The Betrayed - Lostprophets (Album review)

The fourth studio album from Welsh band Lostprophets has been some time coming, but the wait was well worth it. ‘The Betrayed’ due for release in January 2010, takes us through a combination of musical styles – with some songs reminiscent of the progressive rock style of the first album ‘The Fake Sound Of Progress’ combined with more radio friendly songs (A Better Nothing, Where We Belong) that are similar style to hugely popular 2006 release ‘Liberation Transmission.’

What Ian Watkins and co. have accomplished in the making of this album, is finding a happy medium, and a happy balance between keeping new and old fans happy (think to 2nd album, ‘Start Something’)

The album opens on the crashing drums, introducing us to the first song cleverly titled ‘If It Wasn’t For Hate, We’d Be Dead By Now.’ After the first minute, Ian Watkins vocals reach that soaring level we are so accustomed to. Not quite Liberation Transmission, not quite Fake Sound of Progress.
The first obvious thing is the heavy emphasis and focus on some solid drums and clever guitar work. Where for the majority of Liberation Transmission, Watkins vocals had a more focal role, with the odd guitar solo thrown in (‘4AM forever etc.), in The Betrayed you can’t help but notice the obvious emphasis being placed on the instruments, creating a heavier sound, not un-similar to their original style.

The second track ‘Dstryr and Dstryr’ has a similarity to song ‘Burn Burn’ (‘Start Something’) with midpoint in the song Ian’s soft vocals building up to become louder, making it the sort of song you just want to chant along to.
The lyrics and build up in this one – ‘Destroyer, destroyer we live inside of you’ is in a very similar style to the point in Burn Burn – ‘Burn Burn, for us, for them, for you.’ The defiance in this song and in ultimately in the album is that trademark Lostprophets style that had been previously missing from Liberation Transmission.

Track ‘It’s Not The End Of The World But I can See it From Here’ may as well been stamped with ‘Lostprophets.’ It is the Lostprophets we are accustomed too, whether they are leaning towards progressive rock, or being more mainstream – catchy lyrics and tune, awesome guitar solo, and Ian’s distinctive vocals.

‘Where We Belong’ is an obvious single choice for the band, with the lyrics portraying the journey taken towards the making of the album.

Personal favourites and stand out tracks from the CD, would probably have to be ‘Dstryr Dstryr, If It Wasn’t For Hate We’d Be Dead Right Now,’ ‘Streets Of Nowhere’ (the boys at their mainstream best- try not singing along to this song) and ‘Next Stop Atro City’ (An awesomely fast paced song, catchy lyrics and because who doesn’t like a song that showcases Ian Watkins screaming vocals.)

Overall, I would recommend picking up a copy of this CD. Lostprophets have made a real effort to keep older and newer fans happy, and it has paid off for them. After a 3 year gap between CDs it’s great to hear some fresh tunes from the boys. As guitarist Stuart Richardson states, the album is ‘No bullshit, no tricks; raw, pissed off, and catchy as f***.’ And if you’re anything like me, you couldn’t ask for anything better or anything more from Lostprophets. Except maybe an Australian tour sometime in the future...
8/10

Top 5 Albums of 2009;

2009 was a year of some great music, and breakthrough artists as well as highlighting the promise of just how good 2010 will be music wise.

1) My number one spot goes to The Getaway Plan for the 'Best of The Getaway Plan (2005-2009.) If you are anything like me, and were absolutely gutted when these incredibly talented Melbourne lads broke up, then you'll understand my choice. From featuring their hit singles off the successful album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' as well as including all the tracks from their first demo and their first EP 'Hold Conversation', with b-sides from singles also thrown in, it is a perfect mix of The Getaway Plan, showcasing the versatility they had. Whether it's the passion displayed in with the screaming vocals in 'The New Year' or the soft, haunting piano and vocals on 'Melophobia', the boys never fail to disappoint. RIP.

2) The Dreamers EP - Young Heretics
Wow. Is the first word I expressed after hearing the opening track 'Bones Of A Rabbit.' Kitty Hart and Matthew Wright aka Young Heretics have wowed fans and critics alike with their 4 song EP, just a teaser of what to expect on their album due out in 2010. If it's anything like the EP displays, this will be one act to watch in 2010. Whether their vocals are soaring over the top of a full orchestra or softly blending in with acoustic guitar, the duo has showcased their amazing musicianship and vocal range in this EP. For only $5, I would recommend anyone to get it.

3) First Temple - Closure In Moscow
The debut album from Aussie band Closure In Moscow, didn't fail to disappoint. The CD starts with a bang, and doesn't fail to disappoint, showcasing the bands ear for melody, crazy instrumentals and the amazing voice of Chris de Cinque. The CD also showcases the bands versatility with punk driven tracks they became known for, as well as mixing in more diverse sounds, such as song 'A Night at the Spleen.' Ever heard a punk type song that you can just get up and dance to? - (yes dance, not mosh). The chorus is ridiciulously catchy with Chris' falsetto vocals 'dance with me through the night, we'll feel alright, we'll make it last all night' will guarantee you'll walk around singing it for the next couple days. A promising first release from the boys - excited to see how well they can develop and extend on their sound on their sophmore album.

4) Hot Mess - Cobra Starship
Who can deliver cheesy, catchy electro pop-rock songs and still remain cool? Cobra Starship can. Gabe Saporta's charisma mixed in with his clever, cutting and most of the time highly amusing lyrics, make for great, catchy songs to get up and dance to. The band shows that they are in it for the fun of it, and don't take life to seriously, a breath of fresh air in the power hungry music scene. I mean how can you not (secretly) love lyrics such as 'Yo give it up, cause I know what you've got, you can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock' followed by 'I'm not street but I do what I gotta do, so what? you got a crew? I got a crew too'
While it's not lyrics to make you think, or make you feel the power of music, sometimes we all need a bit of plain fun and dance time.

A night with British India (26/11/2009) - Capital, Wagga Wagga

It was a rainy, windy, Thursday night in Wagga Wagga. Sounds like an ideal and perfect concert time doesn't it? Well if anyone can pull a decent enough crowd in a rural town it's British India. It's not secret we love these guys, and I'm starting to think maybe the feelings are reciprocated as the 4 lads from the Melbourne garage rock band, grace good old Wagga Wagga with their presence for the third time this year.

If you haven't witnessed a show by these boys before, I'm just going to put it out there. You're missing out. Big time.

The energy and pure joy they play with is simply amazing. Take note particularly of lead guitarist Nic Wilson and lead singer Declan Melia, who never tire of giving their performance their absolute all, and play like it's the last time they'll ever play. Nic's talent as lead guitarist was particular evident throughout the night, and it is quite an amazing thing to watch.

British India pleased with a range of older and newer songs. While the crowd took a while to warm up with the first few songs, soon enough the crowd was just as energetic as the boys as they launched into a cover of Rage Against The Machines 'Killing In The Name.' If there is any one song to get a crowd pumped, THAT would be it.

Seeing as the tour was in support of their new song 'Vanilla' the highlight of the night was definitely seeing that song for the first time live. Other crowd pleasers included singles 'Run The Red Light', 'Tie Up My Hands', 'I Said I'm Sorry' and 'God Is Dead (Meet The Kids)'

Judging by the sounds of the new song 'Vanilla' it looks like the forthcoming studio album from the boys 'Avalanches' will not fail to disappoint.

All in All, not bad for a Thursday night.

*Last time I checked, 'Vanilla' was available for free download on Triple J's website. Get onto it!

CD review- The Dreamers EP, Young Heretics

The Dreamers EP is the first release from Melbourne duo Young Heretics, made up by The Getaway Plan's former frontman Matthew Wright and Kitty Hart - half the time rumoured to be his twin sister, or his lover. Let's hope just not both.

Relationship aside, the EP is probably the best $5 I have ever spent in my life. In a world where increasingly unoriginal tunes (Black Eyed Peas anyone) are hitting our airwaves, this was like a breath of fresh air.

From the opening of my personal favourite 'Bones of A Rabbit' Kitty draws us in with her mysterious and really quite eerie vocals, before Matthew chimes in, their harmonies blending in with the soft piano in the background. Their voices together make a haunting and harmonious effect - these two both have amazing pipes on them, that's for sure. The music along with their vocals build up and hit an inevitable climax, their passion clearly heard through the combination of both their voices.

Drums and percussion introduce us to the next song on the EP, the single 'The Lost Loves' probably the most radio friendly song. Kitty once again opens the song, her vocals slightly clearer and not as eerie as before, creating a more radio friendly feel. Matthew once again joins in, harmonising in the background, the focus of the lyrics remaining mostly on Kitty.

Dark Prince takes us to a more calmer place, and slows down the pace, with Kitty's vocals only being accompanied by piano for the first few verses of the song. After the first two minutes or so, Matthew's softer vocals blend in into the background to end the song. Of all the songs, this one probably has the most dreamlike and intimate quality about it.

Slow guitar and swirling wind introduces us to the last song 'Winter Makes A Sleeper', Kitty's vocals more softer and dreamier and slightly distorted in the closing track, giving it an aged feel. The track, apparently a demo recorded a few years back, doesn't hold the theatrics and orchestral instruments of the other songs, taking a more stripped back approach, one that flows well with the lyrics. This therefore closes the EP in a more mysterious way, the wind dying out to signal that the end has come.

The EP opens with a bang, and ends in a dreamlike trance, showcasing the versatility of the duo. Even with only 4 tracks, it manages to encompass mystery, suspense, darkness, intimacy and versatilty - no easy feat. The vocals combined with the musical diversity of the instruments leave a haunting effect on the listener. This EP combines originality, diversity, inspiration and creativity - leaving you wondering what could be achieved on a full length album. If you're jumping off The Getaway Plan bandwagon be prepared to be disappointed - Matthews muscianship is mainly showcased through instrumentals, with Kitty's vocals overpowering his.

For fans of...? I don't really know what to liken or compare this too. Fans of Bertie Blackman and similar artists may enjoy this. Either way, with the Australian music scene being fronted by idiots like Short Stack, it is great to see that creativity still exists out there somewhere.

My Sister's Keeper - Film review

Based on the best-selling novel by Jodi Picoult, My Sisters Keeper tells the thought provoking tale of a young girl who is suing her parents for medical emancipation – the right to decide what she does with her body.

Seen through different viewpoints, the film takes us on a journey through the past and the present, and shows us just how the walls of this family foundation began to crumble over time.Cameron Diaz takes on a different film role as the stubborn and tough mother of a teenage daughter Kate, who has been battling cancer on and off ever since she was a young child. Diaz does a solid and convincing job as playing Sara Fitzgerald, a role quite different to her usual comedic appearances. Her other daughter Anna (Abigail Breslin) was conceived specifically to be a genetic match for her sister Kate.

The real story begins when we learn Anna is suing her parents to the rights of her own body, and her right NOT to give up a kidney for her dying sister. The movie however isn’t so much about the legal battle. It jumps back and forth to show how Kate’s illness has affected the family’s life, and just how Anna came to making the decision to finally stand up and say no.
The narration throughout the movie is effective in giving us greater insight to these characters, as well as the weary father Brian (played by Jason Patric) and troubled older brother Jesse (Evan Ellingson.)

The film generally glosses over the nastier side of the cancer, instead focusing on many slow motion scenes, designed to tug at the heartstrings of the audience. While effective in showing the families every emotion at the time, the happy times, and the bittersweet ones, the slow-mo can get all a bit too much and too repetitive throughout the movie. The real acting credit goes to Sofia Vassilieva, who plays the cancer stricken Kate.
Through her honest portrayal of the character, we as an audience are taken on the journey through her life with her. From her first love, to her last days, Sofia plays such a convincing role, it’s almost as if she isn’t acting it. Ultimately her demonstration of courage and the obvious love she feels for her family, will get the audience dabbing at their eyes.

The diverse twist that makes the movie worthwhile seeing is the simple question behind it – Who is in the right here, and how can a legal decision be made on such grounds? On one hand you have Sara Fitzgerald, who loves both her daughters, but is determined to put her everything into saving Kate’s life, even if that means having Anna donate, against her will or not. On the other hand, you have Anna, with the knowledge she was born for a specific purpose, who considers her sister her best friend, but wants her right to be able to make decisions for her own body – with the knowledge Kate will die without her help. It’s easy to jump back many times throughout the movie, before coming to the somewhat frustrating conclusion that – there is no right answer.

Fans of the book, will be disappointed with the ending of the film, which I’ll just add, does not stay true to the book in the slightest. I’ll readily admit right here, I would have cried had the ending been the original one. However just as I felt a tad teary with the very real portrayal of Kate’s final days, my annoyance came in the overcome this, when I realised the ending had changed. This is the end, spoiled the movie for me.
In having said that though, My Sisters Keeper is a well made, and a well acted out film. While believable for the most part, it is slightly let down by the ending – Fans of the book, may be disappointed with the unreal ending, and the false pretense of everybody playing ‘happy families’ in the end. People who didn’t read the book previously will find it a thought provoking and emotional film to watch, but nevertheless it is a worthwhile cinema experience.

Anberlin/The Academy Is... - August 28th 2009

It's not secret I will line up early for concerts because I want that barrier spot! However, running a bit late for this one (if by late I meant we got there at 4.15 to line up rather than 3 or 3.30....for a 7 pm start =I) there was a good 30-40 people already in line. Oh well, as long as I can see at the end of the day that's all that matters.

As I sat down, ready to sit out the wait, I listened to the convos going on around me. After an hour or so a guy came up and asked Renae and I who the line up was for. Renae replied 'The Academy Is... and Anberl....' before she got cut off by some loud girls in front of us 'IT'S FOR ANBERLIN! God!' Chill out girls. Don't get your panties in a twist...she was just about to say Anberlin as well. Settle down.

Lining up I remembered why I wasn't a fan of underage gigs. Generally in an over 18s concert/line up you can meet some rad people, and have decent convos about the music rather than have to listen to the girls in front of you talking as though no one else is allowed to be a fan of the band, and because how they met the band once, it must mean they own them. Clearly...

Wherewolves were first to kick of the night. The band from Brisbane, previously known as 'A Year To Remember' performed well, and although I didn't know many of the songs that well, it was enough to convince me to buy their music. Their energy and presence on stage was good, and they seemed like genuine guys, just out there doing what they love. I would recommend checking them out, if you don't know them already.

After a wait, and a lot of pushing from one side to the other, it was time for The Academy Is... to enter. Pretty much the moment I have been waiting for, for 3 years now. Although I sometimes feel the urge to hack off tall peoples heads in mosh pits, I instead just resorted to standing on my tippy toes. The mood in the air was infectious, and all I had to do was see the 5 silhouettes of the boys on stage, before a massive grin broke out on my face. This grin soon vanished when the girl in the wheelchair STOOD up in front of me. Ok um thanks.
I am all for people in wheelchairs being able to attend concerts - they deserve to yes. But in the middle of a mosh pit, I just think is ridiculous - it's not safe for them or for others. Example - before TAI came on, I was exhausted enough trying to hold back from hundreds of people pushing on me, just so I wouldn't fall on this girl and her wheelchair. This is no easy feat when you weigh 45kg, and you have people pushing you from all directions. My sister was nearly in tears as she kept being repeatedly shoved in the wheel of the chair, injuring her legs. Yes moshpits are always going to be this way and you are going to be pushed, I understand that. But if the option is there to be able to watch from somewhere else, then people should take it up at the time, rather than wait halfway through The Academy Is... set before knowing that it couldn't be done anymore, and both girl and wheelchair had to exit the mosh. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but it was a very frustrating situation - I don't blame the girl in the slightest, she did deserve to see the concert as much as anyone else, i just don't think the middle of a mosh is the best place to do this.

Anyway - The Academy Is... opened with Almost Here, a song I had an absolute obsession with a couple years back. I was excited to see it live. Williams vocals were near perfect throughout the whole show, and he played with a massive smile on his face as he took in the crowd. His energy & charisma on stage as a frontman is amazing. He had the crowd wrapped around his finger completely.
The setlist was a great mix of the old and new stuff. The chanting of the crowd back and the energy all up in the mosh, took me by surprise with everyones crazy enthusiasm, but all in all it was a great environment to be part of.
Our favourite Aussie Michael Guy Chislett, showed off his incredible guitar skills, particularly with a little solo at the end of After The Last Midtown Show.
The energy of both band and crowd were still high, as they finished off with 'About A Girl,' to thunderous cheers and screams, with William promising to see us next year.
During one point of the night, my face squashed between the arms of two other people, I had a little eye sex with Chislett. (Sorry couldn't resist)
Anyway, I made slight eye contact, and he went to throw his pick, but it did a weird swerve mid air and I have no idea what happened to it. I wouldn't have been able to catch it anyway because I was quite clearly in an awkward position. Fave songs of the night were Checkmarks, We've Got A Big Mess On Our Hands, Slow Down and After The Last Midtown show. Every song performed however, was amazing - I would go back and see them live again and again faster than you could say 'Santi'

I exited the mosh after The Academy Is... honestly I only went to see them. So I dwelled near the back for Anberlin, concentrating on the music and vocals rather than having to worry about not falling over. Always a bonus.
Stephen Christians vocals were spot on - he does have a strange voice in some ways - well it's unique. But man does he have some pipes on him.
I enjoyed Anberlin live, musically and vocally they were fantastic. However I don't know if it's because i am not a huge fan, but halfway through their set, all the songs seemed to blur in together, and it just didn't sound diverse or exciting.
Feel Good Drag and Paperthin Hymn were the standout tracks for me. I personally feel they should have ended on Feel Good Drag --> The audience seemed to pick up again for that song, and it would have been an awesome way to end the night.
Anberlin fans may disagree, but the general consensus I heard from people (myself included) is that The Academy Is... stole the night. However after seeing Anberlin live, I do have a lot more respect for them. I did enjoy their live music/vocals more than I did on the CDs.

All in all it was a great night musically, with all bands impressing. Now having fulfilled my 3/4 year dream of seeing The Academy Is..., I am just counting down till they are back again. Who agrees with me in that they should come back and HEADLINE a tour? I think it's about time!

Katy Perry - 17/08/1990

On Monday, 17th of August, I travelled to Sydney to witness Katy Perry in her Hello Katy tour. The cutesy singer, made famous and propelled into international stardom by her hit single 'I Kissed A Girl' has been touring extensively for last 7 months or so, and finally brought her show to the land down under.

After lining up for an hour or so, counting how many times the girl and her mother in front of us felt the need to stare at us (which was over 30 times within about 10 minutes or so...I mean really c'mon. Take a photo?) we entered Enmore Theatre, with a variety of people of all different ages, ethinicites and sexualities...this included some Drag Queens (who later joined Katy on stage for 'Hot N Cold')

Opening band 'Kid Confucius' burst onto the stage...and I counted down the minutes until they'd run back off again. I never thought it was possible to daydream in the middle of a set...well guess what... it is. The lead singer, alternated between singing and attempting to make some weird growling noise like he was about to cough up phlegm from the back of his throat, while managing to continue shaking his shoulders and upper body (including slight man boobage and tummy) in some supposed 'I am so feeling my music right now' which really came across as 'I look like I am about to have a seizure.' During one song, his hand travelled to his groin repeatedly - he wasn't so much feeling the music as feeling himself. I mean C'mon, it's a Katy Perry concert, there are little kids in the crowd!

After what seemed liked ages, it was time for them to leave. Kthnxbai. I hope I never have to witness that again.

Throughout the half an hour or so wait for Katy Perry to make her entrance, the crowd chattered amongst themselves, before screaming loudly whenever another stage prop was brought on. Eventually a crowd chant of 'Katy Katy Katy' went up, before dying, and then repeating itself. The enthusiasm in the air was contagious, and the excitement levels continued to rise as it the 9pm mark passed.

The lights dimmed, and Katy's band filed onto stage, all wearing pink suits of some sort, soon followed by the woman of the hour, Katy Perry, dressed in a sparkly little red outfit, slightly similar to a wonder woman looking costume. She opened straight into Fingerprints, with a great deal of energy from the get go. She looked genuinely pleased and happy to be there, a big smile of her face, as she danced around the stage.

Katy sang every song from her album, while also covering 'Please Mr Postman', 'Build Me Up Buttercup' and 'Don't Stop Me Now.' Crowd pleasers were definetely her hit singles - Hot N Cold, Waking Up In Vegas, and I Kissed A Girl - with the crowd dancing and jumping crazily, the energy in the place electric when these hits were played. Katy showed off her talent and versatility when she slowed things down with 'Thinking Of You' - a performance she did entirely on her own playing acoustic guitar, and which was successful in showcasing her unique voice.

All in all - Katy is a great entertainer. Her banter with the crowd was natural and effortless, and she is also quite funny, not mention stunning. Guys and girls alike fell in love with her dynamic personality. While the show may have hit some small slumps, she was quick to pick up performances again with her great energy on stage. Her voice is really quite powerful, which she demonstrated when singing her softer songs.
To end the night, Katy brought down the house with her catchy hit single 'I Kissed A Girl' while dancing around stage with an inflatable 'cherry chapstick.' She promised the crowd a new album very soon, and with one last huge smile and wave, the petite singer ran off stage to numerous high pitched screams and squeals from her adoring fanbase.

Rom-coms - can be a singles nightmare

Like any other girl I like watching a good romantic flick, whether it is a rom-com or a romance of a more serious nature. But like any other single girl, sometimes these movies leave us feeling wistful and maybe with the slightest feeling of sadness, rather than feeling fulfilled and satisfied at the ending.

I just finished watching 27 dresses - While an enjoyable film, it's hardly a masterpiece. The good kind of one to watch on a rainy day, when you want a bit of mindless entertainment. Through watching this movie, I went through a bit of romantic-comedy bipolar. Romantic movies, with that sweet, happy ending can be a single girls enemy.

We were raised on fairytales and false beliefs - prince charming will come along one day and rescue us all. As we grow up we meet reality - Finding your prince charming is not quite an easy take....if it even happens at all.

We all desire that happy ending - the one we first discovered in fairytales, and the ones that are played out for us in numerous movies. We want to find that man that will sweep us off our feet, that makes us smile without even having to say a word, that is our protector and defender. We watch these movies with smiles on our faces when the romance between the two central characters work out, trying to ignore the pang of jealousy in our stomachs as we inevitably think of ourselves and our own personal situation, wishing it was as simple as the movie.

These leads us to the concept of fantasy man. As I watched 27 dresses, I fell in lust with James Marsdens character - Good looking, charismatic, intelligent, with that little bit of cynical sarcasm. And this is what we females tend to do - at the end of the day, are we too caught up in finding that fairytale ending, and missing what's right under our noses?

Because while these films make us start the wishful thinking and make us ask those questions - Why can't I find a man like this? When will romance come into my life? Am I really just an ugly, pathetic single girl who has no chance of finding anyone? - Ultimately we are forgetting the bigger picture and the REALITY behind all this.

Sure romantic comedy movies tend to use the happily ever after approach - Because let's face it, if we watched 27 Dresses, only to have James Marsdens character killed in the end, and left Katherine Heigels character to wallow in self pity and ended it there, we would come away from the film complaining about the ending - How it was unfair, why couldn't it just end happily? rah rah rah. At the end of the day, we can't have it both ways.

And at the end of the day, happily ever after isn't an easy concept - While it's fine to end a movie like that, realistically we have to realise that
a) we probably won't find a man that we consider perfect and;
b) a relationship will always take hard work, and you have to give and take in order to make it flourish.

Because while 27 Dresses has a lovely ending, realistically a few years later down the track, Katherine would be shouting to James to pick up some milk on his way home from work, while she attempts to get in her workclothes and feed a crying child at the same time. James would be stressing over another newspaper deadline and massaging his temples near his receding hairline.

So when watching movies like this, it is important to remember - it is just a movie. Not a guideline to how our lives should play out. While meeting prince charming and living happily ever after may not exist, it is possible to fall in love with the right person for you, accepting flaws and all, and still live happily, if you put in the effort.

Film Reviews; I love you man/ghost of girlfriends past

I LOVE YOU MAN;

Rom-com? No this is more a brom-com, a look into an increasing trend that has become apparent of the years – a ‘bromance.’ A bromance can be described as a close bond/platonic love between male friends, who do many things, if not everything together – talk on the phone, go to lunch/dinner/drinks etc, hang out on a regular basis, and maintain that close friendship and bond that is normally associated with females.
While the movie is amusing and likeable, it is nothing stand out or spectacular. The storyline and ending are predictable and only made worthwhile due to the acting performances of Paul Rudd (Clueless, Knocked Up) and the ever hilarious and likeable Jason Segal (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, How I met Your Mother.)

The character of Peter Klaven is brought to life exceptionally well by Rudd, who wins over the audience with his sweet and slightly dorky nature, creating laughs at his humorous attempts at trying to maintain a cool composure, which only lands him in awkward situations. Peter’s journey begins after his engagement to Zooey (Rashida Jones.) While Zooey has her close group of girlfriends, as Peter family explains, Peter himself has always been a ‘girlfriend’ guy, and never maintained a close bond with another male. Thus begins Peter’s search to find a best man for his impending wedding. After many failed attempts at striking up a male friendship, an explosion of vomit and a gay kiss, Peter meets Sydney Fife (Segal) at an open house. Sydney is a complete opposite to the conservative Peter, but through some mutual common loves, the men strike up a close friendship, one filled with awkward moments, laughs, controversy and the inevitable break up and make up.

While predictable, I Love You Man, is worth seeing, due to the on screen chemistry of Rudd and Segal, who ultimately bring the movie to life. The mixture of Rudd’s ability to create cringe-worthy comedy teamed with Segal’s affable and easygoing sense of humour and nature makes it a worthwhile viewing experience.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past;
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is meant to be a modern and comic interpretation of Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ replacing Scrooge the miser, as a sex addicted sleaze ball played all too well by Matthew McConaughey. Modern – yes. Comic? Not so much. Somewhere along the line, the movie misses the mark, and is just not all that worthwhile seeing. Connor (McConaughey) is a cliched character, and the sort of character that McConaughey himself plays only too often. Sleazy, handsome (personally something I don’t agree with but hey) and with the ability to lure women into his bed all too easily.

Instead of Christmas, the movie is focused around the wedding of Connor’s younger brother, the only family he has left in the world. Through a series of events ultimately caused by Connor, the wedding is called off. Connor himself goes on a journey, back to the past, through to the present and is propelled into the future, where he learns the error of his ways, and realises the only girl he has ever truly loved is his childhood sweetheart (played by Jennifer Garner.) To her credit, Garner does all she can with the role, but her acting talents are beyond mediocre movies like this. McConaughey himself plays Connor convincingly but that doesn’t say much about his acting talents – the role is hardly a big stretch for him.

The movie starts off bad and continues to get worse – when you reach the bit of where Connor’s Uncle Wayne (cameo role from Michael Douglas) pulls out an umbrella and explains the Connor that the rain pouring down is all the female tears that have been shed for him over the years, only to be followed by a hail of tissues used to wipe away those tears, to then be succeeded by the avalanche of condoms he has used...well you know at that point the movie isn’t going to get much better.

On paper – the actors list is all too good. On screen? Not so much. Save it for DVD on a rainy day, when you don’t have anything better to do, and all the good movies have already been hired out.

Miley Cyrus - THE AIRBRUSHING!

Miley Cyrus aka Hannah Montana, is so badly air brushed for the poster promoting the movie.
Check out her smile/teeth, compared to what they look like on the big screen. The posters sooo badly airbrushed that she has a perfect smile, and then when you watch the trailer, her teeth looked fucked in comparison.

HA!

Celebrities - They have it all? Maybe not.

Our general perception of celebrities is that they have it all. They have the lifestyle us mere mortals dream of. They have the money, houses, cars, clothes, jewelerry. They have the perfect features (That sometimes money will buy), white teeth, perfectly made up faces, manicured nails, a hair not out of place. They have it all? Right?

Maybe not. For every celebrity we envy, there is another celebrity out there falling apart, or leaving the fame game - sometimes leaving it through death.

Yesterday I read about the death of an actress, well noted for her role in the third Spiderman movie. She hung herself in her apartment. It got me thinking of the many celebrities out there, that do have the looks, the money, the talent - they have everything we dream of and more, but they are so desperately unhappy. Unhappy enough to turn to drugs, alcohol anything that numbs reality. In some cases, unhappy enough to take their lives.

Think of the list of female celebrities that have suffered eating disorders or anorexia. The line would be kilometres long. Think of those who have been to rehab for alcohol or drug addiction. Think of those who have taken their own life, whether it be Kurt Cobain or Lucy Gordon.

Whether it be Britneys meltdowns, Mary Kates anorexia or Lindsays constant rehab visits. These people in the public eye, that seem to have it all, only seem so desperate to escape themselves. Which makes me wonder, is the fame game all it's cracked up to be?

We can hold these people in high regard. We are naive, and we may think they have everything, so how on earth can they be so unhappy? No matter how much they seem to have, it just goes to show, celebrities aren't invincible. They too, are humans, humans who are entitled to make mistakes just like us. Humans who are entitled to learn from their mistakes, without being publicly ridiculed. So maybe next time we think they have it all, we shouldn't envy them, or wonder how they possibly could go off the rails. Because sometimes situations that we don't understand, aren't all they are cracked up to be.

Support Matthew Johns groups? No thanks facebook.

Once again a (former) rugby league player has made national headlines. Of course for notoriety. Cause face it, if it was something good, would it being making headline news? I doubt it.

What shocks me however is the support being shown for Matthew Johns latest scandal. I doubt I will have to explain it, as it's been all over the news. But facebook groups stating to support Matthew Johns and expressing outrage at his dismissal from The Footy Show? I think not.
This man has done nothing to deserve our support. So he confessed to his part in these allegations? So what? That doesn't make him a hero last time I checked. It's him saving face, before the situation gets even messier.

At least he was man enough to own up for his part in the sex scandal I'll give him that. But that doesn't mean he deserves our support, or that we should sympathise and feel sorry for him. Either way, he was in the wrong.
While he may have not been present when the other men went to have sex with that woman, while he may have been oblivious to this, and just because the woman may was willing to sleep with him, there is one fact that just sticks out to me - call me crazy but I still think it is absolutely wrong what this MARRIED man did.

These football 'stars' that make headlines so often do NOT deserve our support. They do not deserve to be tagged as role models. Because since when did so called role models, or people we expect the younger generation to look up to become ugly men, who lack intelligence, who have some skill at throwing a footy around and who more often than not get drunk and get caught up in some new sex scandal?

Remember the days when news about NRL was focused on the game played? Focused on the skilled players, the ones that deserve recognition? Sure this latest sex scandal will fade, the game will bounce back. But really how long until another controversy related to alcohol, sex or drugs makes headlines? My guess is it won't be long at all. And maybe one day the public will learn, not to idolise these so called role models.

Media's mixed messages;

No wonder there may be so many confused teenage girls out there, when it comes to the perception of body shapes and sizes. With the media being a huge force behind what is acceptable and what isn't, mixed messages and acts of hypocrisy are easily apparent.

Take for example, the scrutinisation of celebrities and those in the public eye. We watch, observe, write about, applaud, jeer at, different celebrities. One of the most commonly talked about factors is that of their weight. As if being in the public eye wouldn't be hard enough, but these people have to put up with magazine articles, stating they are too fat, too thin, have obvious cellulite etc etc.

And then these so called magazines with publish an article on one page pointing out the weight gain of a certain celebrity. Or posting pictures of someone such as Jennifer Love Hewitt for example holidaying on a beach and GOD FORBID she has cellulite showing in the photos. On the next page after this article, they'll have articles such as 'love your body shape' telling you to accept your so called flaws. How can we as readers, take such an article seriously where on the previous page they were ridiculing someone in the public eye for having cellulite? Hypocrisy? I think so.

Then there will be celebrities on the too thin side, and it will be pointed out to us how much celebrities that are curvy, are such better role models. Fair enough, but why then make it headline news when a celebrity gains weight? First we are saying they are too thin, then too fat? Whatever happens it never seems to be good enough, but then we are being told to accept our bodies for what they look like, embrace our curves etc etc. How can we do that, when such mixed messages are being thrown in our faces all the time?

Jessica Simpson is an example of a celebrity who went from a healthy looking woman to getting drastically thin. Suddenly she was headline news for having everything from anorexia, to bulimia, to fainting because she wasn't eating properly etc etc. A year or so later, a photo is published of her looking curvier again, a noticeable weight gain and she is ridiculed for looking this way, and called all sorts of names under the sun.

What is good enough then? The pressure to have an absolute perfect body shape? Because all us normal humans so have the time and resources available to hire a personal trainer, a personal chef, spend half our time working out because it is part of our job description to look perfect.

I just find it ironic that we are told, begged, to love our body shapes all sizes and weights, and then have to put up with such mixed messages and blatant hypocrisy. Confusing ? Yes I think so.