Finding Faith in the Movies 1: Transformers

As a huge fan of the Transformers Film Series, I've applied a little Biblical knowledge to it and found some pretty impressive parallels.  I've already mentioned that Optimus Prime is a Christ-figure, dying and returning to life, but in the first film, it is revealed that Optimus, the main hero, and Megatron, the main villain, are brothers, like Cain and Abel.  In books for the second film, it is revealed that Megatron is a villain because he feels cheated of the "Prime" title Optimus holds, Primes being the royalty and descendants of the original 13 Transformers.  Many people have pointed out that like there were 13 people at the Last Supper, there are 13 original Transformers, and one is a villainous backstabber.  In Transformers lore, he is called "The Fallen," paralleling the devil, and he was the main villain of the second movie, Megatron's boss.  The Fallen takes on an "Emperor Palpatine" role with Megatron, misleading him to further his own goals, like his namesake.  Of other interest, the Decepticons sacrifice an unwilling participant in the second movie to revive Megatron in a scene highlighted by the line "need parts.  Kill ze little one!"  This calls to mind, on some occasions, how enemies in the Bible participated in human sacrifice.  By contrast, when Optimus is revived, it is through self-sacrifice.  In fact, after he is revived, the dying Jetfire sacrifices himself to give Optimus enough power to succeed.  Of other interest in the second film, Sam Witwicky states "This will work, because I believe it," about what is revealed to be his destiny, use the Matrix of Leadership to revive Optimus.  In fact, throughout the film, Sam's bizarre behavior could resemble a prophet (is drawing symbols ceaselessly and traveling around the world for something that disappears really any more strange than smashing pots and staring at models?).  Sam also has the name of a prophet and acts as the voice of morality throughout the film, truly making it "more than meets the eye." 
This is just something to think about when you watch these films.  I look forward to seeing Dark of the Moon and seeing just how Biblical concepts can be reflected in sci-fi.  Also, I saw part of "All Dogs go to Heaven" today and that my Dad (who's a minister) is following me, so I felt I needed to do something spiritual.

Toho Kingdom and I

Well, Toho Kingdom today put up information I emailed them about the Ponyo single.  I've also added sightings in Full House of Godzilla and put up a review of the original Godzilla under the name "gvsgdude89."  So, next time you go to the best Godzilla website ever, remember to check out the stuff I helped put up!

Nintendo Film Dreams

Next to the Miley-Demi-Brandi band movie, my biggest cinematic dream is to write an animated Mario Trilogy, in which I will voice Bowser, Count Bleck, Dimentio and other characters.  Here are the plot summaries, expect even more (as well as possible songs for The Crowners story not listed in previous posts) later.
Film 1: Super Mario; Legend of the Seven Stars; Mario must team up with Mallow, Geno, Bowser and Peach to stop the robotic Smithy Gang from conquering the world.
If Square-Enix is not interested in the above: Super Mario; Quest for the Castle; Fawful has taken over Bowser's Castle!  Mario allies with Daisy, Peach and Bowser to reclaim the Castle before Fawful uses the dark powers of the Magikoopas to become a giant demon force.
Film 2: Super Paper Mario; Mario must ally with Peach, Bowser and Luigi to stop Count Bleck from destroying all worlds.
Film 3: Super Smash Bros.; Mario teams up with an all-star video game cast, including Peach, Luigi, Bowser, Daisy, Zelda, Samus, Link, Kirby, Fox, Wolf, Dr. Mario, Snake and Sonic, to fight the evil forces of Tabuu.  Features the possibility of other third-party video game companies getting involved by using the following characters.
Capcom: Jill Valentine (from the Resident Evil series)
Square-Enix: Geno, Tifa Lockheart, Yuffie Kisaragi, Aerith Gainsborough (from Final Fantasy VII), White Mage (from Final Fantasy), Lara Croft and her Doppelganger (from Tomb Raider).
Namco: Taki, Nightmare/Seigfried, Ivy, Cassandra, Valeria, Sophitia (from Soul Calibur Series).
It's one of my greatest dreams and I hope and pray it will become reality.

The Boot-les, part two

So, I decided to delete the Budokan tracks.  I felt it cheapened the shtick of Anthology 2 having two of those tracks, so I decided I was better off without them.  I could download the Budokan performances of "Day Tripper," "I Feel Fine," "I Wanna Be Your Man" and maybe others again if I find a version where the song intros are in the MP3 of the song they refer to.  Also, I downloaded an unreleased Beatles jam with Paul's stepdaughter Heather called "I Told You Before, Get Out of my Door," since it was never released and doesn't seem likely to ever BE released, it doesn't bother me as much.

The Crowners Setlist

And here's the setlist I'd love to see The Crowners perform (may be edited to include more from Frank and Derol when their debut album comes out, or some Lynyrd Skynyrd covers).  I love how it flows.

1.)    La La Land (Demi Lovato)- A song about choosing to be one’s self in Hollywood and all the difficulties of being in the entertainment machine.  This was the first song Demi performed at the first rock concert I saw, so I think it’s a great opener. 

2.)    Let’s Get Together (Frank and Derol)- A song about getting together and having fun.  I love how soft and sweet Frank and Derol are, and this song is one of their best. 

3.)    When I Look At You (Miley Cyrus)- A somber piece about a father figure (it’s also been interpreted about a lover), and reliance on them to find peace.  I think it’s about God.  Sometimes, I get stuck by my own mind, due to my anxiety, I have a wrathful part of me, it detests anything I love, especially Jesus Christ and Miley.  This song is a beautiful, spiritual experience to me that silences the world so I can see God. 

4.)    Thrillbilly (Billy Ray Cyrus)- A rocking Country song about the stupid and crazy redneck activities people engage in and how fun they are.  The main reason this is included is BRC used this often when touring for Back to Tennessee.  I also love it, it’s pure Country Rock, loud, fun and crazy. 

5.)    These Four Walls (Miley Cyrus)- A somber song about the loneliness following a breakup.  Miley’s performance of this in the Tacoma Dome is the main reason this song was included, it was a stripped-down, honest performance complete with a stand-up bass.  I also love how deeply sad it is, how it feels like you’re in this empty bedroom, no one else around. 

6.)    Lie to me (Billy Ray Cyrus)- An angry Brother Clyde song about choosing to hear lies because the singer can’t take the truth in the relationship.  As soon as I heard this after the release of Brother Clyde’s Myspace page, I knew BRC’s new band’s song Lie to me deserved a spot in the concert.  I love how passionate it is, how Billy Ray Cyrus uses distorted vocals and the loud guitar lines, I often fantasize of Miley thrashing a Gibson Les Paul to play this song. 

7.)    U Got Nothing on Me (Demi Lovato)- A song with call and response about breaking up with a cheating lover.  Demi’s performance of this song in Seattle is the main reason this was included, getting the audience involved in a song they’ve not heard before was awesome.  I often raise my hand on the “U got nothing on me!” line still. 

8.)    Praise You in this storm (Casting Crowns cover, Miley, Demi, Codi and Brandi)-A song about praising God even when it is difficult.  I often think of this song when it rains, when things get rough.  You don’t know where you’re going, you’re not sure you should trust this Almighty being, but you do, because you know he’ll ultimately help you. 

9.)    Spotlight (Miley Cyrus)- An upbeat pop-rock song about enjoying life in the spotlight.  This is the only song ever credited to Hannah Montana in the concert (Hannah doesn’t exist in the book’s universe).  One of the most major reasons it was included is that it was performed at the Tacoma Dome, but I also love the vocals and guitar on this song, they’re so good. 

10.) GNO (Miley Cyrus)- A girl power pop-rock song about girls getting together for a night on the town.  This followed the previous at the Tacoma Dome, the two formed an awesome swath with I Love Rock and Roll and Party in the USA, not included since they didn’t feel right.  Spotlight and GNO back to back were a pleasant surprise, a Hannah song and a classic Miley song she performed with the Muppets!  Go Miley! 

11.) Stand Still (Billy Ray Cyrus)- A country-rocker about standing still so God’s will can guide you.  This is the theme song to BRC’s TV show, Doc.  BRC is one of the best Gospel artists, because he’s real, the words he sings speak to me.  It’s also got great instrumentation; it reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman. 

12.) Back and Forth (Frank and Derol)- A soft song about a comfortable, loving relationship.  Back and Forth was the first Frank and Derol song I heard and I loved it, it was soft and sweet, I also loved the vocals. 

13.) Forgiveness and Love (Miley Cyrus)- A song about how forgiveness and love are all that matter.  Sometimes I get theologically confused about what this song is supposed to mean (I wonder if ‘in the end no one loses or wins/the story begins again and again’ hint at reincarnation especially) but the lines “the only thing real when push comes to shove/are the acts of forgiveness and love.” And “what feels right lights up my life again and again” are really inspiring, making this a true highlight of the Can’t Be Tamed album. 

14.) Stained Glass Masquerade (Casting Crowns cover, Miley and Billy Ray)-A song about the need to play an act in Church, so people will still love you.  Sometimes I feel this, especially when talking to two conservative friends, one who believes the world is ending, the other believes Harry Potter’s satanic.  I just play a part sometimes when I talk to them, afraid to reveal my support of homosexuals and my doubts. 

15.) While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Demi and Miley)- A George Harrison song from the White Album, about seeing a loveless world.  This is a truly tragic Beatles song, and whenever I go on the internet to see opinions, this readily comes to mind.  Why are we doing this, writing arrogantly and acting ready to crucify anyone who disagrees with us?  I totally think Miley either would love this song and/or would like to play the solo.  The lyrics are printed as this is one of the songs that inspired me on the way of the story I totally connected with the message. 

16.) Ready Set Don’t Go (BRC and MRC)- A soft, somber song about a daughter growing up and leaving.  I loved Billy Ray and Miley when they duet, if I could, all their duets would be in this movie.  However, Ready, Set Don’t Go holds a special place in my heart, due to its famous status and the love BRC shows for Miley here and how Miley seems excited.  Also, I wrote a paper on it once, which I’m proud of. 

17.) Set Me Free (Casting Crowns Cover, Miley and Brandi)-A song about Jesus rescuing a person from demon possession.  As someone with anxiety and a wrathful part in my mind, I often feel like I’m wrestling the devil, trying so hard and attempting to get out of darkness. 

18.) I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (Demi and Miley)- A hard rock John Lennon song inspired by Yoko Ono from Abbey Road, nearly 8 minutes in length, only fourteen different words used and the last 3 minutes are a loop of guitar chords.  The opening of this song was used at the Demi Lovato concert I attended.  Obsession in audio form.  This was included since I love the song and would love to see Miley and Demi perform a cover of the rooftop concert.  I also love the riff and love imagining Miley strut around the stage, blasting it out a copy of John’s Epiphone Casino. 

19.) Jesus Freak (DC Talk cover, sung by Miley, Billy Ray and Demi)-A song about praising Jesus, despite negative connotations and assumptions from society.  I love the alternative rock sound, when I first heard it, it confused and annoyed me, but as my innocence died, alternative rock became like a good friend.  This is the kind of song I think of when I think Miley sings Gospel outside of Church.

20.) Party  (Demi Lovato)- An upbeat song about partying and having fun.  This is my favorite Demi song, period.  I loved hearing it live, I love the vocals and guitars, I imagine it would only be better if Miley was backing up Demi.  My only regret is that I won’t hear Demi shout “Seattle” for the location in the song. 

21.) Can’t Be Tamed (Miley Cyrus)-A hard rock/pop song about an unwillingness to be changed by anyone else.  Like “Jesus Freak,” I wasn’t too sure about this one at first, but I would love to see Miley perform it live with a guitar in hand.  Also, Christians “Can’t Be Tamed” by society, and it makes a good compliment to Party.  This was also added when I thought Miley needed more hard rock songs in the concert. 

22.) Face of God (Billy Ray Cyrus)- A powerful Gospel song about finding God in everyday life.  Putting this song here was very good for me, it’s saying I’m a partier, I can’t be controlled, but I still love Jesus no matter what.  I also love how it sounds, CCM fits BRC very well.

23.) Here We Go Again (Demi Lovato)- A song about a lover trying to get back with her and her resisting him.  As the concert wound down, I chose one of Demi’s last songs at her concert, it’s a good guitar-driven rock song, I also love Demi’s vocals on this song.

24.) Some Gave All (Billy Ray Cyrus)- A tender homage to the military and what they do for America.  Since Billy Ray Cyrus has released this in three different ways, I would definitely call this his most defining song.  Patriotic American Christian is a descriptor that suits BRC well, and this song wasn’t only written by him, it IS him, and it’s a good reminder that freedom isn’t free.

25.) Amazing Grace (BRC, MRC and DDL)- A praising Gospel song that thanks God for His love and grace setting us free from sin.  Billy Ray Cyrus’ version of this song, a southern-fueled blues rocker, is one of the best Gospel songs I’ve ever heard, which is probably why this song has become important throughout the book.  Aside from that, I love how honest, true and beautiful Amazing Grace is.

26.) Achy Breaky Heart (Billy Ray Cyrus)- Billy Ray Cyrus’s classic country-flavored rocker, a song about leaving a girl who can do anything except tell the man’s sensitive heart that the love is over.  How could I not include this?  It’s one of my favorite songs of all time, I love the heavy guitar lines, the twangy vocals, the young feeling I get when I listen to it.  The fact that it’s Billy Ray’s signature song is only icing on the cake.

27.) The Climb (Miley Cyrus)- Miley Cyrus’s classic pop/rock/country ballad about reaching your goals and though the road may look tough, it will be worth it.  I’ve long loved this song, it reminds me to not quit when I work on something (like this book), that God is on my side and Heaven will be worth it.  It also ended Miley’s Tacoma Dome concert, the whole audience singing along.  That was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced, and made me truly appreciate this young woman for who she is, nice, kind, a blessing, not perfect, but someone who’s helped me on the way.

1964; the Tribute setlist

In the story I've written inspired by Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Brandi Cyrus, there's a big concert towards the end.  Here are the songs I want to see the opening act 1964 The Tribute perform (which could be released in full in a live CD).

1.)    I Saw Her Standing There-A Lennon/McCartney song about falling in love.  Since it’s the first song on the first Beatles album, and 1964 uses it to open their shows, it’s only natural to place it here.

2.)    I Want to Hold your Hand- A single by Lennon/McCartney about the joys of holding a lover’s hand.  1964 frequently plays this as the second song in their performances (it’s the second song on my CD of theirs) and it’s a perfect continuation from I Saw Her Standing There.

3.)    Roll Over Beethoven*-A George Harrison-sung cover about trying to have rock instead of classical music.  1964’s Tom Work (their George Harrison guy) is the best George Harrison impersonator in the business, so I really wanted to showcase him.

4.)    I Feel Fine- A John Lennon-written single with heavy-feedback guitar about a love.  I always loved the riff on this song, and it’s distinct bass/feedback opening, to me this was the first serious experimental song The Beatles did and it holds a special place in my heart.

5.)    If I Needed Someone- A George Harrison Rubber Soul song about a man who’s too much in love to be attracted to someone new.  I not only love Tom Work’s Harrison impersonation, but also the band’s focus on being authentic.  Seeing Tom with the 12-string Rickenbacker guitar George used on this song (on Youtube) gave it new life and it is a true Beatles classic.

6.)    The Night Before- A Paul McCartney song from Help in which he details a love who seems to not care anymore, despite appearing to care earlier in the relationship.  I love the Help movie The Beatles did, so I tried to get some songs from the movie in here.  Also, I love how 1964 will cover the obscure songs just as easily as the more familiar ones.

7.)    I Wanna Be Your Man-A Ringo-sung song about a desire to be a woman’s lover.  This was a song I really love, not only due to its upbeat form (and Ringo is my favorite Beatles member), but also since it was the song he sung live most often.  However, for months I was unable to find any evidence 1964 covered the song, so it was often replaced with other songs.  When I finally found evidence, it went straight into the setlist, giving the band’s Ringo two songs.

8.)    Ticket To Ride- John Lennon’s song from Help about a girl who leaves him.  This is a classic rock song and Lennon always liked how heavy it was.  I chose to include it, not only due to its classic status, but also since it was another song George used the 12-string on.  However, since 1964 doesn’t have Tom use it when they perform this song, it’s absent in the book.

9.)    And Your Bird Can Sing-A John Lennon song from Revolver, apparently about someone who doesn’t know how good they’ve got it with him.  A fairly obscure Revolver song, honestly, but 1964 covers it very well (especially since they use only the early models, so it sounds very different), also, since it’s in Beatles; Rock Band, I felt it had to be included.

10.) Taxman- George Harrison’s Revolver song about paying 95% in taxes and the evils of the Taxman, from the Taxman’s perspective.  Pretty much the same as above (1964 covers this as well and it’s in Beatles; Rock Band), but add it’s got an awesome guitar solo.

11.) Nowhere Man- A John Lennon Rubber Soul song about a man who falls so much into conformity that he is blind to the world.  John claimed the song was about himself.  Used in the Yellow Submarine movie to describe Jeremy Hillary Boob, Ph.D.  1964 sings this song very well, and I love the harmonies and guitar solo.

12.) Yellow Submarine- Ringo Starr’s song from Revolver, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, inspiring an animated movie.  It’s a kid’s song, not a drug song and my favorite song ever, ever since I first heard it when I was three and learned it was sung by Mr. Conductor of Thomas the Tank Engine.  Now, it makes me think of a peaceful paradise place, always making me smile.

13.) Day Tripper- A song really about drugs, but it appears to be about a partially committed woman.  I consider this the ultimate Beatles song, the riff played by George while Paul accompanies on bass, John’s rhythm guitar, Ringo’s drums, John and Paul’s harmonies, few songs showcase an entire band like this, so I LOVE it.

14.) She Loves You- A Lennon/McCartney single about a couple, in which the man thinks it’s over, but the singer is telling him otherwise.  I think this was the first Beatles song I ever heard, so it’s very special to me, I’ll always smile when this comes on.

15.) I’m Down-A Paul McCartney-sung song inspired by Little Richard, about a woman making him depressed.  Used as the end song in live Beatles performances.  I chose this mainly because I didn’t know how to end it, so I saw how the actual Beatles ended their shows and ended 1964’s the same way.

*-Roll Over Beethoven may be removed and placed in the end, as part of the Rock and Roll Music/Matchbox/Roll Over Beethoven/Long Tall Sally medley 1964 the Tribute does.

The Boot-les

Well, Yesterday, I found in a music store in Downtown Bellingham a bootleg CD of The Beatles' rooftop concert.  Since I had never seen such a thing in person, I chose to purchase it.  Overcome with "the fever," I downloaded a version of The Beatles' Budokan concert in Tokyo, June 30th 1966.  However, something doesn't sit too well with owning the second, since two of the tracks (the bootlegged duplicates of which I deleted) are already available in Anthology 2, which I own.  I'm wondering what your thoughts are, delete all the recordings from Japan, some (I'm especially fond of the live version of "I Feel Fine"), or none?