Movies
Annabelle: Creation
Rating: 3/5 Stars
If there was one thing I was not expecting this year, it was that a Conjuring universe would be established. But, it seems that is the case, as there is now yet another movie revolving around Annabelle, the frightening doll that appeared in "The Conjuring". I really liked the way the doll was utilized in that film. It was more of a small subplot, but man the moments with it there were some of the absolute scariest in the whole film. However, the prequel film "Annabelle" was just awful. All the scares it had were just jump scares with no buildup, the characters are bland, the plot is predictable, and the movie is just boring. It has every single horror trope you'd expect, and they aren't manipulated cleverly. I did become interested with Annabelle Creation once I saw that David Sandberg was the director. He made a really solid horror movie in "Lights Out". It's clear he's influenced by James Wan, and Wan has even said Sandberg is his protege. Although "Creation" isn't as good as his other movie, it still is much better than its predecessor.
There are quite a few things going for this movie. One of them is that it is legitimately scary a lot of the time. There are so many memorable moments here where I was certainly on edge. One of them in particular had to do with this scarecrow that was established in the beginning of the film. The payoff with it created one of the scariest horror scenes I've watched in recent memory; I was holding my breath the whole time. Annabelle is thankfully utilized a lot more in this film, the doll is really a character here. It was interesting to see the doll get a bit of sympathy with her very human backstory. Sandberg has a lot of different ways of scaring his audience with seemingly innocent objects such as an electric chair or that aforementioned scarecrow. He is clever in establishing them at the beginning and always giving the audience an effective payoff. In addition to good scares, there are also some great performances in this movie. Talitha Bateman as main character Janice is an easily identifiable highlight. She is a great child actor, actually giving her character complexity and the audience a reason to root for her. We actually care whether she survives. The same can be said for Lulu Wilson as Linda. I was impressed with her work in "Ouija: Origin of Evil", and she impresses once again here. I won't be surprised to see her in other movies as well. In fact, pretty much all the child actors here are good, and since they are the main characters, that helps elevate this film.
There are some weaker points to the film as well. While there are some good scares, there are also some cheap ones. Unlike in Wan's films, the jump scares here don't always have payoffs. A lot of times they're just annoying "gotcha" moments. Also, I feel as though some of the characters in this movie, particularly Sister Charlotte and Janice, can be really stupid. They make decisions in this movie that just don't feel logical, like constantly going back to Annabelle's room or trying to get rid of the doll on their own. There are plenty of intelligent moments in the movie, which is why the stupid ones feel all the more out of place. Also, pretty much all of the adult performances weren't that good. I didn't care at all for Stephanie Sigman as Sister Charlotte; she was completely bland. I also didn't like Anthony LaPaglia and Miranda Otto as Annabelle's parents. They just weren't given anything engaging to do. Even though the negatives of this movie are a problem, "Creation" is still a massive improvement over "Annabelle". I would recommend giving it a shot if you want a fun horror flick.
If there was one thing I was not expecting this year, it was that a Conjuring universe would be established. But, it seems that is the case, as there is now yet another movie revolving around Annabelle, the frightening doll that appeared in "The Conjuring". I really liked the way the doll was utilized in that film. It was more of a small subplot, but man the moments with it there were some of the absolute scariest in the whole film. However, the prequel film "Annabelle" was just awful. All the scares it had were just jump scares with no buildup, the characters are bland, the plot is predictable, and the movie is just boring. It has every single horror trope you'd expect, and they aren't manipulated cleverly. I did become interested with Annabelle Creation once I saw that David Sandberg was the director. He made a really solid horror movie in "Lights Out". It's clear he's influenced by James Wan, and Wan has even said Sandberg is his protege. Although "Creation" isn't as good as his other movie, it still is much better than its predecessor.
There are quite a few things going for this movie. One of them is that it is legitimately scary a lot of the time. There are so many memorable moments here where I was certainly on edge. One of them in particular had to do with this scarecrow that was established in the beginning of the film. The payoff with it created one of the scariest horror scenes I've watched in recent memory; I was holding my breath the whole time. Annabelle is thankfully utilized a lot more in this film, the doll is really a character here. It was interesting to see the doll get a bit of sympathy with her very human backstory. Sandberg has a lot of different ways of scaring his audience with seemingly innocent objects such as an electric chair or that aforementioned scarecrow. He is clever in establishing them at the beginning and always giving the audience an effective payoff. In addition to good scares, there are also some great performances in this movie. Talitha Bateman as main character Janice is an easily identifiable highlight. She is a great child actor, actually giving her character complexity and the audience a reason to root for her. We actually care whether she survives. The same can be said for Lulu Wilson as Linda. I was impressed with her work in "Ouija: Origin of Evil", and she impresses once again here. I won't be surprised to see her in other movies as well. In fact, pretty much all the child actors here are good, and since they are the main characters, that helps elevate this film.
There are some weaker points to the film as well. While there are some good scares, there are also some cheap ones. Unlike in Wan's films, the jump scares here don't always have payoffs. A lot of times they're just annoying "gotcha" moments. Also, I feel as though some of the characters in this movie, particularly Sister Charlotte and Janice, can be really stupid. They make decisions in this movie that just don't feel logical, like constantly going back to Annabelle's room or trying to get rid of the doll on their own. There are plenty of intelligent moments in the movie, which is why the stupid ones feel all the more out of place. Also, pretty much all of the adult performances weren't that good. I didn't care at all for Stephanie Sigman as Sister Charlotte; she was completely bland. I also didn't like Anthony LaPaglia and Miranda Otto as Annabelle's parents. They just weren't given anything engaging to do. Even though the negatives of this movie are a problem, "Creation" is still a massive improvement over "Annabelle". I would recommend giving it a shot if you want a fun horror flick.
Music
“The Peace and the Panic” by Neck Deep
Rating: 4/5 Stars
I am not normally the biggest fan of the pop/punk genre. There are the few exceptions such as Green Day and the newer band Waterparks. But overall, the genre just feels like its stuck in a rut of repetition to me. Neck Deep's critically acclaimed album "Life's Not Out to Get You" didn't convince me that they were any different. I didn't understand the praise of that album, as it just felt overall very cliched to me. Every song sounded the same, and all the pop/punk tropes were there. But, with this new album, my interest in them is now piqued, and I might even say in the future that I'm a fan of them. This album does have some songs of the aforementioned styling, but most of them are actually really fun. Opening track "Motion Sickness" definitely fits the pop/punk genre. You just can't help bobbing your head along to it, and the chorus is very catchy. "Happy Judgement Day" is one of the highlights of the album, with a smart, satirical approach to politics. You can tell that the whole band is enjoying themselves here, and the more rock styling of this song works in its favor. "The Grand Delusion" has some serious sincerity to it as Ben Barlow states, "I'm coming to the conclusion/I think I would rather be/Anyone else but me". The best track on the album for me is "In Bloom", which received a lot of controversy by fans because they thought it was too pop. I personally find the track to be charming, especially in its bright guitar work. Barlow's voice is at its absolute best here. "Don't Wait" is an intense hard rock track which is fun in its own way, and Sam Carter of Architects' feature here is amazing as expected. Other highlights include "Parachute" and the contemplative closer "Where Do We Go When We Go". As far as negatives go, I don't care too much about "Wish You Were Here"; it's a cheesy breakup ballad. I also find "Heavy Lies" not very engaging. Still, overall this is a really good release for the pop/punk community, as we finally have a newer band in the genre who is willing to take risks!
Favorite Tracks: "In Bloom", "Don't Wait", "Happy Judgement Day", "Motion Sickness", "Where Do We Go When We Go"
Least Favorite Tracks: "Wish You Were Here", "Heavy Lies"
I am not normally the biggest fan of the pop/punk genre. There are the few exceptions such as Green Day and the newer band Waterparks. But overall, the genre just feels like its stuck in a rut of repetition to me. Neck Deep's critically acclaimed album "Life's Not Out to Get You" didn't convince me that they were any different. I didn't understand the praise of that album, as it just felt overall very cliched to me. Every song sounded the same, and all the pop/punk tropes were there. But, with this new album, my interest in them is now piqued, and I might even say in the future that I'm a fan of them. This album does have some songs of the aforementioned styling, but most of them are actually really fun. Opening track "Motion Sickness" definitely fits the pop/punk genre. You just can't help bobbing your head along to it, and the chorus is very catchy. "Happy Judgement Day" is one of the highlights of the album, with a smart, satirical approach to politics. You can tell that the whole band is enjoying themselves here, and the more rock styling of this song works in its favor. "The Grand Delusion" has some serious sincerity to it as Ben Barlow states, "I'm coming to the conclusion/I think I would rather be/Anyone else but me". The best track on the album for me is "In Bloom", which received a lot of controversy by fans because they thought it was too pop. I personally find the track to be charming, especially in its bright guitar work. Barlow's voice is at its absolute best here. "Don't Wait" is an intense hard rock track which is fun in its own way, and Sam Carter of Architects' feature here is amazing as expected. Other highlights include "Parachute" and the contemplative closer "Where Do We Go When We Go". As far as negatives go, I don't care too much about "Wish You Were Here"; it's a cheesy breakup ballad. I also find "Heavy Lies" not very engaging. Still, overall this is a really good release for the pop/punk community, as we finally have a newer band in the genre who is willing to take risks!
Favorite Tracks: "In Bloom", "Don't Wait", "Happy Judgement Day", "Motion Sickness", "Where Do We Go When We Go"
Least Favorite Tracks: "Wish You Were Here", "Heavy Lies"
“The Beauty Between” by Kings Kaleidoscope
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Kings Kaleidoscope have made an excellent release for the worship community a third time. They prove that they are actually a band that wants defy worship conventions rather than make it a convenient selling point. This album isn't really a worship album, it's actually a mixtape, which I didn't think any kind of worship band could pull off. But KK does it very well. The album starts off comfortably with the title track, which initially sounds as though it could be at home on their first album. But then, Andy Mineo comes in, and the hip-hop influences appear. It's executed very naturally, and it sounds like KK have been doing this genre for years. The track moves into "Alive", easily the best song on the whole release. It's pure hype fuel, with Beleaf, Braille, and Derek Minor all making some excellent contributions. It's also a victorious statement about how in God we can rise up. "Safe Retreat" works as a beautiful worshipful moment in the middle of the album. This song has some touching lyricism as well: "It's when I'm broken that I'm standing open handed/Reaching out to my father/Knowing you understand me/In Your arms I can safely rest". KK prove yet again that they have some of the best worship lyrics out there. I also really love "Sticks and Stones" and especially "Playing With Fire", which effectively tackles white privilege. The album closes nicely with the contemplative "Rain". One of the tracks here that doesn't work as well is "Sometimes Phoenix", which doesn't stylistically go with the rest of the album. I also feel as though the interludes are awkward and unnecessary. Still, this album marks another risk-taking work in KK's discography. I just can't wait to see what this band does next to shake the foundations of worship music.
Favorite Songs: "Alive", "Safe Retreat", "Rain", "Playing With Fire", "The Beauty Between"
Least Favorite Songs: "Sometimes Phoenix", "Does It Feel Like Love Yet"/"Every Branch"
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Kings Kaleidoscope have made an excellent release for the worship community a third time. They prove that they are actually a band that wants defy worship conventions rather than make it a convenient selling point. This album isn't really a worship album, it's actually a mixtape, which I didn't think any kind of worship band could pull off. But KK does it very well. The album starts off comfortably with the title track, which initially sounds as though it could be at home on their first album. But then, Andy Mineo comes in, and the hip-hop influences appear. It's executed very naturally, and it sounds like KK have been doing this genre for years. The track moves into "Alive", easily the best song on the whole release. It's pure hype fuel, with Beleaf, Braille, and Derek Minor all making some excellent contributions. It's also a victorious statement about how in God we can rise up. "Safe Retreat" works as a beautiful worshipful moment in the middle of the album. This song has some touching lyricism as well: "It's when I'm broken that I'm standing open handed/Reaching out to my father/Knowing you understand me/In Your arms I can safely rest". KK prove yet again that they have some of the best worship lyrics out there. I also really love "Sticks and Stones" and especially "Playing With Fire", which effectively tackles white privilege. The album closes nicely with the contemplative "Rain". One of the tracks here that doesn't work as well is "Sometimes Phoenix", which doesn't stylistically go with the rest of the album. I also feel as though the interludes are awkward and unnecessary. Still, this album marks another risk-taking work in KK's discography. I just can't wait to see what this band does next to shake the foundations of worship music.
Favorite Songs: "Alive", "Safe Retreat", "Rain", "Playing With Fire", "The Beauty Between"
Least Favorite Songs: "Sometimes Phoenix", "Does It Feel Like Love Yet"/"Every Branch"
“Revival” by Third Day
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I've had an interesting relationship with Third Day's music over the years. As a kid, there was a time when Third Day was my favorite band. I must've listened to "Wherever You Are" and "Revelation" dozens of times. As I grew older, I fell off from them, especially when they released two lackluster albums in "Move" and "Miracle". But when I got older, I went back into their older discography and found a lot more to love. Their new album "Lead Us Back" revitalized my interest in the band's modern releases, as it is a superb worship album in every way. "Revival" might legitimately be one of Third Day's best releases to date. It goes back to their southern rock roots while adding in a gospel infused sound. It feels like you are in a southern church service from back in the day, and that's not a bad thing at all. The album starts off excellently with the title track, which is so much fun with the way the guitars and pianos work. Like in most of the songs on this release, Mac Powell's baritone voice just fits in naturally with this style; the last time he sounded this good was on "Revelation". "Gonna Be There With Me" is a foot-stomping anthem and expresses such an excitement about heaven that it's contagious. "Leave This World Behind" and "Gather Round Now" are two of the most intense rockers that the band has done in recent memory. But my favorite song actually comes in "Loves Me Like a Rock", which has some really good gang vocals and almost sounds like a Gaither Band song. I think most Christians will find it easy to enjoy this bluegrass infused tune which just has a pure fun vibe to it. I also really dig the more radio friendly songs on this album, especially the beautiful and touching "In Your Hands", which gives the listener reassurance that all their troubles will be answered by God. "Nobody Loves Me Like Jesus" is cheesy, but it's still enjoyable. "Devotion" ends off the album in an appropriately reverent way, and stands tall as another major highlight. The only song I really don't care for is the somewhat conventional "Faithful and True". I can't help but love this album though, as it already sounds vintage and timeless. It doesn't sound like Third Day is going anywhere soon, and if they keep releasing material like this, I'm all for them staying around!
Favorite Tracks: "Loves Me Like a Rock", "Gonna Be There With Me", "Devotion", "In Your Hands", "Revival"
Least Favorite Tracks: "Faithful and True"
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I've had an interesting relationship with Third Day's music over the years. As a kid, there was a time when Third Day was my favorite band. I must've listened to "Wherever You Are" and "Revelation" dozens of times. As I grew older, I fell off from them, especially when they released two lackluster albums in "Move" and "Miracle". But when I got older, I went back into their older discography and found a lot more to love. Their new album "Lead Us Back" revitalized my interest in the band's modern releases, as it is a superb worship album in every way. "Revival" might legitimately be one of Third Day's best releases to date. It goes back to their southern rock roots while adding in a gospel infused sound. It feels like you are in a southern church service from back in the day, and that's not a bad thing at all. The album starts off excellently with the title track, which is so much fun with the way the guitars and pianos work. Like in most of the songs on this release, Mac Powell's baritone voice just fits in naturally with this style; the last time he sounded this good was on "Revelation". "Gonna Be There With Me" is a foot-stomping anthem and expresses such an excitement about heaven that it's contagious. "Leave This World Behind" and "Gather Round Now" are two of the most intense rockers that the band has done in recent memory. But my favorite song actually comes in "Loves Me Like a Rock", which has some really good gang vocals and almost sounds like a Gaither Band song. I think most Christians will find it easy to enjoy this bluegrass infused tune which just has a pure fun vibe to it. I also really dig the more radio friendly songs on this album, especially the beautiful and touching "In Your Hands", which gives the listener reassurance that all their troubles will be answered by God. "Nobody Loves Me Like Jesus" is cheesy, but it's still enjoyable. "Devotion" ends off the album in an appropriately reverent way, and stands tall as another major highlight. The only song I really don't care for is the somewhat conventional "Faithful and True". I can't help but love this album though, as it already sounds vintage and timeless. It doesn't sound like Third Day is going anywhere soon, and if they keep releasing material like this, I'm all for them staying around!
Favorite Tracks: "Loves Me Like a Rock", "Gonna Be There With Me", "Devotion", "In Your Hands", "Revival"
Least Favorite Tracks: "Faithful and True"
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