If I Never See Your Face Again

If I Never See Your Face Again (feat. Rihanna) by Maroon 5

With Goodbye, Goodbye already receiving airplay in Canada, many people started assuming (hoping even) that the band would release it as a single soon enough. But then, rumors began to rise on the search engines about Rihanna and Maroon 5 working together on a new single.

And so this single came around.

It won’t be unusual to compare this version to the original, and of course, I’m here to say the original is much better than this duet version with Rihanna. Although a few may argue the different atmosphere and style injected into this single by Rihanna is a different thing entirely and is not subjected for comparison, I object.

Listening to the introduction itself has shown me that the original is, without a doubt, loads better. The vocals Rihanna dishes out is fairly okay but I think if this duet was done at a slower and more moody pace and with Mary J. Blidge on the vocals, it might be somewhat better.

But that’s my personal opinion.

The electronics-like background music introduced in this single is nowhere close to catchy (to the original) although still bearable. On the final note, I would say this: unless you’re a looking for something casual to listen to, this isn’t a single you might wanna put on loop. You’re better off with the original.

For those who liked this single anyway, it will be available in the re-release of Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad and Maroon 5’s It Won’t Be Soon Before Long albums due in some time. Other than that, you can download it on iTunes.

Music Video on Youtube

Iron Man

Who wouldn’t know Iron Man? The leading character in Marvel’s Civil War series who played a major role in the Marvel superhero universe by bringing forth the Superhuman Registration Act and fought against former ally Captain America? Rewind back many years before this whole fiasco took place and you’ll find yourself in Iron Man’s origins.

And that, is what this movie is all about.

In this movie, we see Tony Stark, a successful and brilliant inventor and businessman who’s trip to the Middle East for a weapons test sets him down the path to become the golden avenger after being held captive by Middle Eastern terrorists.

Instead of the original stage, Vietnam which was present in the original comic, the movie plays toward the contemporary issues of the Middle Eastern terrorists. Talk about catching up with the times. Anyway, Robert Downey Jr. carries out his part as Tony Stark flawlessly, bringing forth the character from a comic book to the silver screen in full glory.

Though Tony Stark’s alcoholism issue is not brought up in this movie, directors have hinted towards sequels (most likely a trilogy) which will tackle the internal problems which Tony Stark faces in the comics. The chemistry between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and  Virgina “Pepper” Potts, (Gwyneth Paltrow) can truly be seen between the two, complementing the movie well.

My only complaint is that the action comes late towards the later part of the movie when Tony Stark takes his first mission in his finalized Mark III Iron Man suit. Otherwise that, it is worth seeing the development of the suit and Tony Stark’s arrogant humor present throughout the movie.

There is without much doubt, that the success of this comic adaptation was mainly due to to Marvel’s Civil War series storyline which had Iron Man as one of the leading characters. And so, as an end-note, I would deeply recommend this to any Marvel Comics fan. For those who aren’t, this one is still worth your time.

Iron Man Official Movie Page

Where Rainbows End

From the author of PS, I Love You, Cecelia Ahern weaves yet another tale of love and all its trials. Upon the opening of the first page, once may gain a confused look as they stare upon what may seem like notes and letter from one person to another - Until the realization kicks in: the story is told in that form.

Yes indeed. Unique from most stories I’ve read, Cecelia Ahern takes the approach which is not commonly used by most authors, telling the story from a compilation of e-mails, letters, notes, chat room instant messages and cards. Though it makes one devoid of what is happening beyond those words on the messages, I must say this style of approach is what makes this story uniquely touching.

It makes you see things from the person’s thoughts directly. Like in first-person view, but not exactly that. Don’t back off from reading the book just because you may be turned off by the style the author chose though, just keep reading. It’s worth your time.

The plot revolves around two best friends who have known each other since the age of five, and the plot thickens after Alex Stewart, Rosie Dunne’s best friend, moves to America to pursue his studies in the bloom of their friendship. Complications appear when she is forced to stay in Ireland. The only form of communication between them stands in their e-mails and letters.

Imagine two best best friends (who have a growing love for each other) and are seperated. It keeps you wondering to the very last page how are they going to be together and how are they going to overcome the complications that exists to distance them.

Another factor that keeps you gripped to the novel is the factor of wanting to read the next letter and message, and though you may not be surprised in finding yourself skipping pages just to read what happens next between Alex and Rosie (and not the other characters). Don’t pass up the chance to read this novel: you’d be missing a part of your life.

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Title: Where Rainbows End

Author: Cecelia Ahern

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

also published under the titles: Love, Rosie and Rosie Dunne

Cloverfield

 

While the release of this film speculated plenty of connections to the television series hit Lost (due to television series Lost director J.J.Adam’s hand in this movie), of what I could make out, there were no instant connections which could be pieces up together. But this coming from someone who has never watched Lost, I could be fairly wrong.

Anyway, thinking about how Cloverfield fared, it could just be said that it is a monster flick similar to Godzilla, but shot in a Blair Witch Project style. This has probably been said one too many times though. However, the clear difference between Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield is that the former did not bring much motion sickness symptoms.

But in all levels, I could say that Cloverfield had carried the monster flick genre to a higher level. As commented by a fellow reviewer, “The movie follows the Jaws rule that monsters are usually more intimidating when they are shown infrequently and only in brief glimpses.”. In the case of Cloverfield, this is a fact.

What makes this movie exceptional is that because it was filmed with a camcorder, which gives to it an air of realism and actual fear, because it makes you feel as though you are just right behind the eye-viewer, watching every real event unfolding before your eyes. Symbolic to the state of terrorism the World is facing these days, this movie no doubt speaks in volumes of its symbolism.

Other than the occasional bad camera shakes, this is a much recommended movie which will leave you leaving the theater room for more questions, opening an oportunity for a possible sequel. Just get ready to be dizzy.

Cloverfield Official Movie Page

Heroes: Saving Charlie

For fans of the Heroes television series, this book would probably serve to revive back your memories from the television series’ first few episodes. Fans would remember Charlie from the three episodes which aired her as the waitress of a greasy spoon diner in Texas.

But once out of sight, out of mind as the saying goes. In the episodes concerning her, Hiro Nakamura travels back a few months through time to save her from the fate of having her head split apart by the serial killer Sylar. As far as the show tells, he ended spending time with her for a few months but never managed to save her as he teleported back to Japan unpredictably the last minute.

But that’s all the show explains. Some fans may ask, what happens in between those months?

Well folks, this novel answers exactly that. The relationship which grew between both Charlie and Hiro the moment he teleported back to the diner six months ago to save her from the fate of having her head sliced open by Sylar.

Without giving away any spoilers, I would lightly skim though my thoughts and opinion on this book.

This story zooms into perspective of Hiro’s past and views on life. On occasional moments, expect to open up the next page only to read a but more on Hiro’s background and know more about our beloved hero. And as the title suggests, this story looks into Hiro’s effort to save Charlie, the first woman he had ever fallen in love with.

There are moments in this book which can really set a warm feeling to your heart upon reading about Charlie and Hiro’s romantic relationship, knowing that even a hero’s love life has its ups and downs. Expect some cameo appearances of other people you may know from the television series (other than Ando).

Anyhow, one thing is for sure though, upon putting down this book, you may have learnt a lesson or two about life. I know I have.

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Title: Heroes: Saving Charlie

Author: Aury Wallington

Publisher: Del Rey Books

Stardust

While a majority of reviews may have stubbed Stardust as an unimaginative mix of fantasy elements of witches, magic and kingdoms and the like, along with a wrong casting, I may object rightly to those reviews saying that it is a new bold, but successful attempt. Stardust offers an absolute synergy of story elements of which provide a fresh and new view to how we see fantasy movies these days.

Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same title (of which I have recently finished reading), I particularly enjoyed the movie adaptation better seeing that it had a more concise and stronger (and less complicating) plot. Talking about plot - The movie’s modified plot was somewhat predictable, but even so, it sustained well and managed to keep myself to the seat’s edge.

A difference as seen from the novel and the movie is the extended role of Captain Shakespeare, which (in the book) was an different-named captain who appeared for only 9 pages and did not do much to flavor the story. Robert De Niro did a fine job in this role (despite other reviewers saying otherwise), playing as the funny and charismatic Captain Shakespeare. In terms of CGI and movie sequences (action in particular), Stardust did a very well job at that, and I’m happy enough to say that I was very impressed.

For those who feed on fantasy movies, this is a movie you cannot pass!

Stardust Official Movie Page

Ayo Technology

Ayo Technology (feat. Justin Timberlake) by 50 Cent

For a song that had changed titles 3 times, had to be re-worked many times due to explicit, it certainly was worth all its changes. For this song delivers a new catchy vibe to the Rap genre and will definitely leave you wanting to hear more of it. Being the 4th single release from his studio album Curtis, this song has certainly rocked its core deep.

Though many would listen to it for only the feature of Justin Timberlake’s vocals (which was indeed one of the main reasons why the song became a hit), I would also recommend listening to it for its catchy background rhythm which seemingly is able to make you sort of addicted to it. The lyrics itself are pretty catchy and it’s very tempting not to actually rewind back on the chorus just to listen to Justin’s vocals.

This single indeed hit the Billboard Hot 100, climbing up to the 5th place, preceding Kanye West’s Stronger. If you’re looking for a new, fresh, addictive - Yet traditional theme as 50 Cent would only deliver, look no further.

Music Video on Youtube