Music and Movies

Category Archives: Music and Movies

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

CatholicMovieReviews

Not the best movie Hugh Jackman has ever made, but a fun family hit nonetheless. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

50 / 50 - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

CatholicMovieReviews

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

CatholicMovieReviews

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

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LifeTeen.com Blog

"I Love You Like A Love Song": But Which One Selena?

Have you heard “I love you like a love song” by Selena Gomez? I wondered what that meant so I took a look at some recent love songs by Nikki Minaj, Pitbull, Britney Spears and Katy Perry. Read about how their love songs compare to God’s love song to you!

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

30 Minutes or Less - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

CatholicMovieReviews

This summer comedy probably should have been made into a short film that’s 30 minutes or less. Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, nudity and some violence.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

CatholicMovieReviews

An exciting reboot to an old franchise. Rated PG-13 for violence, terror, some sexuality and brief strong language.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Cowboys vs. Aliens - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

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An ambitious adventure that gets an ‘A’ for effort.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Captain America - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

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Another rare Marvel miss.

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LifeTeen.com Podcast

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Catholic Movie Reviews Podcast

CatholicMovieReviews

A touching, adventurous ending to the series… and some of our childhoods.

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LifeTeen.com Blog

The Lazy Song Sin

Oh, Bruno Mars. You sure know how to get me dancin’. His songs are catchy aren’t they? And let’s face it “Just the Way You Are” is just the way every one of us girls wants to be seen. But can I be honest for a minute? Something’s been bothering me. It’s hard to miss the line of “The Lazy Song” that says, “Throw my hand in my pants, nobody’s gunna tell me I can’t.”

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