Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

GO THERE. NOW. Because he’s Dr. Horrible — he’s got a PhD in horribleness! Starring Neil Patrick Harris (currently in How I Met Your Mother), Felicia Day (Vi from Buffy), Simon Helberg (Howard on The Big Band Theory), and Nathan Fillion (of Firefly and Buffy fame) not to mention directed by Joss Whedon and written by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen. Talk about an all star cast and the most witty writing ever. Anything Joss does NEVER disappoints and this is no different. Act I and Act II are currently up for watching, with the third to be released this Saturday.

Dr. Horrible has his own blog and his own love, when he begins to think about her (as he reads viewer mail he’s answering) singing happens and the watcher of this Sing-Along Blog soon realizes the pure creativity and comedy of this online series could possibly go down in history as one of the most entertaining things ever created. Dr. Horrible is just that, he’s horrible. Penny, the girl he loves, however, is anything but. I won’t say much more on it as it should be a great surprise to the viewer whenever they first watch it! As a fan of literally the entire cast and the shows they’ve been on, I found myself having to make this post JUST so people will go watch it, as it is entirely worth it. Check it out, you will not be disappointed!

What Shooter has been up to….

Ok, so Poprocks has pretty much bested me in a number of categories on the site already: more posts, more videos/pictures, more passion, and more hair products (get it? It’s because she is a girl). I figured I should probably combat the “more posts” category by actually making a post of my own.

Yesterday, Poprocks and I went to my college orientation at the University of Southern Indiana. It was a fun time but the actual orientation was pretty boring. I met with my advisor and he told me what classes I needed to take and stuff like that. Basically, I took on a full load and it scares the crap out of me. While last year I did well at  community college, I worry that switching to a bigger university may expose me as the not-so-good student I am used to being. One cool thing I did sign up for, however, is being a DJ at the local college radio station 820 The Edge. I need a nickname for the station and I don’t think “Shooter” is going to cut it given the fact that I am “working” for the school station. If any one (and I do mean one) has any suggestions let me know.

Also, when looking over my schedule, we were approached by a lady with a camera and were told that she was taking pictures for next years brochure and that we would be perfect for it. We were then told to “Act like we were doing what we were actually doing.” Now, I don’t know why people insist on telling people to act natural when they are taking a picture of them. Usually telling someone to act anything is going to insure that the person does the exact opposite of what they want. Next year, when the new orientation brochure comes out, you will see Poprocks and I staring blankly at my schedule and you will wonder how we ever made it to college without the ability to read.

Another thing that Poprocks and I did recently is watch the first episode of the semi-finals for the show Last Comic Standing. Surprisingly, I didn’t find many of the comedians all that funny. One stand out, and my favorite so far, would have to be Jeff Dye.

The guy is hilarious and reminds me some of Dane Cook. However, his routine seems to be a bit more structured than the hilarious Mr. Cook. I was really surprised though at some of the people who made it through to the next round. I thought “God’s Pottery” was terrible, yet they made it to the next round. It’s not so much that I found their “Christian Guidance Counselors” routine offensive (which many will but comedy is subjective) as I found it not funny. I’m really not a fan of comedy where the comedian (or comedians in this case) has to portray someone other than themselves to be funny. That’s just me though. I was also shocked at how bad the people where who made it to the semi-finals were. It was a rough start but I look forward to seeing the next group perform next week.

That’s what I have been up to lately. Reviews coming soon so don’t worry, I’m not just gonna talk about my sad, sad, sad life every post. Every other post is a different story though….

The Music’s in my soul!

Yesterday was a day that will go down in pre-teen (& teen… and adult… and, well, basically everyone) history! The premiere of the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock finally arrived! I, as well as I’m sure many many others, sat down on the couch and tuned in for the first showing (out of I’m sure to be many more repeats) of this movie starring Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato. I’m a big fan of the JoBros and have been for a couple of years now, and I have to say, I knew I’d like this movie but I didn’t necessarily expect it to have as much substance as it did.

No, this was no Iron Man, there wasn’t extreme depth – I mean, hello, it’s Disney. But there was that familiar Disney Channel movie feeling and morals that always come through with their movies. Joe Jonas actually was the star of this movie, not the Jonas Brothers, and I was surprised by how well he can act! Yeah, I tuned in for the episode of Hannah Montana they co-starred in and it definitely didn’t showcase any sort of acting ability the boys may have within them, so I was pleasantly surprised to see Joe actually bringing some realness to the movie.

Camp Rock is a place for young budding musicians to go and help achieve their full potential. For a little while there I wasn’t sure if it was a camp for kids to realize their true love for music and help nurture that or a place for kids to turn into rockstars – which I would not have been OK with the latter. Mitchie, played by newcomer Demi Lovato (who surprisingly did not annoy me), came to the camp to further her love for singing and could not afford to go on the money her family had. Lucky for her her mother found a job as a cook on the campgrounds and got her daughter into the camp at a discounted price! Isn’t it nice how things work out this way in movies?

Mitchie lies about what her mother actually does to get in with the popular girls and continues to lie to everyone throughout the movie, including Shane Gray. Shane is the lead singer of Connect 3, the band the Jonas Brothers portray, who comes to the camp to better his bad boy image in the press. What we find out is that Connect 3 have been playing cookie cutter pop tunes just because that is what their label says “sells” when Shane actually wants to play songs with substance (well, eventually, it takes him some time to figure this out). Did I mention he is a complete jerk?

Eventually, of course, Mitchie’s lies are revealed and everyone gives her a cold shoulder. You’ll just have to watch the movie to see if they all embrace her in the end (spoiler: IT’S DISNEY, what do you think happens?).

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie, however, even though it was predictable – as are most every Disney Channel movie. I will definitely be giving it another viewing (to show Shooter, of course) and probably still enjoy it. Though I did not like all the music in the movie, it added to their whole “be yourself” moral of the story that definitely was the point of the whole thing. I won’t be surprised to see a Camp Rock 2 on the horizon sometime soon, and I already know there will be loads of merchandise just like the High School Musical phenom. Disney has done it again – and I’m not complaining.

The Incredible Hulk Review!

So Poprocks and I just got back from seeing the new Marvel film “The Incredible Hulk” and let me say I was not disappointed. Now, I know I am alone in this category, but I didn’t actually hate Ang Lee’s 2003 take on the Hulkster. Sure, it had a lot of dumb stuff in it like Hulk-dogs, weird comic panel transitions, and Nick Nolte being…well….Nick Nolte. After seeing this new revamp of the Hulk, however, I realize what a Hulk movie should be: fun.

The new film starts out in Brazil, with Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) hiding out and avoiding the US government, especially General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt). Although a sort of revamp of the series, the movie does not go through the whole origin story again and does mildly acknowledge that the first film does exist without ever saying “Hey Bruce, remember when you fought those Hulk-dogs 5 years ago?” Anyway, the film catches those up to date who may not have seen the first film during the opening credits by giving viewers stills of what happened during the first movie, similar to the opening sequence of “Spider-Man 2.” While in Brazil, Banner works in a bottling company and lives off the grid; no phone, credit cards, or anything that could be flagged by the government. Also, at the start of the film, Banner has been almost five months without a Hulk-out. Of course, that is about to change as we paid to see a movie called “The Incredible Hulk”, not “The Bruce Banner Suppresses the Hulk Using Strategic Breathing Exercises.”

Eventually, Banner does mess up and the government is hot on his heels. Thunderbolt Ross sends a team of soldiers, lead by Russian soldier Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), to apprehend him. They corner him and we all know what happens from there: Hulk smash. Banner then goes back to the states to continue his search for a cure to his gamma induced illness. Along the way, he reunites with his true love, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), daughter of Thunderbolt Ross. The government does not give up that easily though as they put Blonsky through a series of treatments that makes him faster and stronger in order to oppose the Hulk.

The action in the movie is top-notch, as are the special effects. The thing about the Hulk is that he has to be completely CGI all the time, unlike other Marvel superheroes who can be done practically with costumes. The Hulk in this film looked a lot better than the 2003 version. He wasn’t the bright lime green like in that film. He was still green, but it was a darker green that was more visually pleasing. Also, the CGI was also top-notch in designing the monster Blonsky becomes, Abomination. I really liked the way that they actually had a villain in this movie. The first film didn’t have anything that resembled a villain or legitimate threat to the Hulk. Sure, the Army had tanks, but the Hulk threw those tanks five seconds later so you never believed that the Hulk was in any kind of danger. Here, you have something opposing the Hulk that is equal to him in size and strength.

The ending fight in this movie is truly a testament to how you do a final fight in a comic book movie. While “Iron Man” is definitely one of the best superhero films to come out, I felt that it suffered from a pretty weak final fight. The fight between the Hulk and Abomination is about as visceral as you get. Huge haymakers being thrown, grabbing anything that isn’t bolted down (or is bolted down, I mean, it’s the Hulk, he’ll hit you with what he damn well pleases), and just swinging for the fences in general is how you want a final fight to be. You want full power versus full power, non-stop action, and this film brought that.

The acting in the film is also great. When I first heard Edward Norton was going to be playing Bruce Banner, I was baffled. This is Edward Norton, an Oscar nominated actor who is going to be playing in a comic book movie? Usually the big name award actors turn their nose up at such “childish” roles. I never doubted, however, that Edward Norton would do an amazing job, and he did. Tim Roth also was a great choice to play the villain as all his other work has been good. I really enjoyed him in “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction” so there was no doubt that he would play an incredible villain. Liv Tyler also brought realness to the character of Betty Ross that was lacking when played by Jennifer Connelly. William Hurt also played Thunderbolt Ross like a champ.

In conclusion, I’ll say this: The new film was incredible. Marvel is 2/2 this summer and I look forward to see what else they come out with.

Final Score: 4.5/5

Digital Versatile Doom

I, like any other HIM fan would be, was very, very excited to hear about Digital Versatile Doom, the band from Finland, HIM’s, first live CD/DVD! All the songs I’ve enjoyed for however many years now finally in a sweet little package for me to own forever.

If you enjoy great live rock music, watching somewhat weird looking dudes play some instruments and kick out some love songs like you’ve never heard them before – and oh, did I mention you also get to see lead singer Ville Valo chain smoke the whole time? That in itself makes this entire DVD worth it… you kind of just sit there wondering if he will ever stop, and no, he doesn’t. Not unusual for him, of course, but it is quite fun to count how many cigs he smokes throughout the entire concert. I lost track, but I’m going to estimate on average two per song.

The track list is as follows:
1. Intro (Blood Theme)
2. Passion’s Killing Floor
3. (Rip Out) The Wings Of A Butterfly
4. Buried Alive By Love
5. Wicked Game
6. The Kiss Of Dawn
7. Vampire Heart
8. Poison Girl
9. Dead Lovers’ Lane
10. Join Me In Death
11. It’s All Tears
12. Sleepwalking Past Hope
13. Killing Loneliness
14. Soul On Fire
15. Your Sweet Six Six Six
16. Bleed Well
17. Right Here In My Arms
18. The Funeral Of Hearts
19. V.D.O.
20. Interviews With The Band
21. HIM’s Biggest Fan Contest Entry Videos
22. Fan Club Photo Gallery

Not only do you get a rockin’ live concert with this CD/DVD combo, but you get the entire concert on CD, and bonus for the DVD – an interview with Ville from late ‘07, fan club photo gallery slide show, and one of the most interesting parts of the DVD – the HIM’s Biggest Fan Contest Entry Videos. That speaks for itself. Five people won the contest and you get to see their journey from sending in the videos, being flown to meet their favorite band and have dinner with them. I’m a big fan of backstage antics on band DVDs so this was a special treat for me. Who doesn’t enjoy watching people’s dreams come true? I found it very enjoyable.

Overall, this DVD rocked. Go pick up a copy here or at any of your local record stores. Here’s a teaser song from the DVD, “Bleed Well”. Count how many cigs are smoked and let me know what number you got.

Ryan Cabrera… Orlando Bloom + Johnny Depp’s love child?

Ryan Cabrera is probably best known for his hit “On The Way Down”, an acoustic driven pop song that was pretty popular (it hit #15 on the Billboard Hot 100). Some also may remember him as the former boyfriend of Ashlee Simpson and he’s definitely known for his very blond and very spikey hair. Any of this ring a bell? If not, here’s a picture of what he looked like a few years ago.

I’ve always thought he was cute and his tall hair was fun. Well, recently things have changed a bit for Ryan Cabrera… he is releasing his next album independently, no longer signed to a major record label, and his look has changed drastically. Some hair growth and dye and a few tattoos later this is him now:

WOW, right? That was my reaction at least. The more I analyze the change, I see Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom – so it’s really not a bad thing, he just seems like two completely different people… everyone changes, though, I don’t see a problem with it, it was just initially shocking with his blonde locks being gone.

Enough about his looks, though, I’m absolutely fine with those – he is pretty. Check out his new song “Say” below.

In my opinion, solely based on this new song, I believe Ryan changing his looks, going independent, and releasing a killer single like “Say” will keep him a star. I know I plan on picking up his new release, The Moon Under Water, which drops in stores May 13th. I’m looking forward to hearing more of Ryan Cabrera post-ditching the acoustic guitar.

Upcoming CDs…

Let’s jump right into it – here is a list of upcoming CD releases I am very, very excited about!

Gavin DeGraw – Gavin DeGraw (May 6th)

I have been a fan of Gavin’s since he came out with his first album, Chariot, in 2003 – that was FIVE years ago, for those of you who can’t count. FIVE. I’ve been ready for his follow-up for many years now and I’m very excited it is coming. I was even one of those people that picked up Chariot before the Chariot Stripped version came out & I saw him back in ‘05 to a nowhere near sold out audience for only $15. His new single is called “In Love With A Girl” and it is just as rockin’ as his old stuff. I have high hopes for this release from him, go check him out if you haven’t.

Jason Mraz – We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. (May 13th)

To be honest, when I first heard about Jason Mraz coming out with a new CD I was excited but not too terribly so… I like him, a lot, and specific songs in general I love but I hadn’t even heard a single song from the new album when I got the news. However, right before I started writing this I checked on youtube and watched the new video of his of the song “I’m Yours”. It is so cute. I know I could use a more descriptive term, or better phrasing, or something, but honestly it really is. Go check it out for yourself and you may end up just like me – I’m planning on buying this CD the day it comes out (if I have the funds to do so, that is). Jason has always been a very unique artist in my eyes and this album seems to be another change just as his others have all been and that is a good thing.

The Explosion – Bury Me Standing (May 13th)

I was so sad to hear that the Explosion split up… they were an awesome band, good, honest rock ‘n’ roll with a punk edge. Nothing wrong with them at all. This will be their final album and yes they are already broken up, but since they already had these songs recorded, they decided to release it – which I’m happy about.

Foxboro Hot Tubs – Stop Drop & Roll (May 20th)

I. AM. SO. EXCITED. I. COULD. PEE. AHHHHHH!!! For one, Billie Joe, Mike, & Tre haven’t done an entire album together since ‘04 with American Idiot. For two, Jason Freese and Jason White are in this band too – & I love them both! So basically all my favorite dudes are rockin’ out all their energy into yet another side project known as Foxboro Hot Tubs. I’ve heard every song on this release (it is already digitally available – foxborohottubs.com for more information) and I cannot wait to actually hold the actual CD in my hands. I will be so unbelievably happy on that day… really, I will. If you haven’t checked them out already, SHAME ON YOU, go do it now!

3 Doors Down – 3 Doors Down (May 20th)

I’ve been a fan of 3 Doors Down since I was little, and really, they’ve only gotten better over the years. I saw them back in ‘05 (I think that’s when it was…) and they put on a great live show. “It’s Not My Time”, the first single from this release, has been rocking the airwaves of the radio station I work at and I can’t get enough.

Cute Is What We Aim For – Rotation (June 24th)

I got into CIWWAF before their first album dropped in stores. They are not the most amazing band in the world, but I really enjoy their stuff. Try it out for yourself and if you enjoy their poppy and upbeat tunes, you will probably enjoy their new album, as I have this feeling it will be poppy and upbeat (mostly) but also musically better.

Weezer – The Red Album (June 24th)

They’re back together. I’m happy. “Pork and Beans” is awesome. ‘Nuff said.

Alkaline Trio – Agony and Irony (July 1st)

“Help Me” is a good tune, though I don’t think they are the greatest, I still look forward to hearing what this album sounds like.

Jonas Brothers – A Little Bit Longer (August 12th)

YEAH!!!! YEAH! YEAH! Okay, listen you guys, I liked the Jonas Brothers BEFORE THEIR FIRST ALBUM WAS EVER IN STORES. In fact, I own It’s About Time and it is now going for crazy money on ebay ($150+) and yet I still can’t bear to part with it… because I love it so much. Lame? I don’t think so. I enjoy them and I honestly believe this album will be their best yet.

Disagree with something? Hate something I love? Love something I love? Whatever it may be, feel free to comment away! Expect more of me soon…