2. Man of Steel, Mud, Black Sabbath, The Civil Wars

Movies:

1. Man of Steel - IMDb

The native of Krypton and, in turn, the savior of Earth has returned to the big screen for a long-awaited re-boot. Zack Snyder of 300 and Watchmen fame has taken the helm of this Superman origin story, the timeless tale of family, home, and heart- and butt-kicking. 

Lots of it.

Bringing an even larger scale of nerds by being even remotely attached to this film is none other than Christopher Nolan himself, helping to write and produce this alien epic. Clark Kent has always been different, and after 33 years on Earth, he finally discovers the story of his real parents, the martyrs of Krypton. Russel Crowe and Ayelet Zurer, as Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, gave birth to Kal-El, the first natural-born child of Krypton, sending him to Earth right before their home planet is destroyed. Injected into Kal-El's very cells are those of Krypton's ancestors, from the Codex, which General Zod escapes imprisonment to retrieve, and he will face all costs until he finds it...

... snatching animals off the ground for shits n' giggles.

Ok obviously the .gif is fake, but imagine how badly you'd need a new pair of pants.

As for the film itself, the crisp designs, the riveting score, and the talented group of actors tie it together for the perfect bundle for this modern audience. New to the role but not to the big screen, Henry Cavill charms as Clark Kent/ Kal-El of Krypton. He brings out Clark's shyness and his buried feelings of not fitting in. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner rock the screen as Martha and Jonathan Kent, humbly raising their adopted son to be not only greater as an otherworldly being, but as a human- as a man. 

Michael Shannon is fierce as General Zod, although at some points he seems to be close to popping a blood vessel.

Or all of them.

Last but not least, I have to say my favorite portrayal of a classic Superman character, was that of Amy Adams in the shoes of the dedicated Lois Lane. She is snarky, striking, and passionate when it comes to her job of getting that hard-hitting story; Adams has tried hard over the years to land this role, and now that she finally has, I'm glad she didn't give up, because Lois Lane never would.

Trailer:

2. Mud - IMDb

Not as wide a release or big a budget as ol' Supes, Mud captures big issues in a small town with Matthew McConaughey as Mud, a homeless man who appears to show up out of nowhere, right into the hometown of two young boys, played by up-and-comers Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. Mud is a heartfelt film that carries a lot of deep subjects such as family issues, unlikely friendships, trust, murder, revenge, and... Girls.

I would have picked a different photo, maybe one where Tye Sheridan runs around punching EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE IN THE FACE.

These two young boys come across this strange man who calls himself 'Mud.' They help him survive on an island not too far from town by delivering canned food to him, because talking to strangers and giving them all of your food is an amazing thing to do. No harm can come from that, right?

Of course not. Not at all.

But really- Mud teaches about true love and the trials and tribulations that come with it, especially if you just happened to have killed someone. McConaughey shines as the misunderstood runaway, and Reese Witherspoon shows what she's got as Mud's childhood friend and lover. All-in-all, this film is definitely one to check out. It does drag at points, but it's a movie that takes a lot from the smaller moments.

Trailer:

Music: 

1. Black Sabbath - 13 - Official Website

The return of Black Sabbath has both fans of the band and fans of the Prince of Darkness trembling with excitement. It's been 35 years since Ozzy Osbourne fronted the popular metal band, and he's definitely still kicking with this return. This is the band's 19th studio album.

And starting forest fires, apparently.

Black Sabbath isn't what it used to be, and Ozzy isn't in his prime, but the album as a whole is a decent listen. Their single, God is Dead? reached #6 on the UK Rock Charts.

"I guess the eyeliner's still a thing."

I'd say this is a great reunion album. Tommy Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk put together instrumentals that take the listener back to the good ol' days, reminding the listener that this band is very instrumentally driven, and Osbourne's voice is backed up very well throughout the course of the album. Black Sabbath doesn't seem to be trying to be bigger or better, but they are showing us that they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

Video for God is Dead?:

2. The Civil Wars - The One That Got Away (Single) - Official Website

John Paul White and Joy Williams follow up their debut album Barton Hollow with the single for their new, self-titled album called The One That Got Away. With louder instruments and deeper tones and lyrics, this single is powerful and strongly emphasizes this duo's talent. It seems like this album will be a lot darker, packing more punch in each song than the last album, which focused more on the vocals than the instruments. Now, both work together to create something different, but The Civil Wars will always be super-talented and leave listeners wanting more.

It seems like Johnny Depp's singing career has taken off.

The Civil Wars caught me with their single of the same name as their debut album, and I've been interested ever since. They've announced a hiatus, but they're releasing the sophomore album anyway, slated for August 6. 

Video for The One That Got Away:

Honorable Mentions:

Movies: The Purge- IMDb page

Music: Man of Steel Official Motion Picture Soundtrack - Hans Zimmer - Artist Website

Throwback: Koi No Yokan, the seventh studio album by the rock band Deftones - Band Website

1. Gatsby, Odd, Paramore, and More

Movies:

1. The Great Gatsby - IMDb

Directed by Baz Luhrman, the story of Jay Gatsby is brought to life on the big screen once again, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He graces the screen with his obsessive, yet heartfelt portrayal of the famous millionaire along with Tobey Macguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, and Isla Fisher. The glossy vision of Luhrman is near-perfect for the tale of Gatsby. The only criticisms I'd have are the overuse of CGI animation, and constant Jay-Z songs. Yes, I know he was a producer of this film, but his music stuck out like Amanda Bynes at an adult gym, whatever that is. 

On the other hand, the music provided by Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine and The xx are perfect for a movie of this type.

Trailer:

2. Star Trek Into Darkness - IMDb

JJ Abrams is at it again, only this time he expands on the close-to-home Star Trek film of 2009 with touches of his own, meaning he goes bigger and better, and adds a little bit of flavor to the characters we're already familiar with. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana and Benedict Cumberbatch, Into Darkness tosses the audience into a world full of action, suspense, and major character twists and turns.

I couldn't help it.

I guess the only criticism here would be the fact that these guys are lucky I had the slightest idea as to who the villain was... If I didn't, the big 'announce' halfway through the film would have left the room silent and awkward.

Trailer:

Books:

1. Odd Apocalypse, by Dean Koontz - Official Website

If you're a Dean Koontz fan like I am, then you follow the stories of Odd Thomas and wait pretty impatiently for each installment. 

In this fifth part of the ongoing saga of the quirky fry cook, Odd and his new friend, the pregnant Annamaria, wind up at the Roseland estate, an ominous place kept in tip-top shape even though Odd never sees anyone actually tidying up. Of course, Odd meddles around and not only runs into a horde of strange creatures, but he also stumbles upon a secret so important and dangerous that the lives of many are at stake. 

I loved this book, as I've loved all the other installments, however- like the third book, Brother Odd, I found that it got a little bit too into the fantasy aspect for me. The concepts Koontz plays around with are great, but Odd's got a lot more going on that I've been more interested in. However, Odd Apocalypse still kept me on the edge of my seat and left me wanting more. 

Also, check out the sixth installment, Deeply Odd, in stores now.

2. It Takes Balls, by Josh Wolf - Official Website

This one's for all you comedy-seekers out there! Chelsea Lately alum Josh Wolf is the latest of the writers of the hit late-night talk show to release a book of tales, and just like he is on the show, the stories he has to tell are nothing short of hilarious. Wolf's carefree personality mixed with being a father and working for television mix together hysterically for a great laugh. 

All I wondered upon finishing the book was: "Is that it? I want more."

Let's pray to Kelly Clarkson that Josh releases another book with more stories asap.

Catch more Josh on Chelsea Lately on weeknights, and also his radio show "Josh and Ross" on the Toadhopnetwork. 

Music:

1. Thirty Seconds to Mars - Love, Lust, Faith + Dreams - Band Website

Mars is back with their fourth studio release, following 2010's This Is War. The band takes a more electronic turn this time around, spicing things up since their alt-rock background that began in 1998. Mars has evolved through the years, and although this isn't my favorite album, Love, Lust, Faith + Dreams is promising and has many more elements to offer. 

Thirty Seconds to Mars is: Jared Leto, Shannon Leto, and Tomo Miličević.

Check out the band's first single off this album, called 'Up in the Air:'

2. Paramore - Paramore - Band Website

We're in the business of misery again with the return of Paramore.

Please excuse that God-awful pun. 

With the new lineup and a stylish new look, Paramore has improved upon their mature sound from Brand New Eyes. While some songs simply don't add up to the levels of others, Paramore still has its rock-out moments while remaining grown-up and polished. 

Paramore is: Hayley Williams, Jeremy Davis, and Taylor York.

The first single off their fourth studio album is 'Now:'

Honorable Mentions:

Movies- Iron Man 3 - IMDb, The Hangover Part III - IMDb

Books- Dan Brown's Inferno, Ross Mathews' Man Up

Music- Device- Device - Band Website, Stone Sour- House of Gold & Bones, pt. 2 - Band Website

Throwback: No Country For Old Men - IMDb, directed by the Coen Brothers

The New 'Ryan Recommends'

So I've decided to change things up a little bit.

After a little while of reviewing different books, movies, and music albums, I realized one pretty major setback: I watch too many movies, I get into too many books, and I listen to too much music.

I know what you're thinking: "No! There's no such thing as too much of those!"

Yeah, about that... My list for movies I SHOULD have reviewed by now is about five times longer than the list of reviews I have posted on here.

From here on out, I will periodically post a good-sized list of music, movies, and books y'all should be checking out. I'll provide a short (probably witty) review of each one, and I'll provide more links to trailers, websites, etc. to make the "checking out" process easier. I'll keep my previous reviews up because... I don't feel like removing them. So... Yeah. We keep it professional here.

I know, I know- no need to thank me, I do this all out of love.

So expect more periodic posts from this blog! See ya soon.

I'll leave you with what I'm listening to right now:

"Broken Wings," by Alter Bridge, from their debut album, "One Day Remains"

Sorry for the awkward thumbnail... Myles Kennedy is the best.

Music: The Neighbourhood- I Love You.

Greetings once again. It's been a while, I know, I know.

Don't worry, I've been compiling a list of things I should review!

And I basically shat on that list because this album is new and I just recently got it.

But the thing is, it's different for my tastes and I've been in love with it, so I need to share said love with all y'all, ya know? No? Too bad.

I feel like this is what all my readers look like after my random hiatuses. 

Ha. Why are you wearing a hat inside? And that computer looks ancient.

And don't worry, I don't feel totally in love with all the albums I've heard.

Here' s my review of The Neighbourhood's I Love You. 

I Love You. was released on April 23, 2013.

This California-based band formed in August 2011. Following the release of their two EPs, I'm Sorry... and Thank You in 2012 and early 2013, this quintet finally released their full-length debut album, I Love You. in April. Rolling Stone raved over the album, calling it "moody" and "atmospheric." 

The Neighbourhood is: (not in any specific order) vocalist Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Zach Abels and Jeremy Freedman, drummer Bryan Sammis, and bassist Mikey Margott.

The Neighbourhood has been known, from the start, for their overall tones and themes of their music and videos. They have shot all of them in black-and-white, giving their visuals an older, more vintage sort of feel. Singer Jesse Rutherford's voice is soft and smooth, yet at the same time gives off an edge that reels the listener in. 

What's funny is almost every picture of them online is in black-and-white, too...

All-in-all, I've related this band to the 50's, with Rutherford's slicked-back hair and cool-cat demeanor along with the band's overall sound feeling like a refreshing blast from the past.

Hits like "Female Robbery," and their first hit single "Sweater Weather" rocketed the band into popularity, sending their 'dark pop' sound into the masses. 

I have a feeling The Neighbourhood will be around for a while, and I Love You. is just the beginning.

Movies: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The year 2012 has been at an end for about 2.5 months now, and I have yet to hear more gratifying reviews of Stephen Chbosky's movie adaptation of his own successful novel. 

While David O'Russell's Silver Linings Playbook was nominated for multiple Oscars, that movie and Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower have to be my favorites of 2012...

But where were the nominations for Perks? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE-

Oh look at that suddenly I feel a whole lot better. 

But seriously, this book-to-movie adaptation has to be one of my all-time favorites, and most of it has to do with the fact that it's made by the author of its book counterpart. 

Perks earned over $17 million at the box office, only about $4 million more than its original budget. A lot of it might have to do with the fact that it wasn't a wide release.

BUT STILL- COME ON.

The story centers Charlie, who never fit in until he met the eccentric step-siblings, Pat and Sam. They let him in and show him what it is to truly live. 

And by live, I mean take him to parties at which he will take acid and black out.

Oh, high school...

This was me in high school:

Anyway... Perks is a heartwarming tale of friendship, being a teenager, and finding oneself. The performances are excellent- Chbosky couldn't have picked himself a better cast. Ezra Miller KILLS IT as Patrick, being as ridiculously hilarious as he was in the book; Logan Lerman makes up for the train-wreck that was Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief with his portrayal of the introverted Charlie, and Emma Watson is the right amount of enchanting and flawed as Sam was in the book. 

Although it was kind of funny hearing her try to pull off an American accent. She is just fine, but she's no Hugh Laurie...

Okay, I forgive you, Hermione.

This film not only offers comedy and heartfelt family/teenage drama, it also delivers a twist that throws everything off-kilter, but in a good way. 

I hope everyone gets the chance to see this film and/or read the book, because it's surely one that is genuine. 

Also, this: 

You're welcome.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital copy now.

Movies: The Evil Dead (1981)

One of the lowest-budgeted, super-cheesy classic horror films ever filmed in what looks like a large outhouse, this film may or may not be familiar to you. The director's newest effort, Oz: The Great and Powerful, jumps onto the big screen in March 2013. 

That's right, folks, I'm talking about Sam Raimi. The movie:

Emo Spider-Man.

HA JUST KIDDING. (Even though he did direct the Tobey McGuire Spider-Man trilogy.)

The movie I'm talking about is The Evil Dead.

The girl represents audiences in 2007, and the demon hand is Spider-Man 3.

Sorry, Raimi... Not sorry.

The Evil Dead is about a group of 5 ridiculously ignorant teenagers going to stay at the main character's family member's cabin in the woods in the middle of absolute nowhere.

Seriously- it's to the point where the woods literally attacks them because it's so bored.

This was the only picture I could find that didn't include the oh-so-subtle tree-rape scene.

The movie proceeds with the woods possessing one of the girls with an allegedly smelly-ass demon, who torments the group and later possesses more of them.

No, but as awful as this movie was, it was excellent. This is the perfect example of "it's so bad it's good." The filmmakers had to use creamed corn dyed green for demon guts, and it's disgusting...

Lindsay Lohan?

I kid, I kid....

For what Sam Raimi had at the time, with a limited budget and unfortunate weather conditions, he still made a pretty damn entertaining movie. Those demons are hideously perfect, and the concept was pretty original for the time. 

TIME TO PICK APART THE MOVIE <3333

Not like I haven't already started, but now that I've established you should go watch it, I'll proceed to rip this movie apart limb from limb.

Or lock it in the basement because a wooden door will keep Satan's minions at bay, for sure.

OKAY FIRST OFF. They're traveling to this cabin when Bruce Campbell, the actor playing the main character, announces that no one's ever been to this damned place. At least, no one in the car has ever been there before...

This must be it! I know it!

Yep, leave it up to a bunch of stereotypical teenagers to go on a vacation and get brutally raped, murdered, dismembered, etc. Also, if you're given a keychain for the cabin that consists of ten keys from Hogwarts that ALL look the same, it's time to re-think your vacation plans. If I can't enter the house in a timely manner, I've already lost interest and want to go home. 

Especially when you can just push your hands through the door.

And Bruce, this is an older movie, but it's not the OLDEST scary movie ever filmed. Hiding in front of doors or windows is a big no-no, especially after all your friends have either been killed or possessed by trash-talking, bath-skipping, song-singing demons.

Also, leave it up to a bunch of teenagers to be dumb enough to be outsmarted by some trees.

What I'D like to know is: what do these demons plan on doing after they kill/possess every open vessel? 

Yeah, didn't think THAT far ahead, did you?

"Erm..."

Mmm... Didn't think so.

In short, go find this movie and watch it. It's terrifically awful, and awfully entertaining. I've never seen the sequels, but I do plan on seeing the remake in the spring. It looks even MORE gory and it looks like they're making this one a lot grittier, less campy. 

P.S.: If you're on vacation with your friends and you cross a bridge whose plans break off upon driving over it, it's best to back up and dive home before you get stuck on the other side before A. you end up with one pretty badass survivor, or B. you end up with this image before everyone's imminent death:

Ew.

(If you get the movie reference, I both love you and feel sorry for you for also having to endure it.)

Music: Halestorm- The Strange Case Of...

They're one of the best female-led rock bands, and following the release of their second album, The Strange Case Of..., they've earned themselves a Grammy.

They're Halestorm, and they really know how to rock out.

The Strange Case Of... (Released 2012)

At this year's Grammy Awards, the rockers won for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for their song Love Bites (And So Do I). Check the video out below:

You tell 'em, Lzzy.

The Pennsylvania-born band has toured with some of the biggest names in rock, including the likes of Sevendust, Chevelle, Evanescence, Seether, Avenged Sevenfold, and Disturbed. Their latest album landed the 12th spot on 2012's US Hard Rock Albums chart.

Halestorm (at this year's Grammy Awards) consists of: (left to right) Joe Hottinger (lead guitar, backing vocals), Lzzy Hale (lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, keyboard), Arejay Hale (drums, backing vocals), and Josh Smith (bass guitar, backing vocals).

This band has always stayed true to their sound; after two singles from their first album hit the top 10 charts, their careers have only skyrocketed with time. Their newest album contains a lot more emotion and meaning, not only to the listener but to the band. Give any of their songs a listen, and you're bound to get hooked.

You can listen to Lzzy Hale lend her voice to other artists' albums as well, including Shinedown, Black Stone Cherry, Adrenaline Mob, and the upcoming David Draiman (of Disturbed fame) project, Device.