Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania may not be the best animated film ever, but it's quite entertaining. Visually, the film was stunning. The colors were vibrant, I found the animation to be really crisp and had a certain vivid visual style. I also like the character designs, which actually reminded me of Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. I'd like to think that, somehow, the good visuals compensated for the film's shortcomings because the success of it's humor were erratic and the story was very predictable. I have no problems with a formulaic flicks because if done right it can easily lead to an enjoyable film. However, for a genre that had set the bar ridiculously high, I'm not so sure if it can even be at par. But I digress.

Music Premiere: Red - Taylor Swift

That's right, another Taylor Swift single! Apparently, during the four weeks preceding the debut of her new album, Red, one track will be released digitally on iTunes as promo single. This week, she released her second promotional single entitled Red - same title as her album.

I must say, Red is possibly my favorite track off her upcoming record. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was catchy as heck, Begin Again was lovely, but this one has that replay value and stays in your head like a little earworm. The reverb electro effect, which almost seems like a vocal stutter, is a nice surprise and the bridge is particularly excellent. It also has an interesting blend of genres. It's clearly pop, but just as country as everything on country radio right now with the fiddle somewhere in there and some more banjo buried under the guitar solo. Not a BIG fan of Taylor Swift, but I can't get this out of repeat. Like, never. Haha.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars

Check out Bruno Mars' lead single, Locked Out Of Heaven, off his sophomore album Unorthodox Jukebox set to be released on December 10, 2012.

At first listen, I admit that I was disappointed as the melody seemed weak for a Bruno Mars song, but it certainly has that retentive prowess - meaning, the song's a grower. I find the production really nice, it's original and non-generic. I definitely didn't expect this sound and I was bopping with the tune from the start to finish. Not as grandiose as Just The Way You Are or Grenade, but it evokes a vintage atmosphere that is typical Bruno Mars.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Movie Review: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

It was shocking as to how much I adored this movie. The storyline was rich and simple yet emotionally powerful. The writing was brilliant and I find the soundtrack ridiculously awesome. Moreover, the characters were lovable, charming and painfully authentic. Thanks to the spectacular acting performances of Logan Lerman, who just blew me away, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller. All of them including the supporting cast did a masterful job with their roles. Clearly, I cannot praise this film enough as words cannot do justice for how good the film was. Simply put, the most earnest and emotional coming-of-age film I have ever seen, and yes, possibly one of the best movies this year. Enough said.

The Voice 3: Blind Auditions Part 8

.. and I thought we're done with the Blind Auditions! Haha. I'm exhausted after 8 episodes of this. To me, 16 people each judge is a little much to deal with. Heck, I don't even remember most of them and that's me who blogs about everything. Haha.

Oh, one more thing. All of these "different" artists in The Voice are starting to sound the same. It was interesting when we heard Dia Frampton, Xenia and even Lindsey Pavao in the past two seasons. But now, the "quirky" voices are dime a dozen and I'm beginning to miss the divas and the rockers. 

Anyway, let's go on with the blind auditions, shall we?

Glee Music 4: The Break Up (Episode 4)

Truth be told, I've never been more pleased with any Glee song set since Journey to Regionals. Possibly the strongest combination of songs the show had in a very long time. Not a dud in the bunch. When Glee does something right, it's freaking right!

Barely Breathing

While nothing spectacular, their cover of this Duncan Sheik tune is still quite nice. Blaine and Finn sounds good together and I like that it's a duet. It's just a little faster than I think it should be, but that's nitpicking already. 7.5/10

Don't Speak

Something about this isn't really working for me - maybe the amped up vocals of some drowning out the others and the uneven harmonies - but this still sounded way better than I expected. Never been a fan of this song to begin with, so whatever. 7/10

Give Your Heart A Break

A lot better than their first duet, A Change Would Do Good, as I feel Rachel and Brody's vocal chemistry here. The piano arrangement is lovely and the harmonies are great. Of course, Rachel sounds flawless, but I think Brody holds her own in this song as well. Good job. 8/10

Mine

STUNNING! Not entirely fan of this Taylor Swift song, but Santana turned it around for me. The acoustic arrangement is fantastic, she sounds sublime and I feel her in this song. Oh, and that bridge, awesome. Possibly one of my favorite Santana solos EVER. 9.5/10

Teenage Dream (Acoustic Version)

This song will kill us all! Haha. Yes, I adore Glee's original version of this Katy Perry song as an introduction to Blaine's character in Season 2, but I love this one WAY better. The piano arrangement serves well with Blaine's melancholic delivery of the words. I really appreciate the emotional depth he gives to it. It broke me and I died. 10/10

The Scientist

Admittedly, I was worried that this will be the biggest mess with all four couples singing in this Coldplay ditty - I love this song, mind you! - but I find it rather lovely. Everyone sounds amazing and the harmonies are gorgeous. I like that every single one has a different sound and it makes their cover surprsingly interesting. Plus, Brittany and Kurt sound exquisite in this song. 10/10

X Factor Philippines: Who Will Win?

We’ve reached the end of the road! Next week will be the Finale and we will watch Daddy's Home, Gabriel Maturan and KZ Tandingan face each other off in a quasi-epic head to head to head! Haha.

But the BIG question is, who will win the first season of X Factor Philippines?  I want to know what DAM NATION readers think. So yes, there's a poll that will run the whole week until October 7, 2012 at 5:00PM.