By Evan Ross
Happy 2013, ANDPOP readers! I have no doubt that more than a few of you made resolutions regarding the person you hope to be in 2013: A better athlete, a A+ student, a better eater, a professional One Direction stalker. This playlist is made up of my personal resolutions and the songs I will use to force myself to stick with them until 2014 (or at least until February). I hope they inspire you too!
1) Save money/shop less: “Price Tag (Rizzle Kicks vs. Rural Remix)” – Rizzle Kicks & Jessie J
In 2012 I almost completely overhauled my wardrobe which, unfortunately for my bank account, was not free. This habit quickly became a shopping addiction as I bought so many things I didn’t need (Dharma Initiative necklace, anyone?). This song reminds me that pleasure need not lie in the swipe of my credit card but can be found in nice everyday things. Perfect for: Either convincing yourself to stop shopping or convincing yourself to buy more things because it’s not about the price tag.
2) Eat better: “The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack” – Liars
I’m adding this song more for the title than anything else. This track has come up on my iPod on more than one occasion after a binge at McDonald’s and never fails to make me want to reach for the nearest piece of celery. If you need to be shamed into picking up some real grapes instead of grape flavoured candy than this is the song for you. Perfect for: Reminding you of the consequences of getting a breakfast sandwich with sausage AND bacon (see also: “Fat Bottomed Girls” – Queen).
3) Spend less time on social media: “Outside Inside” – The Streets
I can easily say that in 2012 my love of Twitter developed into an addiction. It’s the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I check before I got to bed. It’s my goal in the new year to curb this habit before my iPhone Claw becomes a permanent affliction (I already have a serious case of texting thumb), and to stop spending three plus hours looking at gifs on Tumblr. This track on Mike Skinner’s final album reminds us that while all the info about outside is available on the Internet, it’s important to actually go outside and experience it once and while.
4) Read more: “Origin of Love” – Hedwig and the Angry Inch Read more…
We know you probably want to start devouring your resolutions this January, but don’t forget to take some time and recover from the go-go attitude and gluttonous meals of the holiday season. Call a friend and have a movie marathon, celebrating 10 movies you probably haven’t seen but SHOULD see this year.
Submarine
Based on the novel by Joe Dunthorne, the film is a coming of age story of a 15-year-old boy named Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts). Entering his mid-teens, he only has two objectives: to lose his virginity before his next birthday and make the chemistry between his parents come alive again, just as his mother’s ex-lover re-enters the scene.
The vibe of the movie is very Wes Anderson, with its unique humour and eccentric characters. Coupled with songs from the Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner, this movie probably has one of the most underrated soundtracks EVER.
Ruby Sparks
Anyone who’s a sucker for indie romances will enjoy Ruby Sparks. Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (who also directed Little Miss Sunshine together), the film stars Paul Dano as Calvin, a struggling novelist who manifests a female character he thinks will love him. And out of the blue, she, aka Ruby Sparks (played by the movie’s screenwriter Zoe Kazan), becomes real.
This may sound awfully similar to Stranger Than Fiction but this movie is not your typical romantic comedy. While whimsical, cute and endearing, the film’s ending is surprisingly realistic. And to be honest, I wish most Hollywood films resolved things just as nicely as this movie did.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, It’s Kind of a Funny Story stars Keir Gilchrist as a 16-year-old who checks himself into an adult psychiatric ward after attempting suicide. Feeling pressured by his friends and parents to do well in school, he deals with his problems there, while meeting a range of interesting characters (played by Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts), who are dealing with their own issues too.
Mental illness is often a touchy issue when it’s meant to be comedic, but this film successfully meshes in the right amount of humour and drama to provide a touching, coming of age story. Those who are used to seeing Galifianakis as the satchel-wearing Alan in The Hangover will be interested to see him playing a more dramatic role, while Gilchrist and Roberts shine as awkward teens trying to sort out their growing feelings for each other.
And can I mention how great the soundtrack of this film is? Featuring the likes of Broken Social Scene and The Middle East, I also watch this film solely for this awesome scene.
Lars and the Real Girl
Before Ryan Gosling stole our hearts in Crazy, Stupid, Love, he starred in an indie comedy called Lars and the Real Girl. Playing a delusional and lonely young man, Gosling’s character strikes up an unconventional relationship with a sex doll he finds on the Internet.
This is honestly one of the most heartfelt movies I’ve ever seen with one of the best performances I’ve ever witnessed by Gosling. Unlike the actor’s more recent bad boy roles in Drive and The Place Beyond the Pines, Gosling is sweet, lovable and awkward here. You’ll just want to give him a hug when you watch this movie. (It’s not like we don’t want to do that now anyway.)
By Gabriella Zicarelli
The magical aroma of cinnamon is in the air and stories of shoppers fighting over 70 percent off blenders is in the news. It all means one thing: The holidays are upon us. That means the TV lineup of classic movies will probably (hopefully) fill your snowed-in Christmas evenings. And while there are A LOT of them out there, many are cheesy and WAY overplayed — seriously how many times can we sit through Arnold Schwarzenegger in Jingle all the Way?
Then there are those that make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, or cause an eggnog spit-take from laughing our butts off, all while curling under a blanket. Here are my top 10 non-cheesy films to get you in the Holiday spirit.
Edward Scissorhands
Tim Burton gave us a different take on Christmas films with Edward Scissorhands. The movie tells the story of Edward, who was created by a scientist (played by the legendary Vincent Price). As a kid, this movie really freaked me out but it actually has a lot of heart and Johnny Depp is in it so what else do you need really?
I’ll be Home for Christmas
Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Jake Wilkinson, a college student who has been avoiding his dad until he’s bribed with a Porche. His goal is to get home in time to earn it. The 1998 movie also stars Mrs. Timberlake, Jessica Biel.
Four Christmases
This movie is one of the funnier holiday films to come out recently. It stars Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn who play a couple that travel every year at Christmas to avoid their families. However, one fateful year their flight gets cancelled and they’re featured on the news. There are so many funny scenes in this movie you might actually dance with joy.
Gremlins Read more…
YouTube comment of the day — nay, week
When your friend learns how to use Photoshop
The coolest living Dachshund
When sand gets struck by lightning
Zero f*cks were given Read more…
Fashion Week isn’t only about designers and their mega-fabulous runway shows. The pool of photographers waiting for your arrival gives you all the more reason to be more adventurous with your style.
Despite the dreary weather in Paris this past week, fashion-forward editors, socialites and the like were anything but. Donned in their best fall gear — from tweed and leather to stripes and peplum skirts — these fashionistas really know how to embrace trends in a unique way.
1. Oh-so-cocoa
“Wear a coat as a dress,” says Anna Dello Russo in her Fashion Shower video for H&M. Now we understand why that’s one of her top ten fashion rules. This coat is stylin n’ profilin’. And those golden shades top off this plain-Jane look beautifully.
2. Stripes lovin’
Striped pants were a hit this past summer and now the trend is easing its way into fall. It’s a smart way to enhance a simple look such as this one — a plain grey top and leather jacket.
3. Pretty in peplum
Here’s another summer trend that’s in full swing this fall season! And why wouldn’t it be? Peplum skirts are the essence of femininity. The best part about this look is the fact that she paired it with a comfy sweater. It’s unexpected but she’s totally rocking it!
4. Mix-n-match Read more…
By Jasmine Williams
It’s the return of the all-stars! After tackling the most memorable Mia Michaels’ routines last week, the dancers faced an all-new challenge. This week, we got to see the top ten perform with the shining stars of So You Think You Can Dance yesteryear. Also, choreographer Benjamin Millepied was on the judging panel! He was the genius behind the moves in Black Swan and he’s Natalie Portman’s new hubby.
Here are my favourite moments from this week’s episode:
1. Opening group routine
This energetic homage to Gene Kelly choreographed by Tyce Diorio was so much fun! I couldn’t take my eyes off of Eliana, playing the glamourous Hollywood ingénue and the addition of funky trash can lids on their feet was a cool percussive touch. I only wish I could hear them better. And last but certainly not least, Tyce made a cameo as one of the dancers. He fit in so well I didn’t even notice he was there until the end, which I think is a good thing?
2. Tiffany’s disco routine
It seems that Tiffany was born for disco. This dance was electric and full of energy from beginning to end and the 11 (yes, 11) lifts were all executed perfectly. Plus, she had great chemistry with her all-star, season five’s Brandon. And the sparkly disco ball lighting and glittery ripped jumpsuit didn’t hurt either. It was dizzyingly amazing.
3. Witney’s jazz Read more…
When I was gifted my first lockable diary in elementary school, I remember writing on the inside cover: “TO MOM AND DAD: Do not touch this! It is an invasion of privacy and I will be mad.” Of course, the threatening message was probably riddled with spelling errors and sloppy cursive but the point is my truly insightful entries about sticker books and mud pies were blocked from the adult world, as I’m guessing yours were too.
Thankfully, Buzzfeed highlighted some journal entries that have been kept hidden UNTIL NOW. Check out some of the diary entries, assignments and apology letters below!
Lofty ambitions
On brothers
On sisters
Santa Claus Read more…
Here’s the story of a girl named Deena. Deena was spending her summer in Jersey Shore where the T-shirt shop is a pivotal industry and the meatballs are DTF (we know this because MTV tells us so). While her cast mates were presumably out for GTL, Deena had a drink. And then another And then another. Let’s just got ahead and multiply this by infinity.
This is her arrest in 10 pictures. It starts with a lovely “tra-la-la” stroll, before she makes out with The Situation a pig and is ultimately and apprehended by a cop that hates his job. On the bright side, this PSA highlights the negative side of drinking. [Source]
You’ve lined up your shot, the lighting is perfect and you’re ready to snap photo perfection and then — wait for it — a chilled out llama sticks his head in the picture all like “what do I care?” You’re devastated at first because he completely messed up your shot, until you realize it’s probably the BEST picture of life. [Source]
