SNAFU: Detroit Hardcore Thrash/Punk Unit To Release Exile//Banishment Full-Length March 26th Via Life After Death Records; New Track Streaming + Preorders Available

“Conjuring old Sepultura and early Slayer vibes, ‘Choking Game’ offers a dark look into the world of mental illness, drug addiction, and depression so often overlooked in today’s society.” — SNAFU

Stream / Share SNAFU’s “Choking Game” HERE.

Hardcore thrash/punk unit SNAFU (Situation Normal All Fucked Up) will unleash their Exile//Banishment full-length on March 26th via Life After Death Records. 

Spawned from the ruins of Detroit, Michigan, SNAFU self-released their debut full length, Fear The Future, in 2013. Later distributed by Profane Existence, the songs bore a raw punk expression of raging cynicism and the destructive nature of mankind. Further honing their artistry, 2015’s Present Day Plague LP stayed true to their aggressive raw punk roots while working in elements of thrash and grind. Punknews crowned the record, “the soundtrack for the apocalypse.” Glacially Musical concurred, further likening the work to a, “violent trip through a post-apocalyptic landscape of human decadence.” 

This year, amidst plague, governmental corruption, and widespread societal suffering, the band spews forth the seething sounds of their third full-length, Exile//Banishment. Tracked and produced by Phil “Landphil” Hall (Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, Iron Reagan etc.) and twin brother Josh “Hallhammer” Hall (Cannabis Corpse) at Blaze Of Torment Studios in Richmond, Virginia, mixed by Adam Shepard, and mastered by Joel Grind (Toxic Holocaust), Exile//Banishment is the band’s heaviest, darkest, and angriest affair yet focusing on personal frustrations and the hopeless future of humanity. 

“I’ve been good friends with Phil and Josh for a couple years now,” reveals guitarist/vocalist Scott Curnow. “We’ve gigged with all of their bands multiple times and I sometimes crew for Waste and Iron Regan; we’ve also toured with Cannabis Corpse. Phil has always given me advice and tips on how to help SNAFU to be more successful. So when we were getting ready to record a mutual friend was like, ‘hey, doesn’t Phil and Josh track all of their own bands? You should hit them up,’ and sure enough they were down. It was great having them there. Josh gave a lot of input when it came to the drums and Phil lent some great ideas on guitar parts and some solos. This album has basically been finished since May 2020 and with the pandemic we didn’t really know what to do with it or how to go about releasing it.” 

In advance of the release of Exile//BanishmentSNAFU delivers “Choking Game” for public feasting, noting of the track, “Conjuring old Sepultura and early Slayer vibes, ‘Choking Game’ offers a dark look into the world of mental illness, drug addiction, and depression so often overlooked in today’s society.”   

Stream SNAFU’s “Choking Game” at THIS LOCATION.

Exile//Banishment, which features artwork by Vladimir Chebakov, will be released on CD, cassette, and digital formats.

Find preorders at THIS LOCATION.

Exile//Banishment Track Listing:

1. Eyes Of Your God

2. Closed Casket Habits

3. The Pear Of Anguish

4. Choking Game

5. Bring Suffering

6. Wake Of Vultures

7. Monarch

8. No Rites (For The Less Dead)

9. Soil Of Blood

10. Amazing Waste

11. Exile & Banishment  

SNAFU:

Scott Curnow – guitar, vocals

Rian Staber – guitar, vocals

Patrick “El Toro” Saldivar – bass, vocals

Mike Jurysta – drums

BLACK VEIL BRIDES Founder Andy Biersack Releases Audiobook of His #1 Selling Autobiography “They Don’t Need To Understand Stories Of Hope, Fear, Family, Life And Never Giving In”

Book Written With Longtime Collaborator Ryan J. Downey  Now Available Via Rare Bird Books

Singer, songwriter, actor, podcast host and comic book creator are all descriptions that can be used when talking about Black Veil Brides founder Andy Biersack. Now #1 selling author can also be added to that list with the release of his autobiography They Don’t Need To Understand (Rare Bird Books)The book, co-written by longtime collaborator Ryan J. Downey, is currently the #1 release on Amazon’s Best Sellers in Rock Music. The book also finds itself at #2 in Rock Band Biographies, #20 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies on Amazon, and has 4.7 out of 5 stars with customer reviews. The audiobook – read by Biersack – is now available everywhere audiobooks are sold or fans can go to Audiobooks.com or Audible.com to order.

“I am so thankful for the incredible reception the book has had and it means the world to me to know that my story has resonated with so many people all over the world. This whole experience has been a dream come true,” explains Andy Biersack. 

Before he was the charismatic singer of Black Veil Brides and an accomplished solo artist under the Andy Black moniker, he was Andrew Dennis Biersack, an imaginative and creative kid in Cincinnati, Ohio, struggling with anxiety, fear, loneliness, and the impossible task of fitting in. With his trademark charm, clever wit, and insightful analysis, Biersack tells the story of his childhood and adolescence. The discovery of the artistic passions that would shape his life, and his decision to move to Hollywood after his 18th birthday to make his dreams come true, even when it meant living in his car to make it all a reality. It’s the origin story of one of modern rock’s most exciting young superheroes, from building miniature concerts with KISS action figures in his bedroom to making the RIAA gold-certified single “In the End” and connecting with passionate fans worldwide.

Black Veil Brides are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the upcoming album The Phantom Tomorrow– scheduled for release via Sumerian Records in 2021More information on the latest musical creation from Andy Biersack, Jake Pitts, Jinxx, Lonny Eagleton and Christian Coma will be available in the near future. 

About Andy Biersack: Andy Biersack is the singer of Black Veil Brides and performs as a solo artist under the name Andy Black. He’s acted in both film and television, conceived the graphic novel The Ghost of Ohio, and co-created The Andy Show podcast. Andy has appeared on the covers of tastemaker rock music publications like Kerrang!, Alternative Press, Rock Sound, and Revolver and shares content with millions of followers across social media. He was the host and head writer of the 2017 Journeys Alternative Press Music Awards. He lives in Southern California with his wife, singer Juliet Simms, and their three pets.

About Ryan J. Downey: Ryan J. Downey worked as writer, producer, reporter, host, and editor for a number of media brands, including MTV News, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel, IFC, Lionsgate, Hearst Media, and MSNBC. He is the founder of Superhero Artist Management, representing rock bands and producers, and PopCurse, in Southern California.

About Black Veil Brides: Like their band name suggests, Black Veil Brides evoke transcendent visions of an impenetrable hereafter, intermingling with a steely focus on the dark passions and elusive mysteries of the here and now. A romantic fantasy first summoned in a small town by founder Andy Biersack – a creative who was fascinated with death rock, theatricality, and monsters (both real and imagined). It wasn’t until moving to Los Angeles that the unstoppable force the band is currently was finalized. The band (and its members Andy Biersack, Jake Pitts, Jinxx, Lonny Eagleton, Christian Coma) Instagram and Twitter accounts command close to 10 million followers between them. Vale, the group’s most recent full-length album, went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums chart. In the hearts and minds of their fans, Black Veil Brides represents an unwillingness to compromise and a resistance to critics (personal and professional), fueled by the same fire as the group’s own heroes, the iconoclasts whose creative output, once dismissed, is now canonized.

Bill Farmer talks about Disney+ series It’s A Dog’s Life, Voicing Goofy & the 25th anniversary of A Goofy Movie

Bill Farmer is a Disney Legend. He has voiced the role of Goofy since 1987 and the voice of Pluto since 1988. He currently has a new show on Disney+ called “It’s A Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer”. He also currently voices over 20 characters on Disney’s “Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures”.

Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Bill about his new show “It’s a Dogs Life”, voicing Goofy for all these years and reflecting on the 25th anniversary of “A Goofy Movie”.

CD Review: Iggy Pop “Lust For Life” Deluxe Edition

“Lust For Life” Deluxe Edition

Iggy pop

Virgin

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Included as part of the upcoming “The Bowie Years” 7 disc set exploring Iggy Pop’s Berlin-era releases “Lust For Life” The Deluxe Edition will also be made available separately and includes the original release of “Lust For Life” along with a second disc “TV Eye” which is a live album featuring rare outtakes and alternate mixes. Also included is a 40 page book of lyrics, photos and interviews housed in special multi-fold packaging,

More than 40 years after its initial release Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life” remains as one of the most influential albums ever made as to this day it continues to inspire and influence artists of all genres both past and present. Disc 1 feature’s a newly mastered version of 1977’s “Lust For Life” courtesy of Tony Dixon. Each of the 9 tracks sounded great with the new mastering as there is just enough freshness added to make it the release shine on any of today’s audio format while still staying true to the albums original sound. Personally I really enjoyed tracks such as “The Passenger” and “Neighborhood Threat” as they just sounded so good blasting through my speakers that I had to listen to them multiple times.

Disc two of the release titled “TV Eye: 1977 Live” is a collection of liver performances from the year of the album’s release. Not a bad collection however, The audio does vary from song to song given not all the live recordings are from the same concert or appearance. A couple EQ tweaks took care of this fairly quickly making for a decent addition to the set.

If you don’t already own this release I highly recommend the Deluxe Edition as you will surely enjoy the new mastering and the other bonus material included in this package. If you are a long time Iggy fan there may not be enough here to warrant a repurchase however if you are live recording fan then you will need this for your collection you also get the 40 page booklet and alternate packaging which is pretty cool on its own. Both this title and “The Idiot” are available now or if you want to wait until the end of June and get the complete 7 disc “Bowie Years” Collection both new versions of “Lust For Life” and “The Idiot” are a part of that set.

Disc 1: “Lust For Life”

1.) Lust For Life

2.) Sixteen

3.) Some Weird Sin

4.) The Passenger

5.) Tonight

6.) Success

7.) Turn Blue

8.) Neighborhood Threat

9.) Fall In Love With Me

Disc 2: “T.V. Eye: 1977 Live”

1.) T.V. Eye

2.) Funtime

3.) Sixteen

4.) I Got A Right

5.) Lust For Life

6.) Dirt

7.) Nightclubbing

8.) I Wanna Be Your Dog

MUSHROOMHEAD to Release Eighth Full Length Album, A Wonderful Life, on June 19 via Napalm Records

Watch the Official Music Video for New Track “Seen It All” HERE

Pre-Order A Wonderful Life HERE

For the better part of the past five years, top-charting masked metal machine MUSHROOMHEAD have been crafting the epic follow up to their monumental 2014 full-length album, The Righteous & The Butterfly – waiting ever-so-patiently to drop their next collection of anthems. The Cleveland collective make their prodigious return with the new full-length oeuvre, A Wonderful Life – the eighth release of their benchmark career – out June 19, 2020 via Napalm Records

Available in several enticing formats, A Wonderful Life clocks in at a whopping 70+ minutes with its four bonus tracks – leaving a total of 17 stellar compositions in its wake for fans to devour. A Wonderful Life is accented by the sharp production of band mastermind/drummer Skinny, as well as the standout mixing prowess of Matt Wallace (Faith No More, 3 Doors Down), also recognized for his work on the band’s classic offering XIII

Today, MUSHROOMHEAD have dropped their first new single – the arena-ready anthem “Seen It All”. The hair-raising earworm will have listeners chanting along in no time and is surefire proof that MUSHROOMHEAD are back in prime form. New full-time vocalist Mr. Rauckhorst leads the pack in an apropos cry for societal unity and marks a confident return for the band. Sing along and watch the new music video for “Seen It All” below. 

Watch the new official music video and listen to “Seen It All” HERE:

Pre-Order A Wonderful LifeHERE 

At its start, an ominous choir invites the listener into A Wonderful Life – introductory track “A Requiem For Tomorrow” smoothly shifts into an industrial-metal inspired, grooving punch to the gut juxtaposed with a melodic, synth-laden chorus. This sets the stage for stocky, chant-worthy anthems such as “Seen It All” and hair-raising, politically-inclined tracks like “The Heresy” and “Carry On”, both featuring the sinister multi-voice attack of new full-time vocalist Ms. Jackie and returning longtime vocalist J Mann, with an extra strike from aforementioned new vocalist Mr. Rauckhorst on the latter. Tracks like “What A Shame”, “I Am The One” and “Madness Within” will prove a treat for new and diehard MUSHROOMHEAD fans alike – providing the macabre inspiration followers have come to crave with a weighty dose of galloping drums and bone-rattling guitars, to boot. 

MUSHROOMHEAD attacks track after track with a refreshed focus, delivering a carefully-curated selection of certified future hits. A Wonderful Life re-cements the band’s position as one of the most consistently impactful heavy bands of our generation.

A Wonderful Life Tracklist: 
1. A Requiem for Tomorrow
2. Madness Within
3. Seen it All
4. The Heresy
5. What a Shame
6. Pulse
7. Carry On
8. The Time has Come
9. 11th Hour
10. I am the One
11. The Flood
12. Where the End Begins
13. Confutatis
14. To the Front (Bonus Track)
15. Sound of Destruction (Bonus Track)
16. Another Ghost (Bonus Track)
17. Lacrimosa (Bonus Track) 

A Wonderful Life will be available in the following formats*:
– CD Digipak              
– 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask- Digital Album      
– 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask
– CD Digipak + Cover T-Shirt Bundle        
– 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask + Cover T-Shirt Bundle – US Mailorder Only
– 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask + Cover T-Shirt Bundle – USA Mailorder Only            
– Skateboard ONLY 
– CD Digipak + Skateboard – USA Mailorder Only             
– 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask + Skateboard – USA Mailorder Only           
– 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only    
– CD Digipak + Cover T-Shirt + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only               
– 2 LP Gatefold Black + Mask + Cover T-Shirt + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only   
– 2 LP Gatefold Gold / Black Inkspot + Mask + Cover T-Shirt + Skateboard Bundle – USA Mailorder Only

*All first edition vinyl pressings of A Wonderful Life include a cardboard punch out mask to help you become the next member of MUSHROOMHEAD!

Stay tuned for more coming soon from MUSHROOMHEAD! 

MUSHROOMHEAD is:

Mr. Rauckhorst – Vocals

J Mann – Vocals

Ms. Jackie – Vocals

Dr. F – Keyboards & Bass guitar

Tankx – Guitar

Stitch – Keyboards & Samples

Diablo – Drums/Percussion

Skinny – Drums/Percussion 

MUSHROOMHEAD online:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

NAPALM RECORDS

Film Review: “Bad Boys for Life”

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
Starring:  Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Joe Pantoliano
Directed by: Adil and Billal
Rated:  R
Running time:  2 hrs 3 mins
Sony Pictures

Riggs and Murtaugh.  Carter and Lee.  Tango and Cash. 

The law enforcement teams above are some of the most beloved in film history.  Another powerhouse was the team of Miami-based cops named Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett.  Starting with 1995’s “Bad Boys” and continuing with the 2003 sequel “Bad Boys 2,” the two blazed their way across the screen with flashy cars and blazing guns.  It’s been awhile, but Lowrexy (Smith) and Burnett (Lawrence) are back…and it’s a welcome return.

It’s an ordinary day at the women’s prison.  In the laundry, the inmates do their best to fold and stack.  However, one inmate (Kate del Castillo) is motionless, staring off as if she was in a trance.  When she’s approached she suddenly springs to life.  The carnage that follows is horrific.

Meanwhile, in Miami, Detectives Lowery and Burnett are speeding through the streets in Lowery’s Porsche.  Their destination:  the local hospital, where Burnett’s daughter is about to give birth.  The new grandchild causes Burnett to rethink his future and soon he informs Lowery and their captain (the always great Joe Pantoliano) that he is going to retire.  But when you’re a “bad boy” do you ever really retire?

Moving at an almost breakneck speed, “Bad Boys for Life” plays on screen like a live action version of “Grand Theft Auto.”  The pace is fast, yet the plot never feels rushed.  Smith and Lawrence have great chemistry together and their playful banter feels natural.  They are assisted by strong supporting turns from Paola Nunez and rapper DJ Khaled, who does well in a small role.  And for fans of the original, keep your eyes open for a cameo from “Bad Boys” director Michael Bay. If you wanted a movie poster or or canvas print American Sign Letters can do it for you.  

The production values are outstanding, with all of the light and color of Miami on display.  And I don’t know what cops in Miami make but Lowery seems quite comfortable in his penthouse pad and speedy Porsche.  All in all, a fine return to the screen for Lowrey and Burnett.  Now whatcha’ gonna do ‘til they come back for you?

Win a “Bad Boys for Life” Prize Package

Media Mikes has teamed with their friends at Sony Pictures to give (5) random readers the chance to win a prize package for their latest film, “Bad Boys for Life,” starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

The prize package consists of the following:

  • Fanny pack
  • Poster
  • Cell phone ring holder

All you have to do is let us know in the comments below what screen duo you’d like to see get back together. Batman and Robin? Riggs and Murtaugh? Bill and Ted? Actually, that one is happening! (5) random entries will be chosen on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. CST and those winners will be notified by email. Good luck!

Win Passes to the Kansas City Premiere of “Bad Boys for Life”

Media Mikes has teamed up with the friends at Sony Pictures to give (25) readers and a guest the chance to be among the first to see the new film “Bad Boys for Life” in Kansas City.

The film, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, will be screened on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the AMC Olathe 28 Theatre in Olathe, Kansas. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

If you want to attend, just click HERE to register for the screening. (25) random winners will be selected from all that registered and will receive a pass for (2) to attend the screening. You have until 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 11 to register for the passes. Winners will be randomly selected at that time and notified. Good luck!

  • BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
  • Tuesday, January 14, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
  • AMC Olathe 28 Theatre – Olathe, Kansas

Best movies about student life in college

Campus is usually a great time for most students pursuing their education as they grow up. In its environment, students learn several things, both within the classroom environment as well as outside. Outside the classroom, there are various movies that students have loved to watch during their times in campus, which usually talk about college life in one way or the other. For those already out of campus, such movies help generate memories of those days.

Genre of movies about college

College movies have over time been embraced in a similar way to high school ones. It is among the favorites for a custom essay writing service with a lot of essays for sale. The genre encompasses a variety of issues that affect young adults as they make the step up in their lives. Most of these issues include love, family and friendship. It also highlights the fun and grief involved in the process of self-realization .

Produced in 1993, this is a movie about Rudy, an individual who dreams of being an important football player for his school. He starts off from a disadvantaged situation. He doesn’t even have enough tuition fee, as his father, who works in a steel mill, struggles to pay it up. Additionally, his academic performance was a bit low, and his body frame was way smaller than most football players, while he displayed very little skill at it too. Despite all these, his sheer determination sees achieve his dream of playing the game he so much loved. It still is one of the best movies for students to watch even today.

While it is more of a comedy, the movie addresses the realities faced by students who get rejected from various academic institutions. It is clearly one of those college life movies.  It revolves around a student, Bartleby Gaines, who decides to open his own academic institution, South Harmon Institute of Technology, after being rejected by other schools He wanted to ensure that he doesn’t fail his parents, whom he wanted to convince that he had joined college. Upon opening the ‘school,’ he soon realizes that there are several other student rejects, who join up too. It soon becomes a big scandal when all these activities are suddenly brought to light.

The Social Network.

This is more of a biographical drama movie that traces the steps of one Mark Zuckerberg, an undergraduate computer genius at Harvard. It traces the formative years of how Mark set off on his path to becoming one of the youngest, if not the youngest ever self-made billionaire in history. His founding of Facebook while back in school however, didn’t come that easy, as some of his friends came out guns blazing that he had stolen some of the ideas from him. He had to deal with a few lawsuits and a fallout with his friends to his end. These personal and legal complications however, don’t hinder him from his goal. For become successful as Mark, you need to buy executive resume online from the best writing service.

Revenge of the Nerds.

This is one of the most hilarious movies based on college life. Life for young guys in their freshmen year has never been that easy.  Two college geeks find themselves evicted from their halls of residence by another team known as Alpha Betas, who lay claim to the building. The geeks and their other friends are now forced to move out to an old shark, especially after the institution tells them that they can only have the gym as their new place of residence.  They however realize the need to form their own team of self-defense, and decide to plan for a revenge on the Alpha Betas, for their humiliation.

Legally Blonde.

The movie revolved around Elle Woods and her struggles in love. From a campus setup, she seems to have it all. For one, she is the leader of her girls group. She also dates the hottest guy around and also is very pretty. All that she only wanted to cap it off, was to have a permanent position in the life of her love, Warner. Warner however, holds back from making that final proposition due to the fact that he feels Elle is too blond. When he leaves to join law school, Elle also makes the same move and while there, fights through wit and beauty to win him back.

Old School.

When it comes to movies about college life, this one is up there among the best. The movie looks at the lives of three friends who are on a mission to try and reclaim the gone glory days while staying just next to their former school. It all starts after one of them, Mitch, comes to the realization that his girl had been engaging in sex orgies. Mitch’s heart is broken, and he decides to go out and start all over again from elsewhere.  While at it however, his friends also tag along and make his new place their meeting place. Eventually, this so called meeting place is turned into the hub for wild parties. All this happens amidst some serious backlash from the new Dean.

Animal House.

It is about the spectacular plans by a group of college students to avoid being expelled by the college dean. The Delta Tau Chi group of students was known all over campus to be so rowdy and troublesome, something that really irked the dean. He wants them out, through the revocation of their charter. To roll out his ultimate plan, the dean decides to enlist the services of the leader of the omega group and a series of rules to push delta out. He even places the delta group on a double secret probation. It is so interesting to see how the rules in collaboration with omega, somehow just fail.

Dear White People.

This movie captures just about all the contemporary issues affecting students of color, ranging from racial bias, bad politics and cultural issues. It is one of the best college movies, when it comes to addressing current issues. It highlights how a certain clique of black students find themselves admitted in a predominantly white, high class institution. The students therefore have to survive in one way or the other, and they do so spectacularly using a thick skin and tough character. There is some brutal reality illustrated all through the movie, about the actual issues in the current society.

Write Up

College movies are quite a reflection of how life in campus is or used to be. They might have a little more dramatization but the underlying themes remains more or less the same. The themes of these movies basically or majorly revolve around love, friendship, family and education.  All in all, these movies are all about the process of personal self-discovery that youngsters often have to go through as they grow up, especially in campus.

The Book of Life Sequel Could be Right Around the Corner

The 2014 animation, The Book of Life, is still one of the most unique and unconventional cartoons in cinematic history. The Jorge R. Gutierrez film was renowned for its gorgeous visuals and heart-warming plot, which took viewers into a number of different fantasy worlds. It has been revealed that the story is not over, and the director has ideas which could take place over at least two sequels. So, what could happen in the next instalment, and will it have the same magical feel of the first?

The Book of Life was not up there in scale with some of the huge Pixar films like Toy Story or Finding Nemo, but for a film from an independent animation studio, it was a massive success. The 2014 offering was made by Reel FX Creative Studios, who had only created two films – Cirque du Soleil: World’s Away and Free Birds – prior to its release. The animated adventure, which makes use of wooden figure characters, had some big-name producers, including Guillermo Del Toro. This helped it to gain attention and reach large audiences.

The theme of The Book of Life is well-known, and this is one of the main factors that helped it attract audiences. It takes place during the Day of the Dead, a famous Mexican holiday to celebrate those who have passed on to another realm of existence. While not as ubiquitous as holidays like Halloween, the Mexican festival is prevalent in popular culture. For instance, the Day of the Dead slot is one of the most popular fruit slots at MagicalVegas.com. And the classic video game character Grim Fandango was based on the Mexican holiday, with the main character resembling a skeleton.

The Book of Life centres on Manolo Sanchez and Joaquin Mondragon as they compete for the love of Maria Posada. In the end, Manolo and Maria are happily married, and Joaquin resolves to be a true hero without the need for the Medal of Everlasting Life which had been given to him by Xibalba. The 2014 film finished off Manolo’s arc with a satisfying end, but there is still potential to revisit some of the other characters and see what happens to them.

Gutierrez said that he wants the sequel to focus on Joaquin as the central protagonist, and to explore his relationship with his father. If he was to make a third film, this one would have Maria as its primary focus. Indeed, the 44-year-old claimed that he always envisioned it as being a trilogy. In 2017, it was announced that work on the second instalment had begun, but distributer 20th Century Fox is yet to reveal a release date for the film.

If Gutierrez manages to recapture the charm of the original, while also delivering the amazing visuals, the Book of Life sequel is sure to be a stunning creation. And with the Day of the Dead becoming even more popular as a worldwide holiday, the new film is likely to pull in large audiences.

7 Movies to Inspire You to Succeed in College & Life

While many people are sure that spending time in front of the screen can only harm one’s desire to study and participate in college life, that is not always the case. A multitude of popular movies has the power of motivating the youth to conquer new heights. Whether you want a little 2-hour break to get your mind off all the campus life stress or need an extra push toward succeeding in college, there are many movies to do both simultaneously. Our professional EssayShark writers recommend these seven movies to inspire you to succeed in college and life, so grab some popcorn and enjoy!

1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

The protagonist of the story is Chris Gardner, a hard-working man, and a loving father to his young son, who experiences major struggles in life, both in his job and his relationships. In order to break the circle of misfortunes, Chris, played by Will Smith, undertakes an unpaid internship position at a successful company and fights his way up the ladder toward a paid job.

While some of the scenes will make you feel sorry for the man and his child, the film itself is pierced with hope, dedication, and, yes, the pursuit of happiness. If you needed somebody to tell you that everything gets better if you work hard enough, Will Smith is here for you.

2. Dead Poets Society (1989)

The film follows a young English teacher, John Keating, who is passionate about inspiring his students to follow their dreams and aspirations. While teaching poetry in a conservative all-male boarding school, Keating brings innovative and unique approaches to the classroom. “Seize the moment” is essentially the lesson the educator is imposing upon his students, and the tagline “He was their inspiration” could not be closer to the truth.

If you still think that the education system is developed with the purpose of demolishing any sign of one’s personality, this is the movie you should watch. Even though classical poetry, you may be able to discover your previously unknown passions. So, learn how to seize the moment while being at school through watching “Dead Poets Society.”

3. School of Rock (2003)

Are you still convinced that learning anything at school is always boring, and your personal interests can only be explored outside of the classroom? Well, you haven’t seen “School of Rock” yet. History and science can be taken into account while talking about essentially any subject you’re passionate about, and Dewey Finn, played by Jack Black, is here to prove the point. Love for music and passion for performance can transform unhappy upper-class kids into the fiery individuals, who are ready to light the stage up at any given moment. And all without leaving the classroom, so imagine what you can get inspired for in college!

4. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)

We all know there might be a class or two in college you just go to in order to pass and get the credit. What if we told you that such could be changed with the right approach and mutual goal between the teachers and students? Whoopi Goldberg undertakes the role of Deloris van Cartier, who, in turn, reprises her persona as Sister Mary Clarence. If the most uncontrollable of the teenagers can get passionate about singing in a choir, what stops you from being interested in those classes you need for credit? If to combine the ideas from “Sister Act 2” with, for example, “Dead Poets Society,” do you think there’s anything that you cannot achieve during your college years and further in life?

5. 21 (2008)

The movie follows a group of college students and their professor, collectively known as the MIT blackjack team, who engage in gambling and card-counting techniques in order to raise money for tuition and retirement. While college math classes may seem complicated, imagine fooling the casinos in Las Vegas with formulas! Adventures and intrigues are an important part of the plot, and the entire story is framed by one question: “What are you ready to do to dazzle the scholarship directors?” The film will surely leave you inspired not to zone out in your next class, apply the theory in real life, and think out of the box. All of the said emotions are only supported by the fact that the movie is based upon a real story.

6. Pay It Forward (2000)

Maybe, you’re in need of something emotional rather than purely motivational? “Pay It Forward” is based upon a novel by Catherine Ryan, and it suggests the easiest way of changing the world for the better. A 12-year-old decides that doing a favor for three people and asking each of them to do the same for the other three people. The story examines the ideas of kindness and healing, and some of the episodes are sure to make you emotional. So, if you’ve ever wondered if there is a way for one person to change the world, – here it is. 

7. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Sometimes, all we need is a little inspiration to remain positive and do our best to get through struggles. “Life Is Beautiful” is an Italian movie, which follows the story of Guido, a Jewish man, whose family is sent to a concentration camp during the years of World War II. Guido tries his best to protect his young from the new reality and says that they are competing with other families. The story is beautifully emotional, despite being developed in a dark setting, and it teaches you that optimism is the best way to remain strong in the face of struggle.

If you’ve ever struggled to find motivation for being the best version of yourself both in college and life, be sure to check these movies. Whether you’re concerned with finding your true passion or being optimistic at times, each of the films will become the push toward a better life. Also, a short break from studying while getting motivated to study more, – what is a better way to succeed in college?

Film Review: “The Secret Life of Pets 2”

  • THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2
  • Starring the voices of: Kevin Hart, Patton Oswalt
  • Directed by:  Chris Renaud, Jonathan del Val
  • Rated:  PG
  • Running time:  1 hr 26 mins
  • Universal

If you are a pet owner, I’m pretty sure you’ve seen, and loved, “The Secret Life of Pets.”  It was uncanny how the creators captured the little idiosyncrasies that had many in the audience, myself including, thinking “that’s exactly what my dog/cat/bird/ferret, etc does.  And that insight carries over into the second chapter in the adventures of Max (Oswalt) and his furry and feathered friends.

Things are going well for Max.  His owner attends to his every need and all is right with the world.  Until the day she meets a gentleman.  Nothing wrong with that.  But as things progress, as they do in life, Max soon finds himself having to deal with a new person in his life…a baby.  At first he is wary of the new arrival, but as the boy grows, they form a bond that, anyone who had a dog as a child will know, can’t be broken.  Which makes Max frantic.  Where he used to enjoy going for walks, he now feels the streets, and the things encountered (steam grates, flocks of pigeons) are hazards for the boy.  This causes him to develop a nervous tic which sadly leads him to be encased in, what both my wife and I (and the film) call the cone of shame.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Snowball the bunny (Hart) is also enjoying life.  His owner likes to dress him up as a superhero and he takes to the idea, proclaiming his prowess to his pet friends.  He is quick to jump – do you see what I did there – into action when he is asked by his Shih Tzu friend Daisy (Tiffany Haddish) to help save a tiger being held by a cruel circus worker.  What’s a bunny to do?

Cleverly written and fast paced, “The Secret Life of Pets 2” is the ideal early summer film.  The characters and their traits are spot on and the voice actors do their best to inflect some of their own personalities into the characters.  Oswalt, replacing original Max voicer Louis C.K., is well cast.  Of course, he was outstanding as the voice of Renny in “Ratatouille,” so this should come as no surprise.  Hart once again is the frantic Snowball and I’m happy to see he is no longer homicidal (my one big problem with the first film).  Other actors lending their voice include Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Nick Kroll, Ellie Kemper and Pete Holmes.  Even Harrison Ford shows up, marking his animated film debut.  But as great as they all are, the vocal star here is Lake Bell, who seems to inhabit the character of Chloe, a cat like no other and yet like every cat we’ve ever encountered!

My only fault with the film is the same one I had with the first.  Though obviously geared for kids (and the parents that accompany them), there are some scary moments here, including one (thankfully off camera) of the tiger being disciplined with a whip.  There is also a pretty intense pack of wolves that made at least one child near me at the screening hide her face in her mother’s side.  So parents with very young children, be warned.

All in all, though, “The Secret Life of Pets 2” is a welcome treat to begin the early days of summer.

Author Darren Paltrowitz Discusses His NEW Book “Good Advice From Professional Wrestling: Full Contact Life Lessons”.

Darren Paltrowitz is writer/interviewer with 20+ years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager and over the years working with artists like OK Go, They Might Be Giants and Tracy Bonham. Darren’s writing has appeared in countless publications including the NEW York Daily News, L.A. Times and Guitar World. Darren’s latest project is titled “Good Advice From Professional Wrestling: Full Contact Life Lessons”.  Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Darren recently about the book and how the idea to draw inspiration from professional wrestling came about.

Adam Lawton: What was your first exposure to Professional Wrestling?

Darren Paltrowitz: I have been trying to really figure that out lately. I think it goes back to watching “WWF Wrestling Challenge” or one of those late 80’s early 90’s weekend shows. The first Wrestle mania that I fully remember was WrestleMania 7. From there I got into WCW. Sadly I wasn’t much in wrestling during the “Monday Night Wars” as music took over at that time. I didn’t love WCW when it was good! (Laughs) Thankfully with the internet I can now go back and watch everything I missed.

AL: How did the idea for the book all come together?

DP: I had gotten a press release about a book from my future co-author D.X. Ferris. It was actually a release about the four books he had coming out. One of those was titled “Good Advice From Good Fellas”. I ended up interviewing him about the book and during that interview he mentioned Diamond Dallas Page. We stayed in touch after the interview and I pitched the idea of a wrestling book. He sent me an email of a paper he wrote back in college which took advice from wrestling and the film “Goodfellas”. This was back in November. Prior to that we had nothing so that is why the book includes a lot of current wrestlers and wrestling information. We wrote this very quickly with the goal of having it ready for WrestleMania in April. D.X. put in a ton of long hours at the end with final touches and we did it!

AL: What was the research process like for the book and, how did you go about selecting which material made it into the book?

DP: That was sort of a mix of factors. One of those factors was D.X. telling me I had to put in some of his hometown Pittsburgh guys like Bruno Sammartino and Kurt Angle. We really had to think about people who along with wrestling talent also showed good business acumen and that were not plagued by scandal. We also thought about who had great quotes. Some of the book’s material came from my own personal interviews with people like Mark Henry. Now that I have been talking about the book for a bit I regret not including people like Al Snow and MJF. This arguably the greatest time in history to be a wrestling fan! There is infinite content out there. In fact there is so much that you cannot watch it all.

AL: Did any of the wrestlers who are featured in the book know beforehand that they were going to be included?

DP: We reached out to a lot of the wrestling promotions asking for material and we received responses from all but one. There were other times where I would have to go through independent reps. We also had a guy in the Ohio area that was able to provide us with some photo material. Initially things were moving slow as people didn’t believe we were doing this thing. One by one we started getting books out to some of the wrestlers and it’s been going great. It continues to be a step by step process.

AL: Did you have any goals for releasing the book?

DP: My first major goal with this project was finishing the book and getting it out. Once that was done it was a major relief. A lot of people say they are going to write a book but never do. Now that the book is out I want it to be the one book that is for people who don’t read “self help” books. I wanted people to realize that a lot of the advice in the book is applicable no matter what your level of exposure to pro wrestling is or was. One other thing I want people to take away from the book is for them to see just how smart and successful the majority of pro wrestlers are. They are no longer failed football players or body builders. These are people who are branding experts who can also act and write their own material. If you want to be successful you have to learn from other successful people. I hope a lot of that comes across in this book.

AL: What other projects are you currently working on?

DP: I have been doing interviews with entertainers and the likes ever since I was in high school. I realized that I should do something with all these interviews. About a year ago I started a pod cast called “The Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz”. It’s a bi-weekly cast that includes clips from various interviews I have done. Last week’s episode featured Adam Duritz from Counting Crows talking about his bar mitzvah, Guitarist Susan Tedeschi and Kaley Cuoco from the “Big Bang Theory”. I am into all kinds of things so that’s what I showcase on the cast.

It doesn’t matter if you are fan of wrestling or just someone wanting a fresh approach to the self help genre “Good Advice From Professional Wrestling: Full Contact Life Lessons” has something for everyone. It’s even got some great photos which accent the wit and wisdom of an often overlooked industry. To Order visit: https://www.amazon.com/Darren-Paltrowitz/e/B07Q4QN8B8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_2

For more info on Darren Paltrowitz you can visit his official website here: http://www.paltrowitz.com/home.html

 

Related Content

4 Tips To Renting A Party Bus For A Celebration Of Life Service

Do you have someone special you want to celebrate? It may be a friend or relative who has just completed their studies or is getting married or has a birthday party. Whatever the occasion may be, a party bus will crown the event for you. If you have a group of people with you, you’ll need to rent one.

To guide you further, here are 4 tips to renting a party bus for a celebration of life service:

1.    Know The Number Of People You’ll Be Carrying In It

The purpose of the party bus will be to carry people and so you want to rent one that has enough capacity to hold everyone you plan to have on board. It is important that you know the number of people you intend to carry in the party bus to avoid any inconveniences.

You don’t want to hire a 50 seater bus and yet you’ll be carrying 20 people since the renting cost will be higher or hire a 33 seater bus yet you have a group of 50 people with you. Determine the right capacity before hiring the party bus.

2.    Know The Cost

The cost of hiring a party bus will cut across several areas. The company renting you the bus will most likely charge you on an hourly basis. It’s important therefore to know the total time span you’ll have the bus with you.

Other charges that you may incur include gratuity to the party bus driver, taxes, and other costs such as fuel or parking fees at your target destination depending on the terms of the agreement.

Defining these costs earlier in advance will help you raise the money to rent the bus more so if you are sharing the cost with the people who you’ll be going with to the celebration of life service.

3.    Know Your Destination

You’ll definitely be driving off on the party bus to a specified destination or several destinations. It is advisable that you map out these destinations earlier in advance and discuss them with the rental company.

They’ll be able to advise you on which bus best suits your needs in terms of flexibility moving around, comfort, safety, and speed in getting to the various destinations. It also helps the rental company to prepare the bus driver in advance on the routes which will be more convenient to use.

4.    Comfort And Entertainment

Your main purpose for renting the party bus is to celebrate a life. As such, entertainment is a necessity to crown the whole agenda of the day. You’ll want to rent a bus with good looks to start with. The bus should have some class and glamor with comfortable seats and enough room for everyone to pump up and have some fun.

Music is a must-have. You want a bus with a good music system. Satellite television is also a plus to have on the bus for those who would want to watch, say, a game. Entertainment also comes with refreshments such as drinks and snacks. You can organize for these with the rental company.

Conclusion

There you have it. These four tips will guide you as you seek to rent a good party bus. If you’re not sure which rental company to approach, here’s one with the best party bus rentals.  

 

Related Content

Book Review: “The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5 and My Life of Impossibilities” By: Wayne Kramer

“The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5 and My Life of Impossibilities”
Author: Wayne Kramer
Da Capo
Hardcover: 311 pages

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5 and My Life of Impossibilities” is the story of legendary guitarist Wayne Kramer. From his childhood in Detroit where he found inspiration from the likes Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones to his pursuit of “avant rock” with his group the MC5. Released via Da Capo Press “The Hard Stuff” is a 311 page biography recounting a life of rock and roll excess to prison confinement making all stops in between and any there-after.

As gritty as the ground breaking groups music “The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5 and My Life of Impossibilities” is a brutally honest, in-depth look at M5 founding member Wayne Kramer’s life. Told by the man himself Kramer recounts his upbringing in a home with an abusive stepfather and how he channeled his inner frustrations about the world around him into some of the MC5’s most notable material. Though I found the chapters recounting his time with the band the following chapters after the group disbanding was where my attention was really held. Kramer painstakingly tells of his time in prison after a drug bust and the years after in which he struggled with addiction up through reconnecting with his biological father.

“The Hard Stuff” is a roller coaster ride of emotion that keeps the reader interested and turning the pages. Not many people (if any) have had a life like Wayne Kramer and this book makes that abundantly clear. You don’t need to be a fan of Kramer’s music to enjoy this book as the author speaks his truth and does not shy away from darker periods of his life or difficult subject matter. For those hoping to catch the MC5 on the 50th anniversary tour this is the perfect foundation to help connect or reconnect with one of rock music’s most influential artists/groups.