Music and Movies

Category Archives: Music and Movies

LifeTeen.com Blog

Danielle Rose: Falling in Love with Jesus, Through Mary

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We’ve got a free download from Catholic musician Danielle Rose! Check it out and read about why she wrote the song, and why Mary is such a big part of her life.

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Video

Girl in Progress: An Exclusive Interview with Cierra Ramirez [Video]

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Cierra Ramirez, who stars in Girl in Progress alongside Eva Mendez, sat down with Jackie Francois to talk about the movie and what it’s like to be an actress. Check it out and go see this awesome movie! It comes out in theaters May 11, 2012.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

The Avengers - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

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What happens when six super heroes team up to fight the biggest enemies in the Universe? You end up with a hit movie written and directed by nerdom’s chief storyteller Joss Whedon and played by some of today’s biggest actors. If you’re looking for an action packed and entertaining film for the weekend The Avengers is your obvious choice. The Avengers is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

“Rise Up” by Matt Maher – Behind the Song

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It was about this time 6 years ago that I quit smoking. I smoked for 12 years. It’s not something that you’re typically proud of, because I certainly wasn’t. But I will say this, I think God used the experience of that, in a very profound way, to understand the nature of what it means to be an addict. And the line between an addict and a misfit is unbelievably close. As an addict you just have a craving for something and you just fixated on the wrong thing. All along what you were fixated and hungry for was God. [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

“Love Come Alive” interview with Jimmy Mitchell

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I recently had the opportunity to talk to Jimmy Mitchell about his new project “Love Come Alive” with the musical company Mysterium. “Love Come Alive” was a live concert in the Fall of 2011 that helped support 40 Days for Life and was turned into an album and a touring concert this spring in cities around the country. Listen to “Love Come Alive” by Haylee Mitchell Download “Love Come Alive” What is Mysterium? Well, at it’s core, Mysterium is a company that produces music, publishes books, and puts on live events and tours with the vision of rebuilding Catholic culture [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

October Baby

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I’m not going to lie; I thought the movie October Baby was going to be another one of those movies that I’d be embarrassed about as a Catholic. Not that I’m ashamed of proclaiming my faith, but I was worried about how the movie would portray such a sensitive topic such as abortion. It’s hard enough to defend life in person and I didn’t think a movie could do it without coming across as unrelatable, especially because the audience is filled with people whose views oppose each other. Maybe my attitude going in wasn’t the best, I’ll admit. I tend [...]

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Audrey Assad “Heart” Listening Party

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If you don’t know Audrey Assad, that’s okay. She’s only the biggest thing to happen to the Christian music scene in years, but you wouldn’t know it by talking to her. Liz Lemon appearances aside, Audrey probably wouldn’t stand out in a room full of celebrities, nor would you think that behind her quirky demeanor there’s a voice that could take on both the resonating power of Adele and the melodic soul of Joni Mitchell. It’s her small and humble heart that makes her newest project Heart such a big and powerful album. There’s an honesty to the album that [...]

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Why I Hope We Devour the Hunger Games

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Okay, listen. I really like the Hunger Games. I could not put the first book down this summer and so of course at the first minute of Friday the 23rd, at 12:01am, I was sitting in a theater to see the movie. “But it’s about teens killing each other!!!” This is the reaction a lot of adults have. (At least that’s what my parents said.) Yes it is about killing. And it’s terrible. It’s horrific.

See, this movie is not supposed to be about glorifying killing. The two main characters, Katniss and Peeta, are horrified that they have to participate in the Hunger Games and fight to the death, much like Roman gladiators. Though the governing body, the “Capitol”, finds it enjoyable, the majority (except for three districts) of the population is appalled by these games year after year.

But I found some very inspiring themes in this story . . .

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Not Cool, Nicki Minaj

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Dear Nicki Minaj,

I want to begin by letting you know that I don’t know much about you. I don’t listen to your music. I don’t know your background, and I even had to look up how to spell your name. I think you performed at the Super Bowl this year, but last night, watching the Grammy’s, was probably my first real introduction to you. And if it’s important to make a good first impression, with me, you failed.

To say that I was offended by your performance is an understatement, and I really don’t want to go back and re-live it again, so I’m not going to get into any specifics. What I do want you to know is something all of us Catholics believe.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

“Under the Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber [Review]

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I’m not ashamed to say it: selections from Justin Bieber’s latest album, Under the Mistletoe, have definitely been creeping their way up on my iTunes’ most played list. As a lover of music and all things Christmas, I thought I’d share my reflections on one the year’s hottest Christmas albums.

Under the Mistletoe is Justin’s first Christmas album. In it, the 17-year-old pop star comes together with some of the biggest names in music, including: Usher, The Band Perry, and Boyz II Men. Aside from the classics like Silent Night, and The Christmas Song, I’d have to say my favorite songs on the album are Mistletoe, Drummer Boy, and Pray.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Life Teen Staff Picks: Breaking Dawn

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I just want to be sure we’re clear – I’m not on “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob.” But because Breaking Dawn is coming out today, here’s a hilarious spoof that SNL did. I thought you might enjoy this. If you don’t get it – maybe it’s time to read some classics.

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Video

Matt Maher – Video Reflections on "The Love In Between"

Matt Maher talks to Life Teen about his new album “The Love In Between,” a collection of songs that reflect on the Catholic Christian sacramental life. There are a total of five videos. Come back each day this week to see more.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Real Steel - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

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Not the best movie Hugh Jackman has ever made, but a fun family hit nonetheless.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

50 / 50 - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

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What happens when a 20-something gets cancer? 50/50 may be the most enjoyable and honest movie in a long time, but it’s heavy on the cursing and drug references. Rated R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

"Without You": What David Guetta Says About Jesus

I have a really hard time picking favorites. I can never narrow it down to one thing – favorite musician, favorite movie, favorite food. I just can’t do it. It’s too limiting and honestly, it will probably change next week so why bother?

However …

I have a (current) favorite song. I blast it every time it comes on the radio. Sometimes I sing, but often I just listen. It’s beautiful, prayerful, sacramental and on the iTunes top ten singles chart.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Interview with Matt Maher before "The Love In Between" Tour

Friend of Life Teen and Christian Recording Artist Matt Maher took some time to talk with us about his new record “The Love In Between” and his upcoming tour with artists One Sonic Society and All Sons and Daughters. We had originally recorded video via web cam while Matt was in Nashville practicing for the new tour, but due to technical difficulties we ended up with audio. Take a listen while Matt shares some of the inspiration behind new songs off his record, including “The Spirit and the Bride,” “Woke Up in America,” and “Every Little Prison,” as well as sharing what it’s like to have a new child and what’s it like to live and love in community.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Audrey Assad: Live from SoHo [Review]

It was only one year ago that most of the world was introduced to the lovely and talented Audrey Assad. Her debut album “The House Your Building” received immediate critical attention as a refreshing and dynamic Christian album in an industry well known for keeping the status quo than striving for uniqueness. While radio play may have been weak and overall record sales don’t eclipse those of other major Christian artists, Audrey has carved out a niche of her own that will undoubtedly grow as her songs begin to be shared by Christians and non-believers alike.

Given how little attention she has received, it’s a wonder that Apple picked her out amongst a crowded Christian music scene. Apple has promoted her so much so that Audrey is iTunes’ first Christian artist to record a “Live from SoHo” session, normally reserved the big artists like as Adele, Taylor Swift, and John Legend & The Roots.

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Video

Live Interview with the Ike Ndolo Band [Life Teen Live]

The Ike Ndolo Band stopped by the LifeTeen.com office today to talk about their upcoming tour with Audrey Assad and Ennie Hickman from Adore Ministries, as well as fun stories from the road and their favorite musical influences. Guest appearances by Derek Natzke and Fr. Dan Beeman. Ike also plays a live acoustic version of “Awake, O Sleeper”.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

Pretty Little Liars: Are Lies Ever Pretty or Little?

Pretty Little Liars is over for the summer and I was one of the 3 million people who tuned in last week to see what would happen to Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer.

I’m not quite sure what we’ll do now without that slice of drama and suspense on Tuesday night. Maybe Teen Mom will suddenly become suspenseful. I can see it now: “Boy or girl?” “What’s it going to be?” “Will the name be A or Jenna?”

No, but seriously, of all the things I could say about Pretty Little Liars, there’s just one thing that’s been on my heart: those poor girls!!!

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Colombiana - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

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A late summer action movie with odd revenge story that’s light on fighting (and clothing).

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