Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Album Review: Phillip Phillips "The World From The Side Of The Moon"

FINALLY, "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips released his first album, "The World from the Side of the Moon". I absolutely loved this guy on the show... I think his takes on some pretty big songs were really great. If you like Dave Matthews Band, you'll love him. He also sounds a little bit like Mumford & Sons at times... it's a unique blend. I was really worried that coming off the show they would try to "popify" him, but they really let him stay true to his sound and unique style. This is definitely a must buy album (a great stocking stuffer)!



Favorite songs: "Home" and "Get Up Get Down"

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Movie Review: Lincoln

Last night my parents, Mike, and I went out to dinner and the movies - we saw "Lincoln".



Director: Steven Spielberg

Main Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones

Synopsis: (from IMDb) In 1865, as the American Civil War winds inexorably toward conclusion, U.S. president Abraham Lincoln endeavors to achieve passage of the landmark constitutional amendment which will forever ban slavery from the United States. However, his task is a race against time, for peace may come at any time, and if it comes before the amendment is passed, the returning southern states will stop it before it can become law. Lincoln must, by almost any means possible, obtain enough votes from a recalcitrant Congress before peace arrives and it is too late. Yet the president is torn, as an early peace would save thousands of lives. As the nation confronts its conscience over the freedom of its entire population, Lincoln faces his own crisis of conscience -- end slavery or end the war.

Rating: Overall, this was a good movie. I think it ran a little long and was a bit drawn out. Daniel Day-Lewis played a phenomenal role... he brought Abraham Lincoln to life. Mike and I were talking in the car on the way home and almost wish that rather than the story of the end of the war and slavery they would have focused the storyline on the Emancipation Proclamation (which is far more interesting in our opinions). The acting was very good and it was neat to see so many familiar faces make appearances (John Hawkes from "Deadwood" and Walton Goggins from "Justified") in unique roles. Tommy Lee Jones was amazing as well. This is definitely a movie you should see, although I don't know that it has to be seen in the theater - it might be nicer at home.