Glee

The Good and Bad of Glee

As an avid American Idol fan, I couldn’t not ignore the many previews for Fall’s new show Glee. I had a feeling I wanted to check it out. Time went on and I saw Nickelodeon’s TV special “Spectacular!” Although the show wasn’t Spectacular, I really dig the music in that movie especially the whole show choir sound most of the songs had. The new previews for Glee portrayed this show choir element and I became really excited to see the show.

Now after watching the pilot episodes, I see aspects that I really like and others that I’m not digging too much. Let’s start with the bad. The biggest problem I have with this show is the love triangle between Mr. Schuester, his wife, and Emma. Just from this first episode I am predicting that Will and his wife will break up. I mean I knew when she told him she was pregnant she was lying. She’s not going to have a baby if the show sets us up not to like her and makes Emma such a likable character. I got the feeling right from the start she was going to do anything she could to try to make him change. Anyway, regardless if Will and Emma end up together or not, I want them together and I think a lot of other people feel the same way. The problem that I have with this is did they really have to have him be married. I just don’t want another show giving off the vibe that divorce is an ok thing. Divorce is a problem, it complicates life, and it’s heartbreaking. I would like to watch a show that shows marriage as a sacred thing. Is that too much to ask?

Besides that, I could have done without the “poke” at religion, with the cheerleader scene but I won’t go into that because it didn’t bug me that much.

After that rant, you may be wondering if I did find anything I enjoyed about the show and you probably think my whole opinion is being clouded by the whole love triangle ordeal. Well, there are many parts of the show that I loved about the show, starting with the music. I pretty much loved all the songs in pilot which included; Shining Star, Rehab, Don’t Stop Believing, You’re The One That I Want, Respect, On My Own, Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat, I Kissed A Girl, Mister Cellophane, and Can’t Fight This Feeling. I knew most of these songs before seeing the show so it was really nice to hear them in this way. I was going to list my favorites but I really liked almost all of them from the pilot. Also in the fall preview we get a glimpse of them singing Gold Digger and Somebody to Love. I’m really excited to hear those. Also I just realized today that the guy who plays Will (Matthew Morrison) was in the TV version of Once Upon A Mattress, which I love. Now I’m so excited to hear him sing on the show because you know he’s going to.

Other things I like…
- I really like the cheerleading coach.
- I like Emma’s OCD
- I loved the whole cheesy bit on money vs. passion
- I LOVE Fin’s character. I mean you have to like the rebel who is going against the high school hierarchy rules.

In the end, I’m going to be watching this show. Mostly for the music but there are a couple things I like besides that. I suggest you turn in too. Show choir is the new fad! I love it!


P.S. Ok I love this version but when they did this as the group song on Idol this season they did it better.....

The 5 Movies I'm Most Looking Forward To Seeing (in the remaining 2009 year)

500 Days of Summer (July 17)


The movie stars one of my favorite actresses Zooey Dechanel. She's done great in every movie I've seen her in. Plus the movie focuses on music, which is another one of my favorite things. The film looks very indie, comedic, and there is romance. Looks like a good combination for a movie. It's not going to be the classic romance movie we see over and over again. Real life gets thrown into the mix. The boy tells his friends and family about when and how he fell in love with this girl. Also I like the fact that it's documented by days. I don't know if that will translate to the film but I hope it will because it adds a fun quailty we don't see very often in movies.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (July 17)


I mean what can I say about this movie. I think every Harry Potter fan is excited to see this. I'm still angery that they pushed it back. It was supposed to be released last November. Oh well. Anyway, the sixth is possibly my favorite book (it changes from time to time so I never really know). I am a little confused how this movie got a PG rating though. It looks really scary and violent, the book is. I'm going to see this the first opprotunity I can.

Nine (November 25)


This movie has an all-star cast. I love Nicole Kidman and am excited she is singing again in a movie. Movie musicals are one of my favorite things. I know there will probably be some discontent with some of the people who have actually seen the musical on broadway...there are always those people. I'm excited for the music because I know even if I don't like the movie I'm going to love the music. I've been listening to the clip that Fergie sings in the trailer of "Be Italian" she sounds amazing. I am a little worried about Fergie's role in the film because of the focus on sexuality and I don't find Fergie attractive in anyway. From the trailer she looks a little scarey compared to the other beauties in the film. I think I'm be able to get over the fact because her singing looks very promising.

Veronika Decides To Die (November)


Seeing the trailer again makes me want to pick up the book by Paulo Coelho and start reading it (it's sitting right next to my labtop). I haven't read it yet but the instant I saw the trailer I wanted to read the book. I'm one of those people who sees a movie, finds out it's a book, and reads the book before the movie comes out. I would start reading it right now but I'm in the middle of rereading Coelho's "The Alchemist." It's one of my favorite books and I wanted to read it again to get me in the mood of the author. Anyways, this looks so good. Paulo Coehlho's book seem to have the theme of living your life to the fullest and that always puts me in a good mood. This movie is finding that motive to live your life to the fullest. Looks amazing and inspirational.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Unknown)


The media may have fooled you but the Dark Knight was not the last movie Heath Ledger. He was in the middle of filming this movie when he died and to finish the film they added three actors to replace him Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. Confusing? Well it has to do with the his character going through three mirrors or one mirror three different time (I don't remember). Anyway, it has an awesome title. I think that was the second reason I wanted to see it after I found out it was the last movie Heath Ledger was going to be in. The plot sounds really interesting focusing on imagination (which is my life) and the story about making a deal with the devil. The devil, who is played by Tom Waits, is another reason why this film is going to be awesome. I didn't know who he was when I first decided I wanted to see this movie way back about this same time last year but I met someone who loves Tom Waits and he got me addicted. He's an amazing singer and I think his role in the film will be fantastic.

I hope now, that you're at least a little excited to see one of these movies or more excited. I'm excited I want other to be excited too.

Amanda Leigh - Mandy Moore

1. Merrimack River – This song includes Mike Viola and starts out the album with a great song that encompasses what the rest of the album is going to sound like. A very folksy sound fits perfectly with Mandy’s voice and makes the song such an enjoyable listen. “Don’t say you’re not amazed when I know you are.” Well I’m going to say it, this song amazed me and you know it.
2. Fern Dell – This is my favorite track off the album and possibly my favorite Mandy song ever. The music to this song is amazing. I especially love the “ha ha, ha ha, ha ha,” that works as both the accompaniment and her vocal. The combinations of instruments and vocal make this song very catchy.
3. I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week – This is her first single off the album and is one of the couple more popish songs. It reminds me of her older stuff, which is still really enjoyable but I prefer her singing the more folksy songs. The song is catchy and upbeat, something you can find yourself singing along to.
4. Pocket Philosopher- This is another song that I love to sing along to. It is a very playful song that is fun to listen to. The song also has a hook with counting which is a fad in the music industry at the moment. Got to love songs with counting.
5. Songs About Home – This song has some of the same aspects of Fern Dell that I love so much but this song is much slower. It’s a soothing instrumental background and has a very calming tune. Amazing.
6. Everblue – Ah, this is nice slow ballad type song that has a vibe of a lullaby. It’s a very simple sound that is calming. Mike Viola appears in this song as well. His voice blends perfectly with Mandy’s. It’s such a nice love song.
7. Merrimack River (Reprise) – An slight variation of the instrumental for Merrimack River that has a circus sound, something you could possibly hear on a merry-go-round.
8. Love To Love Me Back – This song is my least favorite on the album. It might be how the song focuses on her higher range. There is just something about this song that doesn’t grab at my heart like all the other. I feel like this song stays on the same dynamic the entire song and I like to feel a progress in a song. However, the song reminds me of summer and the more I listen to it the more I like it.
9. Indian Summer – I love the piano part in this song that dominates the accompaniment of the song. I’m also really digging the lyrics to the this song. “Why don’t you tell me what you know, cause I don’t know where to go.”
10. Nothing Everything – This is song has a very different accompaniment than all the other song on the album and caught me by surprise. It’s easy to groove along with this song. I like the lyrics to this song too. It’s really a unique track and a treat. Plus I love the guy talking and laughing very quietly at the very end.
11. Bug – The melody to this song is amazing. This is probably my second favorite song on the album. It’s a great love song with an acoustic vibe. There really are no words to explain why I love this song. It’s a song I can put on repeat and listen to all day.
Overall I think this is Mandy’s best album. The album is amazing and I can listen to the entire album without skipping any songs. I think ever since Mandy got dropped by her record label she’s been producing her best work. If you’re a fan of Mandy’s voice I think you’ll really like this album and I also think this could bring her new fans. We saw a glimpse of this kind of music on Wild Hope but she really showcases it here with Amanda Leigh.

Fern Dell

Evacuate The Dancefloor - Cascada

Cascada's new single "Evacuate The Dancefloor" returns her techno dance music back to the scene. I think she's finally got another hit since her most well-known hit "Everytime We Touch." I can hear this song played on the radio as much as "Everytime We Touch." Although she was known to the music intustry before Lady Gaga, her new song seems to be influenced by the newcomer. The song includes a male vocalist rapping 3/4th of the way through the song similar to Lady Gaga's "Just Dance." "Evacuate The Dancefloor" is very easy to dance too and has a very catchy hook. I can see myself jamming out to this song all summer long and I think you find yourself doing the same.

Hello, I'm Jamie Tocs

Welcome to my blog on anything entertainment. My main focus will be on reviewing movies and music. As time goes on I may also bring you book and tv show reviews. I hope you enjoy.