MOVIE TRAILER: Wonder Woman 1984

The 80s are in full effect in the newly released trailer for Wonder Woman 1984. That is except for her costume, which remains the same, of course! We also learn that Chris Pine’s character is back—somehow. That should be an interesting story. Gal Gadot is looking fierce as ever. Leaving us to believe this release will be just as good as the original. We also have the new Cheetah character played by Kristen Wiig, who definitely has some Professor Trelawney vibes.  The trailer, clocking in at nearly 2 minutes and 30 seconds, leaves us wanting more, but naturally we have to wait until June 5, 2020. Not cool.

BOOK REVIEW: Decaf for the Dead by Sandy Lo

Decaf for the Dead
Sandy Lo

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating: [The Breakdown]

First of all, I have to say I was excited that Sandy decided to write a story that centrally featured the supernatural. I have enjoyed reading her previous books Lost in You and Dream Catchers, both of which revolve around the entertainment industry, specifically musicians, so seeing her venture into a new story line was exciting to me as a fan of her work.

Like many authors, Sandy was inspired by her real life travels and barista background. Who knew so many coffee shops are actually haunted?

The premise begins with Patrick “Dilly” Dillon who is in despair after losing his wife in a car accident. He lives each day hoping that she’ll somehow reappear in his life. He visits the café where she used to work daily, drawing in his sketchbook while sipping coffee.  Problem is, he also has another mug of coffee that is left out just for her. Then enters Jocelyn, the new barista at the café. There’s something about her that catches his eye and he begins to feel guilty.

Now, I won’t lie, within the first few pages I had an idea of where the story was going, though I owe that to a certain 1999 movie thriller and my sleuthing skills. However, this did not ruin anything for the story, or me. In fact, it’s quite possible Ms. Lo wanted you to know this information as you’re reading along. After all, knowing information before a character finds out adds an extra thrill to the reading experience.

Yet, the real part of the story is the self-realizations and emotional development of the characters along the way. You really feel for the main character as he mourns. The writing easily has the reader drift off into their own world wondering, “What would I do if this happened to me?”

If you’re a fan of supernatural storytelling that is lighthearted and thought-provoking, this is the book for you. Just keep in mind there is a good cliffhanger, so you’ll be craving the next installment right away.

Decaf for the Dead is available now on Amazon. Also check out Sandy Lo’s official website here and find out which songs remind her of Decaf for the Dead on her Spotify playlist here.

Movie Trailer: FROZEN II

The official trailer for Frozen II was just released. First of all, I didn’t even realize they were working on a sequel, but after seeing the premise, I’m kind of glad Disney went for it.

The story has Elsa, along with her sister Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven going on a mission to find out how she obtained her powers. But something sinister (naturally) seems to be lurking about and it appears Elsa is the only one who can defeat it. Will she succeed? I don’t think we have to wait to know the answer to that, but…check out the trailer above and catch the movie in theaters on November 22, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie Trailer: Star Wars – The Rise of Skywalker

It feels like yesterday that The Last Jedi was released, but here we are with the trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. As the ninth Stars Wars film and the end of this trilogy, many of us are hoping for many of our questions to be answered, but the trailer leaves us wondering. It will also be interesting to see how they use all of the previously unused Carrie Fisher footage, but we will have to keep guessing until December 2019. In the meantime, the trailer above will have to hold us over.

MUSIC VIDEO: Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”

The Jonas Brothers are back! Their new single, “Sucker” is the perfect track to make their comeback with. It’s classic Jonas Brothers, but still keeping with the current music climate. The music video is also something to talk about. The guys feature their wives/fiancee in extravagant fashion styles and scene locations. If this is the start, I can’t wait for what the JoBros will bring next. Be sure to check out the video above!

MOVIE TRAILER – X-Men: Dark Phoenix

The trailer for X-Men: Dark Phoenix featuring Sophie Turner as Jean Grey has arrived. The trailer does a great job by showing us quite a bit, but at the same time giving us nothing. 20th Century Fox also released the official synopsis:

In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite — not only to save Jean’s soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

Oh yeah, and we have to wait until February 14, 2019 to end the suspense. Check out the trailer above to hold you over until then!

MUSIC VIDEO: Liam Payne – “First Time” featuring French Montana

Former One Direction member, Liam Payne, has released the first single off his brand new EP, First Time out now on Republic Records.

“First Time” is an upbeat track featuring French Montana and has a slower, but still catchy vibe than Payne’s breakout single, “Strip That Down.” The music video itself is low-key with Payne cruising through the streets with French Montana.

Check it out above and see if you’re feeling Liam’s new single.

CONCERT REVIEW: The Zombies

The Zombies
Fremont Theater
San Luis Obispo, CA
September 13, 2018

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Being able to see the legends that released some of my most-loved classic hits from the 1960s was a huge pinch-me moment. Even though only two of the original-founding members are still touring as The Zombies, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, they still managed to make it feel like it was the original group.

It was the fourth song in, “I Love You”, where Blunstone blew us away with hitting those high notes. He did say he had to wear tight pants to do it, but it was still a feat that the entire crowd was impressed by.

The band mixed up their setlist by playing some of their newer material first and throwing in the fan favorites in between. Blunstone and Argent would tell us an anecdote prior to starting a song. The best one had to be right before jumping into “Care of Cell 44”, Argent told us about how they had heard from an interview that this song changed Dave Grohl’s life. I can’t say that I’m surprised.

Throughout their seventeen-song set, Colin’s shimmy and shakes kept the crowd alive and singing along to some of their all time popular hits. The full setlist in playing order included: “Road Runner”, “The Look of Love”, “I Want You Back Again”, “I Love You”, “Sanctuary”, “Moving On”, “Edge of the Rainbow, “Tell Her No”, “Really Got a Hold”, “Chasing The Past”, “Care of Cell 44”, “This Will Be Our Year”, “I Want Her, She Wants Me”, “Time of the Season”, “Hold Your Head Up” (originally by Argent), “She’s Not There”, and “God Gave Rock and Roll” (originally by Argent).

Overall, the show was a fun time that reminded many of their adolescence and gave others the chance to experience some of the greats they thought could only be seen in the past. I had missed a few earlier chances at seeing them live, but now I can say if you get the chance to see The Zombies, don’t let it pass you by.

 

Kelly Clarkson Announces 2019 Meaning of Life Tour Dates

Kelly Clarkson announced her Meaning of Life Tour that will also feature The Voice Season 14 winner, Brynn Cartelli and Kelsea Ballerini as opening acts.

The 2019 arena tour is in support of her latest LP Meaning of Life. The Meaning of Life Tour opens January 24th at Oakland, California’s Oracle Arena and currently runs 28 dates, ending March 30th at Greenville, South Carolina’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

“Meaning of Life is the album I always wanted to make and I am so excited to finally be able to tour it,” Clarkson said in a statement. “Even while recording it, I couldn’t wait for people to experience the music live, to not only hear it, but feel it. It has taken almost a year of planning, and I can’t wait to see y’all on the road!” – Kelly Clarkson

Visit Kelly Clarkson’s official website for full ticket information.

Kelly Clarkson Tour Dates

January 24 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
January 25 – Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
January 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center
January 30 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena
February 1 – Glendale, AZ @ Gila River Arena
February 7 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
February 8 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
February 9 – Southaven, MS @ Landers Center
February 14 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
February 15 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center
February 16 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
February 21 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
February 22 – Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
February 23 – St. Louis, MO @ Chaifetz Arena
February 28 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
March 2 – Wichita, KS @ INTRUST Bank Arena
March 7 – Uniondale, NY @ NYCB Live Nassau Coliseum
March 8 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
March 9 – Allentown, PA @ PPL Center
March 14 & 15 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
March 16 – Baltimore, MD @ Royal Farms Arena
March 21 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
March 22 – Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse
March 23 – Cincinnati, OH @ U.S. Bank Arena
March 28 – Duluth, GA @ Infinite Energy Arena
March 29 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
March 30 – Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Mike Shinoda’s 2018 North American Tour

Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park recently announced his Outbreak Tour sponsored by Monster Energy. The North American tour begins in Canada on October 10th and wraps up on November 17th in Maryland. He will be performing his full-length solo album, Post Traumatic. Check out the tour dates below:

October 10 – Montreal, QC @ Mtelus
October 11 – Toronto, ON @ Rebel
October 13 – New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
October 14 – Philadelphia, PA @ Fillmore
October 15 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
October 17 – Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
October 19 – Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
October 20 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
October 21 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
October 23 – Raleigh, NC @ Ritz
October 25 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
October 28 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
October 30 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
November 2 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
November 5 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
November 6 – San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
November 8 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
November 9 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
November 11 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
November 14 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
November 16 – Detroit, MI @ Fillmore
November 17 – Silver Spring, MD @ Fillmore