Netflix Movie Review: Triple Frontier

Another Friday, another new Netflix movie. Not that I mind. Most are actually really well done, and Triple Frontier was no exception. It also didn’t hurt that it had five A-list stars in all shots of the film. Helmed by Kathryn Bigelow, who’s no stranger to war films (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), this movie was gritty, taking place mostly in the jungle of Columbia.

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Lords of Chaos

I have been looking forward to watching Lords of Chaos since I heard about it for the first time a few months back, and it did not disappoint! This film was fascinating. Based off the book of the same name, the movie centers around a 90s band that dubbed itself the first “true Norwegian black metal band,” called Mayhem. Now I know what you’re thinking, “what’s this difference between black metal and metal?” Well the answer, according to deceased guitarist who went by the name, Euronymous, black metal is just like regular metal except it’s “Satanic” and “heavy.” Being a fan of heavy metal music myself, I actually really enjoyed the soundtrack, which actually featured songs that Mayhem recorded back in the day.

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Michael Carbonaro Live!

As an early birthday present, I decided to take my dad to see Michael Carbonaro of The Carbonaro Effect, a show that he absolutely loves. I watch it from time to time, and it’s a little goofy, and a little too PG-13 for my taste, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

To my surprise it was very funny! For about an hour and a half, we watched Carbonaro perform a wide array of tricks with plenty of audience interaction. He is very sarcastic and the audience loved it. I could tell by all the reactions that they also genuinely love the show, which was nice to see. Interspersed throughout the program, they showed some clips from the show and some “behind-the-scenes” clips which was nice for some variety.

After all the tricks were complete, he got ready to do more a performance art piece from his childhood, and apparently he had done it on Jimmy Kimmel before, too! He comes out with a bath towel around his waist and a can of shaving cream. Once some opera-type music begins he starts lathering it all over himself, and then molds it all over him to create different characters, like a devil fro example. It was odd but entertaining. Overall it was a fun and funny show, and I’m really glad I got to experience it with my dad. If Michael Carbonaro is coming to a city near you I recommend to go if you can!

Album Review: I Don’t Know How But They Found Me’s 1981 EP

What does Dallon Weekes of Panic! at the Disco noteriety plus Ryan Seaman of Falling in Reverse fame equal? A ridiculously long titled band called I Don’t Know How But They Found Me. And wouldn’t you know, their new EP isn’t even made up of words, called 1981. Fascinating.

Despite all of that potentially unnecessary, but fun, wordplay I really liked this six-track EP! If I had to give a gut genre labeling I would call them disco cabaret. Is that a thing? I have no clue, but it is now! It was a nice mix of both and the composition and lyrics were really fun, albeit a little morbid (“Choke”, for sure). One of those six tracks is a 30 second intro, but it bled nicely into their lead single, the aforementioned, “Choke.” It’s a standout for sure, but I found myself really enjoying “Do It All the Time” and “Social Climb.”

I’m definitely looking forward to more music from these two in the future and hopefully a tour!

Awards Season Finale: The Oscars

Folks! It finally came! The end to awards season, The Academy Awards. And they did not disappoint. I’m going to recap my thoughts, favorite and most awkward moments for you all below, as well as my thoughts on those that took home the hardware.

Despite not having a host this year, the show went pretty smooth in my opinion. No listening to jokes that might not land or an over the top opening number/monologue. Just getting straight into presenting awards after an opening performance from Queen with Adam Lambert. That performance fell a little flat for me, but I still enjoyed it.

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Book Review: Me Before You

It’s been a long time coming for me to read this romance novel by Jojo Moyes, and I can see why I put it off. It’s freaking sad! Like devastatingly sad! And if you haven’t seen the movie that came out based on this novel three years ago, then shame on you and too bad for spoilers.

The book starts with Louisa, “Lou,” losing her job at a cafe. After failing at some oddball jobs she finally lands a job as more of a companion for quadriplegic Will Traynor. Will is as bitter as ever against Lou’s typically sunny outlook on life that she almost quits. But she’s the sole financial provider for her family, so she is determined to stick it out. That’s when she overhears some jarring news: in six months time, Will is heading to Switzerland to end his life with dignity. After learning this, Lou fights tooth and nail to get him to change his mind, but rather unsuccessfully for the most part. Cue the romance part of this novel: they fall in love. Then cue the awful part of this novel: he still chooses to die! Talk about making yourself feel shitty! I will say I was glad I watched the movie when it came out because otherwise there would have been a lot more tears.

Despite its seriously depressing ending, I do feel compelled to read its two sequels: After You and Still You. I’ll be sure to review if I do!