I was really excited to see The Place Beyond the Pines. I've recently become a hug fan of Ryan Gosling. Seeing movies like Drive and Fracture really opened my eyes to one of the best actors in today's cinema. One of my favorite critics, Chris Stuckmann, reviewed this film earlier last year and gave it his highest rating. Ever since then, I've been anxiously awaiting it's arrival to one of my local theaters. Well, I saw the movie yesterday and let me just say this. Wow. This movie is absolutely phenomenal.
Ryan Gosling plays a motorcycle stuntman of sorts that works for a traveling fair. This role is something a bit different for Gosling. This character is rugged, sweaty, completely covered in tattoos and you can just tell that this man has had a troubled past. Gosling's character soon learns that he has a child, and drastically tries to turn his life around and support his so called family. That's all I'm going to say about the plot of this movie however, because this film takes twists and turns that you won't ever expect, and I don't want to give anything away. If you want to see this film, I urge you to go into this film with absolutely no knowledge of anything. I went in knowing only what I told you, and I had an amazing time with this film. Everything in this film from the acting to the directing is flawless. It's a truly unique film and I really hope that it gets the praise it deserves. I went to see this film with my girlfriend, and it was literally us two and maybe three other people in the theater. I'm usually not opposed to empty theaters, but I kept thinking, "How are people missing this!?" Everything about this movie was captivating to me. Let's set some things straight real quick. This film is a drama at it's core. It puts you in some truly uncomfortable and tense situations. It's solely a character driven adventure with some moments of action, but expect to be biting your nails 95% of the time. Although, when there are actions scenes, they're captured so well, it's truly a treat to watch them. This film was directed by Derek Cianfrance, the same director responsible for the film Blue Valentine. I have not seen Blue Valentine, but I have heard about it's depressing plot and conclusion. This film shares some of those elements, and that's why I loved it so much.
I really don't know what else I can talk about without giving things away. This film was probably the best drama I've ever seen and it deserves your money. If you want to go see a film this weekend, don't see Evil Dead, don't see Oblivion, Go see The Place Beyond the Pines. A great film like this needs and deserves your support. Everything in this film was executed perfectly, with amazing performances from all the actors(whom all of which I didn't mention...for a reason) and amazing direction that caught me completely off guard. This is my favorite movie I've seen so far this year. This summer is going to be fantastic for movies, but I bet this film will still be one of my favorites after I've seen the new Star Trek and Man of Steel. Go see this movie, it's human drama at it's finest.
Hey guys! I struggled all day with how I should review this album. Should it be more organized or should it be more of a free form style? I wasn't sure at first, but I think that it would be best to examine three specific parts of this album: Instrumentals, Vocals, and Message(or lyrical content) Have you guys listened to Know Hope yet? Have you even heard of The Color Morale? Let me know below!
When I first heard The Color Morale I didn't like them. Back then, I was pretty narrow minded with music and they've always been a band that's strayed a bit from the norm. However, the more I listened to them, the more I grew to like them. Their songs have an almost infectious nature to them. You might hear one of their songs at first and think it was just okay, but that song doesn't let go of you. It gets stuck inside your head until you listen to it again, again, and again. One thing that always brings me back to this band over countless others is the devotion they have to spreading their message. Every single song has a rhyme and reason to it. There are no gimmicks with this band just honest music with an honest message. This band really stresses the concept of hope through each release. They're also big on moving forward with your life and who you are as a person. They've put out three albums via Rise Records, Know Hope being their most recent. I was super excited for this album. Their previous release, My Devil in Your Eyes, is one of my all time favorite records, and I couldn't wait to see what they were going to do next. I went out and bought the record a little over a week ago and have barely stop listening since.
Instrumentals
Right from the start of this record you're greeted with an awesome track in Burn Victims. This song has a very heavy tone to it, with one of the best chorus' I've ever heard. The instrumentals throughout this entire album are a lot heavier than I expected them to be, but it works so well. The guitar work is just as good as anything else they've put out. I feel like the guitar parts ride a fine line of simplicity and technicality. They counter act the heavy riffs with beautiful lead parts and melodic chords. The sense of chaos that the instrumentals create within the track Smoke and Mirrors(video above) is menacing at points, and this holds true for the entire record. They've achieved a much more raw and dirty sound with this album, and I feel like it gives a much more authentic feel to this band. You can feel the anger and pain within each one of these songs. One thing that continually amazes me is the absurd drumming by Steve Carey. He's always been an insane drummer, but he's out of control on this record. His drumming compliments and accents the other instruments PERFECTLY. Great job Steve, you're awesome. Honestly though they've really achieved something with the instrumentals on this album. They've kept the same feel that fans will be used to while also evolving it and bring something fresh to The Color Morale. I think that these songs hold something for everyone instrumentally. Some songs, especially the first half of the album, are relentlessly heavy, while the second half still maintains heavy elements, but pushes a more melodic/punk style to the foreground. The song Steadfast is a good example of this. There's also an interesting use of keys/pads in some cool spots, which is something new for them. You can definitely tell more time was spent in post production for this record. Overall, awesome instrumentals that convey a new fresh tone to these songs, while remaining the band I've come to love.
Vocals
Vocals have undergone a big transformation for this record. Singer, Garret Rapp, developed a higher scream/yell that constantly reminds me of Stray from the Path. A lot of people don't like his vocal style for this album, but I absolutely love it. The other day I was actually listening to one of their older albums and I found myself wishing that the old records utilized his new vocal style. He talks a little about the transformation in the video I posted above. I really believe that his new style of scream lends a more angry and emotional side to the heavy parts. There's also a really good use of his low screaming as well. His low screams definitely aren't used as much in this record, but when they are used, they're used well. This helps to create a really good contrast and variety within the vocals. Then of course there are his clean vocals, and they don't disappoint. Record after record, I'm constantly amazed with the chorus' this man can think of. He has a true gift for thinking of hooks and melodies that will be embedded in your brain for days. As a vocalist myself, he continually inspires me with what he's able to pull off. A lot of people make the mistake of saying that something is bad just because it's different from what they're used to. People don't realize that you have to sit back and accept something for what it is. Only then can you truly appreciate it. The vocals on this record are truly unique and they further solidify Mr. Rapp as one of my favorite vocalists in the scene today. There's also some truly awesome screams from bassist, Justin Hieser. I find myself constantly singing this album to myself when I'm at home, work, church, everywhere I go it's in my head. If you like passionate screams coupled with contagious singing melodies, you won't be disappointed here.
Message
Garret Rapp has made the statement that this album, lyrically, is his entire life spilled onto a CD for people's enjoyment. He's been struggling with a lot things in his life, and he's not afraid to tell you what those are with this record. Few lyricists are bold enough to be as honest as Garret is with Know Hope. He touches on a lot of topics that are close to his heart, and things that he still isn't over. This record is very much a current representation of him and the band as a whole. The problems he talks about in this album are not things that are in his past. They are things that he is still struggling through. His honesty has been very inspirational for me as a writer. He's made the statement that in the past he's written about what the thought he was supposed to write about, instead of writing about what he really wants/needs to. I really connected to that statement. This record is a lot darker and more unnerving than any of the others, while still remaining inspirational somehow. A lot of us face some of the same problems that he's facing. Some of us might be facing them right now, so it's really easy to connect with the lyrical side of this album. Rise Records made a statement on their Facebook not too long ago that read: hype fades, substance stays. Substance is exactly what this record contains. The Color Morale has changed multiple lives, including mine, with their message. Even though a lot of this record is negative in it's message Garret says it the best in the song Silver Lining, "You can still lead a positive life with a negative mind."
Final Thoughts
I was extremely excited for this album and it did not disappoint me at all, and the more I listen to it, the more I love it. This is The Color Morale at their best. Everyone in this band has sacrificed so much to bring you this honest representation of their lives through music. Please support this band, they give everything they have and expect nothing in return. If you haven't heard of The Color Morale, please check them out and pick up one of their records. I really don't think you'll be disappointed. This band has changed a lot in me, the way I view music, and why I play music myself. I would absolutely hate for you to miss out on what this band has for you.
Hey guys! This is my first film review. I decided to do things a bit differently with these reviews. I'm not going to break things down into certain categories like I do with my game reviews. Instead, I'm going to talk about the film and share my thoughts in more of a free form style of writing. I'll touch on as many aspects of the film as I can, while doing my best to give you an accurate review of what I thought. Enjoy!
I saw Jurassic Park for the first time when I was very young. I can't remember exactly how old I was, but I think I was either five or six. Back then, Jurassic Park was one of my favorite films. I was at that age where the concept of dinosaurs fascinated me, and where I thought the Tyrannosaurus Rex was the coolest animal I'd ever seen. Of course when you're viewing this film as a kid, you just want to see dinosaurs eat people and tear stuff up. That was what initially attracted me to this film as a child. However, as I grew older and my love for movies started to mature, I started to notice the plot of this movie more, the acting, the directing, and all that it took to make this film. I only learned about a week ago that they were doing this film in 3D, and that it was set to release very soon. Having missed the 3D re-releases of Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace, and Titanic, I didn't really know what to expect. Well, I just got back from seeing this movie, and I'm very pleased to tell you that this was the best experience I have ever had with this film. I absolutely loved it.
The first thing I noticed about the film was the brilliant use of 3D. Characters and creatures pop from the screen creating some very awesome depth of field within the shots. I was also, really surprised with how good this film STILL looks. I felt like I was at home watching a blu-ray instead of watching a movie that was originally released in 1993. Seeing this movie in theaters really helped me to pick up on Spielberg's fabulous direction. I'd never noticed how beautifully the film was shot until now. I really liked his use of focus in some shots as well. The audio for this film has also been remastered and it sounds fantastic. I've seen this movie at least fifteen times and I was hearing things that I'd never heard before. Everything from the roars of the dinosaurs to the dialogue sounds crisp and clear. John Williams' iconic theme returns, and there's nothing like experiencing that composition through a theater's sound system. It's as beautiful as ever.
Seeing this film in a theater really carried over a different tone for the film. This time around everything felt a lot more threatening and very scary. I wasn't thinking of this as a kid's film anymore. All of a sudden it became very mature, and everything carried a lot more weight. This also got me to thinking about something. Seeing this movie in theaters really changed my perspective on it. I've always enjoyed the film, but now I appreciate it in a whole new way. Now, I believe that every film should be viewed this way. Throughout the entire movie I kept thinking, "Darn, I really wish I went to go see Titanic when it was around." It's really like watching a whole new film. The acting and the plot obviously haven't changed over the past twenty years. Yes, it's still fantastic, and viewing this movie in theaters really helped to bring out the strengths in the acting and in the plot. Another thing that constantly surprised me was how well the visual effects have held up. Computer Generated Imagery has come a long way since 1993, but the creatures in this movie still look incredibly life-like. The painstaking work that was put into the live action dinosaurs completely paid off, because they still, to this day, beat any other puppetry or animatronics I've seen since.
Seeing this movie in theaters has allowed me to look at this film in a completely new way. It's still the Jurassic Park we've come to love, but it's better in almost every way. If you have the time or money to go see this film in 3D, do it. If you're like me, it'll give you a new respect for the film and what it took to make an incredibly ambitious movie like this. If you somehow haven't seen Jurassic Park, there is no better time than right now. Go see it in theaters, and be prepared to be wowed by fantastic cinematography, great acting, clever direction, and a presentation that is still amazing to this day.
Hey guys! Since this is my first game review, I'm going to give you the run down on what I'll be looking at when I review games. I've been watching and reading IGN reviews for years now, and I've always liked their criteria. I'll be reviewing 3 major categories: Presentation, Story, and Gameplay. This(as well as anything else I post) is my opinion. If you disagree, let me know! I'd be more than happy to hear what you think!
Presentation
From the very outset of this game your eyes are treated to gorgeous visuals. I played through this game on the Xbox 360 and was still shocked at how polished and crisp the visuals were. The world is so wonderfully realized, that it sucks you in almost immediately. Lara's animations are among some of the best I've seen since the Uncharted series. It's apparent throughout the game that Crystal Dynamics learned from what Uncharted did, and in my opinion topped it. One of the most alluring aspects of this game is how it grounds itself in reality. Sure, a lot of the set pieces and story elements are far fetched, but the game is grounded in a brutal, gritty world. So, I was able to suspend my disbelief without a problem. Along with amazing animations, the character of Lara Croft is an absolute powerhouse in this game. Gone are the days of a big breasted, gone toting sex symbol. This is an origin story for Lara and this game creates a character that you genuinely feel for. She's intelligent, afraid, and completely vulnerable, and I think that's one of the biggest reasons this game succeeds. For once a game has given us an action hero that isn't impervious to everything. Throughout the course of the game she takes an absolute beating, and it shows. Her character progressively gets bruised, scratched, and even scarred. By the end of the game you can tell what she's been through just by looking at her, and that's an achievement. The voice acting is also top notch thanks to a great performance by Camilla Luddington as Lara Croft. The rest of the cast is also does a good job, but it was her performance that stood out to me. When you play Tomb Raider, you're treated to an insanely polished open world game with tremendous attention to detail. The game world will suck you in like few games can. Amazing presentation from start to finish.
Story
This is where it gets a little tricky for me. I'm hugely opposed to spoilers, so, I'm going to do my best to explain how I feel about the story without giving anything huge away. Like I stated before, this is an origin story. This game finds Lara before she became the fearless tomb raider we know her as. The game kicks off with Lara and her colleagues aboard a ship sailing in search of the lost island of Yamatai. As they approach the island, an incredible storm crashes their ship against the rocks, forcing them to abandon the ship and each other. Stranded on this mystical island, you must find your friends and do what you can to get off the island. That's all I'm going to say about the story of the game, because I feel like it needs to be experienced to be told. I thought the story was fantastic in this game. Watching Lara transform from harmless adventurer to hardened survivalist is a thrilling yet emotional experience. Some of you smarter players out there might be able to see where the story is going early on, but I don't think this is a bad thing. Simple stories are usually the best in my opinion, and this story barely stumbles at all. One main criticism that other reviews have had towards the story of this game(that I don't necessarily agree with) is the evolution of Lara's character. One moment she can barely fire a gun and then the next she's a cold blooded killer. In the game she is forced to adapt very quickly, and while this may be a bit jarring for you, I feel the game justified it quite nicely. Lara quickly realizes that it's kill or be killed on this island, and she intends to survive. The story also deals some great fan service for those who are veteran players of the franchise. I highly enjoyed this story and I really cared about what was going to happen to all of the characters, especially Lara.
Gameplay
When I played through Tomb Raider for the first time, I beat it in two days. This isn't because the game is short. It's because this game is So. Much. Fun. I could not put this game down. I played for 12 hours straight the first time I picked up the controller. I thought my Xbox was going to explode I'd been playing so long. Everything you do in this game, whether it be: platforming, shooting, hunting, collecting, raiding tombs, or just exploring, is ridiculously compelling. The game rewards you for exploring by letting you upgrade your weapons and abilities. This is the area where I believe this game outshines Uncharted. In the Uncharted games, you go through linear level after linear level with barely any exploring and absolutely no character progression. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love those games, but Tomb Raider takes what was amazing with those games and adds a depth that they just don't have. The sense of progression is perfectly paced through the game, and by the end, you feel completely empowered. I had so much fun fighting the bad guys, I'm hoping they release some sort of horde mode DLC, cause I'll be the first to buy it. I haven't played a game that felt this good on the sticks in a long time. Everything felt just right while using the controller. I haven't had a chance to play this game on PC yet, so I'm not sure what this game feels like using a mouse and keyboard, but honestly, it was so nice with the game pad I'll probably just use a controller when I play the PC version. After you complete the story, the game allows you to keep playing. You're free to scrounge for any collectibles you missed or raid any tombs that you haven't. I haven't had this much pure fun playing a game in a very long time. It's a genuine joy to play.
Verdict
As you can probably tell, I adored this game. Crystal Dynamics has breathed new life into a franchise that needed it the most. There are so many interesting directions they can go with this new Lara, and I can't wait to see what they're planning next. This is by far my favorite game that's been released so far this year, and is a definite early contender for game of the year. The only thing that kept this game from a perfect score, was the extremely bland multiplayer. It's unoriginal in pretty much every way, and I think they could have taken the time they spent making a really bad competitive mode, and given us a really solid, enjoyable, cooperative mode. That aside, this game is near flawless. I implore you to check out this game. Even if you're not a fan of the Tomb Raider franchise, I'm convinced this game will make you one.
