden Globe® nominee Mandy Patinkin (1984, Best Actor – Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy, Yentl; 1995, Best Television Actor – Drama Series, “Chicago Hope”; 2003, Best Supporting Actor – Limited Series or Television Motion Picture, “Homeland”), and Jacob Tremblay (Room, The Smurfs 2).
Wonder follows the inspiring story of the Pullman family, whose youngest child, Auggie, is a boy born with facial differences. When Auggie enters mainstream elementary school for the first time, his extraordinary journey unites his family, his school, and his community, and proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
The Wonder home entertainment release includes all-new special features, including a never-before-seen 5-part documentary, multiple featurettes, a music video, and an audio commentary with Stephen Chbosky and R.J. Palacio. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray also features Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR), growing Lionsgate’s library of titles featuring both Dolby Vision and Dolby TrueHD. Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions feature Dolby TrueHD, which provides the most authentic lossless audio experience available for the home theater. Together Dolby Vision and Dolby TrueHD allow consumers to experience both cutting-edge imaging and lossless audio sound technology for an immersive entertainment experience.
Timed to the book’s sixth anniversary, and to Valentine’s Day, Wonder will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively.
4K UHD/BLU-RAY/DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
“Summer of Fun” 5-Part Documentary
“A (com)Passion Project” Featurette
“Family Matters” Featurette
“A Technical Wonder” Featurette
“A Note of Kindness” Featurette
“We All Deserve a Standing Ovation at Least Once in Our Lives” Featurette
“A Child’s Sense of Wonder” Featurette
“What a Wonderful World” Featurette
Audio Commentary with Stephen Chbosky and R.J. Palacio
“Brand New Eyes” Music Video
WonderSoundtrack: Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary with Stephen Chbosky and R.J. Palacio
20th Century Fox has released a new trailer and poster for the upcoming spy thriller RED SPARROW.
SYNOPSIS: Dominika Egorova is many things. A devoted daughter determined to protect her mother at all costs. A prima ballerina whose ferocity has pushed her body and mind to the absolute limit. A master of seductive and manipulative combat.
When she suffers a career-ending injury, Dominika and her mother are facing a bleak and uncertain future. That is why she finds herself manipulated into becoming the newest recruit for Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people like her to use their bodies and minds as weapons. After enduring the perverse and sadistic training process, she emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow the program has ever produced. Dominika must now reconcile the person she was with the power she now commands, with her own life and everyone she cares about at risk, including an American CIA agent who tries to convince her he is the only person she can trust.
RED SPARROW
Thriller Release: March 2, 2018 Directed by: Francis Lawrence Screenplay by: Justin Haythe Based upon the book by: Jason Matthews Produced by: Peter Chernin, Steve Zaillian, Jenno Topping, David Ready Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker and Jeremy Irons