Movie Spotlight: Tabloid (2010)

I'm a bit behind on this as I just got married and spent a week honeymooning, and then returned home to only find my internet was out. To catch up though, famed Errol Morris released a documentary a couple of weeks ago, The Unknown Known. Now this documentary film maker seems to like to cover controversial and interesting figures. In Tabloid he doesn't fail to find the bizarre, and made the subject, Joyce McKinney file a lawsuit against him she was so upset with his portrayal.

Summary: Joyce McKinney was Miss Wyoming in the 70's, and she seemed like a sweet nature and innocent girl, that is until she found herself in the midst of a tabloid scandal. She was dating a Mormon man who she fell for, and was planning to marry. She says once he disappeared though she went looking for him, and thought he become the victim of a cult, though he had just joined as a missionary. McKinney kidnapped him though she claims it was just to rescue him. Now Morris interviews McKinney and gets her side of the story alon with those who were around her at the time.

Wednesday Movie Night: The Losers (2010)

I remember when I first saw previews of this when it came out in 2010, I didn't think much of it. My fiance recommended it though, so I checked it out. While the plot is decent the visuals are where the strengths of the movie truly lie. There are many memorable scenes in the movie, and the movie is just going for cool. Sylvain White seemed to be aiming to make a very cool movie and he got that, but he may have lost some other things to focus on along the way.

Summary: Clay, Jensen, Roque, Pooch, and Cougar are apart of a CIA special forces team. When they disobey commands from their superiors though they are left for dead, and now left to fend on their own. The betrayal was instigated by a man named, Max. Now they are planning their own offensive, but when a mysterious woman becomes apart of their team she could hurt or help the offense they are building again him. Not only are they trying to plan a way to get back, but also make it out of the jungle they were left in as well.

Bookshelf: Amanda Hocking's Hollowland

I have to say this is probably one of the most well crafted self published books I've read. The author has really edited this book very well that it reads better than some that have professional editors at publishing companies working on books. Don't get me wrong, the book has typos, but it reads well enough that for me I wasn't too aware of it, and was more enthralled by the story. There are some little bumps in the story like a pet lion, which was a problematic distraction.

Summary: After the government run facility she is staying at is over run with zombies, Remy King, is determined to find her brother, Max, who was airlifted away from the chaos because of he is being protected by the government. Along the way though Remy is going to see a lot of how the world is changing now the zombies are running it. With marauders out to loot and kill, cults forming, and others just looking to survive against the threats it has become a dangerous and cautious world to live in with no law. She will also meet new friends who are looking for a group as well.

Bookshelf:Bret McCracken's Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide

Just the word hipster can stir up annoyance in someone. Most will probably not read this book because the title includes hipster in it. I felt pretentious just carrying the book around. The thing there are some good observations in the book that apply to people beyond hipsters. Most teens may not identify as hipsters, but most of them have the want to be cool to the point it can over ride other aspects of their life like their spiritually, the thing is this book is going to be mostly only be picked up by who identify with the term hipster even if they don't call themselves that. The book has much to offer to a wider audience though.

Summary: Can the church and cool coincide? Christianity is being embraced by people who may conform to hipster ways, but this could mean adopting some questionable lifestyles that include things not conducive to the Christian lifestyle. In order to appear in with the crowd they will come off as if they aren't even living a Christian lifestyle. Not only is it affecting individuals though, but the church is also trying to appeal to the cool crowd, and this means they are involving more arts and pop culture in their programs, and sometimes it fits, but sometimes it makes the vibe very forced. So how do you appeal to a crowd who's mindset is to be cool without trying to look as if you are trying too hard?

234 of 1001 Movies: True Grit (2010)

True Grit isn't a remake. It's another adaptation from the novel that the story stems from. No one ever calls another Romeo and Juliet movie a remake of another one, so it shouldn't be done here. True Grit is good enough to stand on it's own two feet without comparison. The cast though is what brings this movie to life, along with a great score that adds that Western feel. It's one of the better modern day Westerns to have been made, and it shows that the Coen brothers can dive into almost anything.

Summary: Mattie is out to avenge the death of her father, who was murdered by his hired hand, Tom Chaney. She hires U.S Marshall, Rooster Cogburn, who is known for being one of the toughest there is. He doesn't show mercy. Tom Chaney isn't only being hunted by them though, but also a Texas Ranger who is out to bring him to justice for he death of a senator. They consider teaming up to find him, but their differences also are pulling them apart. If they can find a way to work together though it will prove easier to take down Chaney.

Pitchfork List: Arcade Fire's The Suburbs

Arcade Fire created a stir with their recent release Reflektor, and not just because of the album itself, but because of their request that concert-goers where more formal wear for the event. It took away from the fact this is a band with some talent, and some good songs to find, even if the most recent isn't the strongest. One of their more well-received albums is Suburbs.

History: The album was received well by critics, and had mostly positive reviews. It also topped several charts in many countries after it's release. The album itself is about living in the suburbs, and it does it in a way that is neither loving or hating, but more of a realistic experience. The album also received award nominations ranging from smaller awards to the Grammy awards, where it would win for Album of the year.

Bookshelf: Matthew Paul Turner's Hear No Evil

Matthew Paul Turner has released books that do revolutionize  a way that many people have perceived Christianity, and others who have felt a bit of an outcast from the world because they've not fallen into the American idea of it. While there are some things I agree with him on, and other things I don't, this book can at least get me on the same page with him. I grew up through some of my middle school years, and high school years with a passion for the Christian music scene, but somewhere in college began listening to music outside of that label. I'm glad that I did as well before reading this book because many parts of this book is a dark look of the world of Christian music.

Summary: Turner grew up in a household where anything that involved percussion or electric instruments was banned. Over time though as he grew up, and got out he discovered a lot more music, and the impacts it can all have on people. Turner shares his experience with the Christian music industry while working at CCM, his years at a Christian music oriented college in Tennessee, and his current stance with music and worship.

Wednesday Movie Night: Red (2010)

Red seems to be one of the better movies Robert Schwentke brought to the screen. Not many seemed fond of R.I.P.D., and neither The Time Traveler's Wife. More seemed welcoming of Red. He didn't return to direct the sequel though, so that might explain why some didn't enjoy it as much. Anyways, Red didn't blow me away, but it kept me entertained as long as I had someone to help me weave through the plot line.

Summary: Frank Moses is retired, and is talking to a woman thta he believes has serious potential. He makes plans to visit Sarah, the women he hopes to pursue a relationship with. Before he can get started on his retirement plans though an assassin black op is sent to kill him. In order to fight back, and figure out why he has been targeted he is going to have to get back together his old team. This includes Joe, Marvin, and Victoria who are all potential targets as well. Not only that, but Frank has gotten Sarah involved and has to protect her too.

6 of 1001 Songs: Jonsi's Go Do

I thought this reminded me of Sigur Ros, and it makes sense as Jonsi is the lead singer. The song though is familiar once you've heard it, and if you watched We Bought A Zoo it was one of the songs used for the soundtrack. So besides critical status it's also even got it a spot playing in a movie out there.

History: If there ever was a commercial song it was this one. It's been used for movie trailers, Ford, Window's phone, and Google. Everyone can find a place for this tune in their commercial. Many who enjoy Sigur Ros will enjoy Jonsi as he doesn't veer too much from the sound, but does liven it up with a more positive energy. The critics were also aware of this and responded positively to the single. This single appeared on an EP at first with 2 other tunes before the release of the full length album.

4 of 1001 Songs: Gil Scott-Heron's Me and the Devil

It's the first time I can remember hearing music from a spoken word artist. Gil Scott-Heron had a classic voicing to provide to the times. There is something about this song that is very dark, and in a way sad. I believe what Heron was struggling with while releasing this album the song was from, I'm New Here", makes the theme just seem sadder.

History: Me and the Devil was the only single that Heron released from his last album. In this one song you can here the reflections of his own struggle with his addictions. . The sound in this song also is mixed in a way that I haven't heard before. It's obvious that Heron is a jazz or blues artist from his voicing. It's very soulful. The background instrumentals depart from his usual genre though into something that is more electronic.

2 of 1001 Songs: Gorillaz's Stylo

I remember when Gorillaz got popular when I was in high school. I don't think it was ever that they were popular with my age group, but there very artsy, older kids who seemed to be into them. I never got into the band though. I think they have a unique style and sound, but the music just never struck a chord enough with me to make them apart of my music collection.

History: In 2012, Gorillaz chose "Stylo" to be their first single from their album Plastic Beach. They also wanted to bring in some other vocalist as well, and that led to Mos Def and Bobby Womack contributing to vocals. Bobby Womack is 69 and almost has a voice you wouldn't associate with the group. He was very hesitant to get involved with contributing because he was unfamiliar with the group. The reception was mainly positive for the new single, and it seemed to be that the band was exploring incorporating new sounds into their own music. It made new ways with alternative hip hop, but didn't prove to be as huge a success with audiences as it's chart appearance didn't debut as well as the rest.

Wednesday Movie Night: Grown Ups (2010)

Grown Ups was one those movies I didn't understand how it got a second movie to follow it. After watching it I understand even less. It definitely isn't any of these guys funnier movies. It does provide some laughs, but somewhere about halfway in the movie seems to lose it's step a bit. It is a nice story reflecting generational differences and adult friendships though. Dennis Dugan also directed Happy Gilmore, but it seems that Grown Ups didn't quite achieve the fame it did.

Summary: After beloved basketball coach, Buzzer, dies, it reunites five friends who have grown up and went on very different paths in life. Lenny is rich and has spoiled kids and a wife. Eric has more of the everyday family except for the wife is still breastfeeding their four-year old. Kurt is a stay at home dad. Marcus still is a lady man who has yet to be in a committed relationship, and Rob is in a marriage with a lady a few decades older than him, and he's trying to reconnect with his daughters from previous marriages. Lenny rents a cabin for them all to stay in, and if there is anything to be learned from the weekend they are staying together it's still that they have some growing up to do.