What's up, everyone? It's been a while since I threw something on here, but I was just looking for the right topic to write about. I was looking for something a little different, and then an announcement was made at about 3:15 yesterday that gave me all the inspiration that I needed. My favorite band, O.A.R., is having an "Extended Stay" tour in New York, DC and of course, here in Philly. Not only that, but they are playing at a small, but phenomenal venue, The TLA. The shows are on March 15th and 16th of next year. There is no doubt in my mind I'll be in attendance for both shows, and I couldn't be more happy. Then I thought, "what if I would pick the set list for one of these shows?" It's something that would be unreal, so, here is my:
The Top 5 Special Edition: The Dream O.A.R. Set List...
1. City On Down - There's nothing better than getting to an O.A.R. show, having the crowd go wild, the band walks on stage, and the first thing you hear is, "In the end, my friend, we will all be together again." The perfect opening song, "City" gets the crowd into the show right away and brings the energy that is present at every single concert. Add in a Jerry DePizzo sax solo, and the crowd will go bananas!
2. Untitled - Keeping the upbeat theme, "Untitled" is a great tune that can be transitioned right from "City On Down." I can see Richard On (guitar) riffing right into "Untitled" from the latter stages of "City." This has always been a great live song, but I feel like it took off to new heights when the guys recorded it for their Live From Madison Garden album. Putting it in the set list that night introduced the song to a lot of people who weren't familiar with it.
3. Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes - My second favorite song on their new album, "King", "Gotta" is a great way to bring some new blood into the show early. I haven't seen this song done live yet, and I can't wait to. It has a kick to the refrain that punches you in the face (in a good way) every time. It has to be unbelievable live, and I can't wait to see if Marc (lead singer/guitar) goes into one of his ridiculous freestyles in the middle of the song.
4. So Moved On - This is a song that has some great meaning behind it for me. First discovered on the band's 34th and 8th live album, "Moved On," was a song that I always listened to, but never had a real appreciation for. Then, me and my boys partied down in Wildwood, NJ for Memorial Day weekend. The girls walked in the room, this song was blasting, and my appreciation grew ten fold. Hearing Marc roll into the verse with, "I could not hide, I wore my pride." with Chris Culos (Drums) on his solo behind the lyrics is one of the best parts of this song.
5. 52-50 - This is the first "long song" of the set. I feel like five songs in is a good spot for this. "52-50" is an amazing song the builds up throughout the entire track. It starts off with a great bass line from Benj Gershman, and follows all the way through until Chris crushes the drums into a pulp and the song literally explodes about 6:45 into it. O.A.R. makes great long songs, and this is no exception. Check out the studio version on their "Stories of a Stranger" album.
6. About Mr. Brown -Now we're getting into the bulk of the concert. Everyone is settled in, having a great time and probably ready to hear a couple slower songs. Not just yet, though. "About Mr. Brown" is a song with many questions about life. This is also a great song because the band dedicates it to their friend, Michael, who they lost a long time ago. This was his favorite O.A.R. tune. In Marc's words from the "Any Time Now" album, "We miss him and we love him. And this is his song, forever." It's a great dedication, a great song, and has many different freestyle versions.
7. Short A Try - Okay, now it's time for a couple slower songs. At this point in the show, I can see Marc and Richard with two acoustic guitars, sitting along on stage. That's is when they break into "Short A Try." We discovered this song by accident, probably like a lot of people have. We were drinking one night, listening to "Any Time Now" and the song, "Delicate Few." We weren't paying attention, when we heard the crowd, and an acoustic guitar. That was the point when this song instantly became a group favorite. That version is so powerful, and you can feel the passion for the song in Marc's voice. I can't really say much more, just listen to that version and you'll know exactly what I mean.
8. Shattered - This is a complete gem off of the very under-appreciated (in my opinion) album, "All Sides." The first time I heard this song, I played it over and over because it spoke to me in the situation I was in at the time. "How many times can I break 'til I shatter?" is a line that stuck with me. After this, I made some decisions that cost me some important people in my life. A few months later, I really listened to the song on a deeper level, and realized that I had to "turn this thing around." Marc and Richard absolutely kill this song acoustically. This will be the last "slower song" for a while, but it's their biggest commercial hit to date, so everyone will enjoy it.
9. Night Shift - "It's three AM and I wanna go to bed!" kicks of this beauty of a tune. It's about a girl that you can't get out of your head, and how you wish you could be anywhere else other than where you are right now, and with her. A party favorite, and just a downright good tune, the guys have paired this with "Stir It Up" and really made it one song. (Check that version out on their "Any Time Now" live album.) It's always great to hear this live because everyone sings along. It's also a great song coming off of two slower songs. It definitely gets the crowd right back into it, dancing and singing along.
10. Black Rock - Ahh, "Black Rock." This is an old school, all time favorite from this band. The black rock is a place you go when you want to get away from it all. It can be in your mind, your heart, or even a physical place you go to. A great character shows up in this song (See #16.) The "black rock state of mind" is something I've embraced in the last ten years, all thanks to this great song. It is a good half way point song, because it really takes me back to when we all first started listening to O.A.R. and gives a solid two song, old school feel. Also, if I ever open a bar, I want to call it "The Black Rock." Just a thought haha.
11. Back To One - This is my favorite song off of O.A.R.'s latest album, "King." It's an inspirational song about regrouping when life has taken its toll on you. This song also came up big for me when the album came out. I was going through a rough time, and this song absolutely helped me. It also helps that I've worn the number one throughout my hockey career. It's symbolism like that that makes you connect with music. I need to see this song live, and it starts the second half of the show with a song from the new album. I highly recommend checking out all of their music, but this one is a must listen.
12. Love and Memories -The global hit off of the band's "Stories Of A Stranger" album, "Love and Memories" is a great song. It's about someone trying to get rid of the love and memories that exist from a previous love. This is a tough thing to go through, as I know first hand. Some people said that they sold out with this record, and that pisses me off. They are storytellers, and this tells a story. Just because it sounds a little pop/rock-ish, doesn't mean they have sold out. This is a phenomenal song live, and a great staple to be played in the middle of the show.
13. Patiently -"Patiently" is a song that hit home with me at the time I discovered it. I found it on the "34th and 8th" album, and immediately fell in love with it. I was missing someone, and as the song says, "Patiently, oh I wait for you." I thought she was going to come back, but she didn't. The reason I put this song here is because it's the last "slower song" of this set. (Except for #19) But also, it's because of the passion that it is sung with. In the "34th and 8th" version, you can hear the pain and angst in Marc's voice. It really is an unreal live track.
14. Delicate Few - Now that the home stretch has started, let's have a sing along! "Whooaahh Whooooahh, Whoa, Ohhh Oh Oh!" "Delicate Few" always bring the opportunity to sing with every person in the joint as the song opens up. It's a great live song, and as the song says, lets you, "relax for a delicate few." It's a great song to dance to, as Marc always suggests. It really is the perfect way to start the beginning of then end of the show.
15. Hey Girl - If there is any such thing as an "O.A.R. staple," (other than "Poker"...see #20) it is "Hey Girl." This is a perfect song for this spot. I like the fact that two major "sing along songs" are in a row here. This is just a great song about a date with a girl. Crowds have adopted Marc's enthusiastic "Yeeaahhh!" after each of the first two lines of the song (Listen to the "Any Time Now" version) and it kicks ass every time. It's a fun song that also gets the Marc freestyle treatment from times to time. My favorite comes from the "Live from MSG" version, where he sings, "But you're sweet like a cupcake and I wanna eat ya up, you." Its a great freestyle, give it a listen.
16. Old Man Time - Now one of my all time favorites, I sadly didn't discover "Old Man Time" until a couple of years into my O.A.R. experience. If I had to pick out one thing that these guys are amazing at (they're great at everything they do) it would have to be storytelling. They can jam on their instruments for hours, they always know what each other is doing on stage, Marc is an unbelievable free-stylist, but the storytelling in their songs is amazing. It's a story of love, and at the center is one of the most beloved characters of the O.A.R. catalog, Old Man Time.
17. Heaven - This is the perfect song to walk off the stage to before the encore.The first single off of their latest album, "King", "Heaven" is a very inspirational song. The line, "I don't wanna go to heaven if they don't want me." kills me every time. It's a great song about living the life you lead and learning from mistakes. The end has a great energy, and that's why I like this in the "closing spot." Even though we all know they'll be back out to play a few more songs, this is easily a great song to end a show on.
18. I Feel Home - This here is my all time favorite O.A.R. song. It's a great song to kick off the encore. It's a slower song, but it is an amazing, well written track. Me and my boys have adopted this as our anthem since the day we first heard it. This song served as a "finals week anthem" for myself and Fett throughout college. When "Home" was on repeat, you knew it was almost time to get back home for a few weeks, hang in someone's basement and drink a few cases of good brew. The best part is seeing this song live with all my boys present at the concert. It is, and always will be our anthem.
19. About An Hour Ago - Another classic within my group, here. This is another great story told by this band. Catching it on the road is absolutely amazing, and a great encore song. "About An Hour Ago" also holds a special spot in my heart because of the freestyle that Marc created on the "Live from MSG" album. It is hands down my favorite freestyle that he has ever done. The first time I heard it, I turned to Fett, asked him if that just happened, rewound it and listened to it over and over again. This is a must have, as I am notoriously known throughout my group of friends for drunkenly yelling, "Kickin' back, sippin' beers!"
20. That Was A Crazy Game Of Poker - Like I was going to pick anything else for this spot? I've seen these guys eight times. They have played "Poker" as the last song in the set, and earlier in the set. I just think that this is the best song for the finale. This song can be upwards of twenty minutes in length, but every second is worth it. As I wrote in an earlier blog, this is one of the best songs I've ever seen live. The finale should be the biggest blow out pint of the concert, and every time this song is played, it feels like the roof's going to blow off the joint.
Well, there it is. If I could pick the set list for one O.A.R. show, that would be it. What would you pick if you could choose your favorite band's set list at a show you were at? Leave some feedback, I'd love to hear from you. As always, I'll be kickin' back, sippin' beers. You should do the same!
P.S. I got my pre-sale tickets for both shows! Boom!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Favorite Songs I've Seen Performed Live
I'm back!! After a month in which a lot has changed, I'm making a conscious effort to get this done every few weeks. (For those of you who actually care haha) So, I was looking for tickets to see my favorite band, O.A.R., but sadly they won't be around Philly this fall. Then, on the way to work this morning, "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker" came on my iPod shuffle. (RIP Steve Jobs) I listened to it and re-realized how great of a live song it really is. So I thought of all of the concerts that I've been to, and decided to rank...
The Top 5 Favorite Songs I've Seen Performed Live:
5 - "I Feel Home" - O.A.R. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30eI2MxriTI)
O.A.R is one of those bands that have a great following, but will never get the respect they deserve. I've been listening to the band for a long time, and I have seen them live eight times. The best thing about this band is their live show. The second best thing is the lyrical content. "I Feel Home" makes the Top 5 because this can be considered my group of friends anthem. There have been many drunk nights in basements singing along to this song. And on a couple of occasions, we've been fortunate enough to be at the O.A.R. shows together when they have played this rare tune. They do not play it a lot, but to hear one of our favorite songs live, and all be together is something pretty special.
4 - "Konstantine" - Something Corporate ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NwJWWnn-cw )
I've only seen Something Corporate perform live a few times, but I've only seen this song live once. It was pretty awesome. Lead singer Andrew McMahon taps away at the piano like a mad man, and goes through this ten minute song with ease. The funny thing is that not many of the people in the audience knew the song. That might be because they never actually release the song on one of their albums. ("Konstantine" was on their EP Songs for Silent Movies but that was only released in Japan.) This is one of those tunes that you can actually see the passion in the person singing it. This is a deeply personal song to McMahon, and it seeps through his performance. This song is not played much by Something Corporate, so to see it live is a rarity, and a pleasure to witness.
3 - "Piano Man" - Billy Joel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sFlBJ1Jk3w)
The top three songs on this list should, and usually are always played in the artist's encore. I think you'll understand why when you read along. It was the summer of 2009. I had two floor seats to the Billy Joel/Elton John Face 2 Face tour at CBP here in Philly. I had no one to go with, so I got my buddy Fett, and we headed down to the Park. We knew we were going to see an unbelievable show, but unbelievable would be an understatement. They each played a set by themselves, sandwiched between two sets of them playing on the same stage at the same time. Absolutely unreal. The best though, was "Piano Man." This was when upwards of 50,000 people sang along and turned Citizens Bank Park into the largest karaoke bar in the world. It was amazing to hear Billy Joel play this track live, and I've had the fortune of seeing it done twice. I also saw Billy Joel at the then Wachovia Center. (Now known as the Wells Fargo Center here in Philly.)
2 - "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker" - O.A.R.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XyQ8XDgUf4)
I have seen O.A.R. eight times, I've seen them play "Poker" eight times. I have upwards of seven or eight live versions of this song on my iPod. Yet, every time I hear this song live, it seems like it is better every time. When someone first starts listening to O.A.R., they usually hear "Poker" or "Hey Girl" first. They are staples of the O.A.R. catalog. Known to be upwards of twenty minutes long, I have seen "Poker" described as "a reflection of the stages we go through as people." (Compliments of track notes on O.A.R.'s Any Time Now) I completely agree and relate to this. One minute we are busy, on a fast-paced track, and then all of a sudden things calm down and we can relax a little bit. But, as soon as we get comfortable, we hop right back into the fast-paced world. What is the best part of this song? It is always changing. Marc and the boys have done many different versions of this song, adding improv, intros, and outros. These guys are ridiculous musicians and Marc Roberge is a mastermind of improvisational verses. I don't know if I have a "favorite" version, but I grew up on Any Time Now's version. If you get a chance, see these guys live. You will not regret it.
1 - "Livin' On a Prayer" - Bon Jovi
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQvF9s7ZyxA&feature=related)
As many times as I've seen O.A.R. live, I've seen Bon Jovi more. At a baker's dozen, (13 times), I've seen them the most of any band. They put on an amazing live show. I have told people before, "trust me, if you go to a Bon Jovi concert, you will have an amazing time." Every person I've ever gone to a Bon Jovi concert has agreed with me after the show. Sure, highlights of most shows include hits like "You Give Love a Bad Name", "It's My Life", and "Runaway", but THE highlight of every show is when they play "Livin' On a Prayer." I've seen this song live 13 times, and it becomes a bigger spectacle every time I see it. To be in Giants Stadium, and hear 80,000 people singing the chorus just goes to show you how powerful music can be. Nowadays, Jon does an acoustic intro. The only beat is his boot stomping on the stage, and he starts the chorus with, "They say we gotta hold on..." By the time he gets that out, every person in the stands is on point, they finish the chorus, and the band starts the song with the ever so familiar piano strokes. This really is the ultimate song to see performed live.
Wow, now I want to go to a concert. Just thinking about all of the great shows I've been to gives me the urge. What are your favorites? Has a live song ever gotten you choked up? Let me know your thoughts. Happy Monday, everyone. I'll be kicking back, sipping beers. You should join me!
The Top 5 Favorite Songs I've Seen Performed Live:
5 - "I Feel Home" - O.A.R. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30eI2MxriTI)
O.A.R is one of those bands that have a great following, but will never get the respect they deserve. I've been listening to the band for a long time, and I have seen them live eight times. The best thing about this band is their live show. The second best thing is the lyrical content. "I Feel Home" makes the Top 5 because this can be considered my group of friends anthem. There have been many drunk nights in basements singing along to this song. And on a couple of occasions, we've been fortunate enough to be at the O.A.R. shows together when they have played this rare tune. They do not play it a lot, but to hear one of our favorite songs live, and all be together is something pretty special.
4 - "Konstantine" - Something Corporate ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NwJWWnn-cw )
I've only seen Something Corporate perform live a few times, but I've only seen this song live once. It was pretty awesome. Lead singer Andrew McMahon taps away at the piano like a mad man, and goes through this ten minute song with ease. The funny thing is that not many of the people in the audience knew the song. That might be because they never actually release the song on one of their albums. ("Konstantine" was on their EP Songs for Silent Movies but that was only released in Japan.) This is one of those tunes that you can actually see the passion in the person singing it. This is a deeply personal song to McMahon, and it seeps through his performance. This song is not played much by Something Corporate, so to see it live is a rarity, and a pleasure to witness.
3 - "Piano Man" - Billy Joel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sFlBJ1Jk3w)
The top three songs on this list should, and usually are always played in the artist's encore. I think you'll understand why when you read along. It was the summer of 2009. I had two floor seats to the Billy Joel/Elton John Face 2 Face tour at CBP here in Philly. I had no one to go with, so I got my buddy Fett, and we headed down to the Park. We knew we were going to see an unbelievable show, but unbelievable would be an understatement. They each played a set by themselves, sandwiched between two sets of them playing on the same stage at the same time. Absolutely unreal. The best though, was "Piano Man." This was when upwards of 50,000 people sang along and turned Citizens Bank Park into the largest karaoke bar in the world. It was amazing to hear Billy Joel play this track live, and I've had the fortune of seeing it done twice. I also saw Billy Joel at the then Wachovia Center. (Now known as the Wells Fargo Center here in Philly.)
2 - "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker" - O.A.R.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XyQ8XDgUf4)
I have seen O.A.R. eight times, I've seen them play "Poker" eight times. I have upwards of seven or eight live versions of this song on my iPod. Yet, every time I hear this song live, it seems like it is better every time. When someone first starts listening to O.A.R., they usually hear "Poker" or "Hey Girl" first. They are staples of the O.A.R. catalog. Known to be upwards of twenty minutes long, I have seen "Poker" described as "a reflection of the stages we go through as people." (Compliments of track notes on O.A.R.'s Any Time Now) I completely agree and relate to this. One minute we are busy, on a fast-paced track, and then all of a sudden things calm down and we can relax a little bit. But, as soon as we get comfortable, we hop right back into the fast-paced world. What is the best part of this song? It is always changing. Marc and the boys have done many different versions of this song, adding improv, intros, and outros. These guys are ridiculous musicians and Marc Roberge is a mastermind of improvisational verses. I don't know if I have a "favorite" version, but I grew up on Any Time Now's version. If you get a chance, see these guys live. You will not regret it.
1 - "Livin' On a Prayer" - Bon Jovi
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQvF9s7ZyxA&feature=related)
As many times as I've seen O.A.R. live, I've seen Bon Jovi more. At a baker's dozen, (13 times), I've seen them the most of any band. They put on an amazing live show. I have told people before, "trust me, if you go to a Bon Jovi concert, you will have an amazing time." Every person I've ever gone to a Bon Jovi concert has agreed with me after the show. Sure, highlights of most shows include hits like "You Give Love a Bad Name", "It's My Life", and "Runaway", but THE highlight of every show is when they play "Livin' On a Prayer." I've seen this song live 13 times, and it becomes a bigger spectacle every time I see it. To be in Giants Stadium, and hear 80,000 people singing the chorus just goes to show you how powerful music can be. Nowadays, Jon does an acoustic intro. The only beat is his boot stomping on the stage, and he starts the chorus with, "They say we gotta hold on..." By the time he gets that out, every person in the stands is on point, they finish the chorus, and the band starts the song with the ever so familiar piano strokes. This really is the ultimate song to see performed live.
Wow, now I want to go to a concert. Just thinking about all of the great shows I've been to gives me the urge. What are your favorites? Has a live song ever gotten you choked up? Let me know your thoughts. Happy Monday, everyone. I'll be kicking back, sipping beers. You should join me!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Favorite Film Series' of All Time
Hello, world! To the very few people that actually read this, sorry about my absence. It's been a long month and a half. I am back with another list, though! I recently saw the final installment of the epic Harry Potter series. Now, I never read the books, but have become a huge fan of the films within the past year and a half. After the film, I started to think about what are my:
Top 5 Favorite Film Series' of All Time
5 - "The Godfather" Series
Before you all kill me with comments as to "how can this be #5?", you have to remember that this is my FAVORITE list. It is not the BEST list. That will come along later on. If you don't enjoy the first two installments of "The Godfather", you must not like almost perfect films. The first film is considered by many as one of the three greatest films of all time. The second? Considered better than the first by some. Francis Ford Coppola's masterpieces are great for those sick days at home, and the great thing is that they're so long, it will take up half of your day. Just do yourself a favor. Do not watch these films on channels like TCM and AMC, because of two major reasons: Commercials and graphic editing. Watch these the way they were made, and the way they were supposed to be seen.
4 - The "Rocky" Series
Big surprise, the kid from Philly puts the "Rocky" series in here. Yeah, I did. Now, let me clarify one thing: I think that Rocky III and V are two pieces of shit. They are the only two "Rocky" films I will not watch. If I, II, IV or "Rocky Balboa" are on, I leave them on. Being a kid from Philadelphia who majored in Film, these films really speak to me because of Sylvester Stallone's story. He wrote and starred in every one of these films. He directed most of them, and it kind of shows me that if he could do it, anyone can. "Rocky' won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1977. None of the others come close to the original, but they're entertaining as hell. They also tell great stories about struggle. No doubt, "Rocky" will live on as one of the best films of all time.
3 - The "Harry Potter" Series
Yeah, my obsession has gotten to this point. The main reason why Harry, Hermione and Ron are above The Don and Rocky is because of consistency. Every one of the "Harry Potter" films is great. The characters and story suck you in, and even though each has its own individual story, everything ties in. The directing is phenomenal throughout. the effects are almost flawless.
I started watching these films as a 24 year old. I was sucked in from the beginning. Sure, I like the later films better. I think anyone my age would, because as the characters get older, you can relate to them more. (Plus the fact that Emma Watson is absolutely gorgeous now helps too.) I almost wish that I had caught on sooner. On the bright side, now that the entire series has been completed, you can catch on in a matter of a day. (As long as you can stay up and watch movies that long.)
2 - The Christopher Nolan "Batman" Series
I know what you're going to say, "It's not complete yet man!" I know, I know. The first two episodes of the Christopher Nolan revamp have been so damn good, I have to put the series at the number two spot. I was one of the skeptical people before both of these films came out. Before "Batman Begins," I didn't know what to expect. I was blown away. It showed a lot of things that were never brought up in the previous "Batman" series. It brought a "real feel" aspect to a super hero movie.
Then came the casting for "The Dark Knight." When they announced that Heath Ledger would be playing The Joker, I didn't know what to think. But all of the thought that was done about the move was unnecessary. Ledger's portrayal of the make-up faced killer was in fact flawless. To this day, and as far as I can see, that is one of my favorite performances of all time. So, when people question Nolan's casting of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, I just shrug my shoulders. I have put my full faith in Christopher Nolan, and I cannot wait for "The Dark Knight Rises."
1 - The "American Pie" Series
Just to reiterate, this is my FAVORITES list. That is why the "American Pie" series is number one. I think that the main reason why is because this is the series that I can relate to the most. I'm not a Don, a boxer, the "chosen one", or a flying rodent. I did go to high school and college, I do see changes in everyday life, and sometimes wish for the simpler times. Now, I have friends getting married. I've always seen this series as a commentary on life as I know it. I have a group of friends similar to the characters in the films. No, no one has ever banged a pie, but we have done some screwed up stuff along our journey. With "American Reunion" filming now, I can't wait to see how far these characters have come. Although I may be in the minority, I feel like a "reunion" movie is the perfect way to say goodbye to the group.
Well, there you have it. These are my favorites. What are yours? Do you absolutely hate one of my selections? Tell me what you think, hell, give me your own countdown. Until next time (which will be sooner than later, I promise) I'll be kickin' back, sippin' beers. You should join me!
(all photos courtesy of imdb.com)
Top 5 Favorite Film Series' of All Time
5 - "The Godfather" Series
Before you all kill me with comments as to "how can this be #5?", you have to remember that this is my FAVORITE list. It is not the BEST list. That will come along later on. If you don't enjoy the first two installments of "The Godfather", you must not like almost perfect films. The first film is considered by many as one of the three greatest films of all time. The second? Considered better than the first by some. Francis Ford Coppola's masterpieces are great for those sick days at home, and the great thing is that they're so long, it will take up half of your day. Just do yourself a favor. Do not watch these films on channels like TCM and AMC, because of two major reasons: Commercials and graphic editing. Watch these the way they were made, and the way they were supposed to be seen.
4 - The "Rocky" Series
Big surprise, the kid from Philly puts the "Rocky" series in here. Yeah, I did. Now, let me clarify one thing: I think that Rocky III and V are two pieces of shit. They are the only two "Rocky" films I will not watch. If I, II, IV or "Rocky Balboa" are on, I leave them on. Being a kid from Philadelphia who majored in Film, these films really speak to me because of Sylvester Stallone's story. He wrote and starred in every one of these films. He directed most of them, and it kind of shows me that if he could do it, anyone can. "Rocky' won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1977. None of the others come close to the original, but they're entertaining as hell. They also tell great stories about struggle. No doubt, "Rocky" will live on as one of the best films of all time.
3 - The "Harry Potter" Series
Yeah, my obsession has gotten to this point. The main reason why Harry, Hermione and Ron are above The Don and Rocky is because of consistency. Every one of the "Harry Potter" films is great. The characters and story suck you in, and even though each has its own individual story, everything ties in. The directing is phenomenal throughout. the effects are almost flawless.
I started watching these films as a 24 year old. I was sucked in from the beginning. Sure, I like the later films better. I think anyone my age would, because as the characters get older, you can relate to them more. (Plus the fact that Emma Watson is absolutely gorgeous now helps too.) I almost wish that I had caught on sooner. On the bright side, now that the entire series has been completed, you can catch on in a matter of a day. (As long as you can stay up and watch movies that long.)
2 - The Christopher Nolan "Batman" Series
I know what you're going to say, "It's not complete yet man!" I know, I know. The first two episodes of the Christopher Nolan revamp have been so damn good, I have to put the series at the number two spot. I was one of the skeptical people before both of these films came out. Before "Batman Begins," I didn't know what to expect. I was blown away. It showed a lot of things that were never brought up in the previous "Batman" series. It brought a "real feel" aspect to a super hero movie.
Then came the casting for "The Dark Knight." When they announced that Heath Ledger would be playing The Joker, I didn't know what to think. But all of the thought that was done about the move was unnecessary. Ledger's portrayal of the make-up faced killer was in fact flawless. To this day, and as far as I can see, that is one of my favorite performances of all time. So, when people question Nolan's casting of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, I just shrug my shoulders. I have put my full faith in Christopher Nolan, and I cannot wait for "The Dark Knight Rises."
1 - The "American Pie" Series
Just to reiterate, this is my FAVORITES list. That is why the "American Pie" series is number one. I think that the main reason why is because this is the series that I can relate to the most. I'm not a Don, a boxer, the "chosen one", or a flying rodent. I did go to high school and college, I do see changes in everyday life, and sometimes wish for the simpler times. Now, I have friends getting married. I've always seen this series as a commentary on life as I know it. I have a group of friends similar to the characters in the films. No, no one has ever banged a pie, but we have done some screwed up stuff along our journey. With "American Reunion" filming now, I can't wait to see how far these characters have come. Although I may be in the minority, I feel like a "reunion" movie is the perfect way to say goodbye to the group.
Well, there you have it. These are my favorites. What are yours? Do you absolutely hate one of my selections? Tell me what you think, hell, give me your own countdown. Until next time (which will be sooner than later, I promise) I'll be kickin' back, sippin' beers. You should join me!
(all photos courtesy of imdb.com)
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