Review: ‘Divergent’ rides on success of dystopia fiction

With the success of Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games,” it seems there’s been a surge of novels set in dystopia.

As a devoted fan of “The Hunger Games” trilogy, I was very hesitant when I saw that “Divergent” came up on my Amazon recommendations. The reviews were very positive, so I decided to take my chance on it and purchased the first book in this, yes, trilogy.

“Divergent,” by Veronica Roth, is a New York Times’ best seller.

Upon first glance, “Divergent” resembles “The Hunger Games” down to the blaze on its cover, however, what sets apart Veronica Roth’s story to Collins’ is in the details.

The story follows 16-year-old Beatrice “Tris” Prior, who was raised in Abegnation, one of the five “factions” in the city. Each faction represents a particular characteristic of its people and makes unique contributions to the city. In Abegnation, Beatrice is taught to be selfless and to put others before herself. Abegnation normally make excellent members of government due to their selfless ways. The other factions – Erudite, Amity, Dauntless and Candor – make other contributions to society: Erudites become librarians, doctors, scientists and teachers; Amity run farms and become caretakers; Candor also work in law; Dauntless become city guards, security, weapon makers, to name a few.

Every year, 16 year olds from every faction come together to take an aptitude test that will reveal which faction they’re suited for in adulthood. When Beatrice takes her test, her results are inconclusive, which makes her a “Divergent.” Being Divergent isn’t a thing to brag about, as it conflicts with conforming to one faction. Ultimately, she makes the decision to become a Dauntless – the brave – once her brother, Caleb, makes the decision to join Erudite, the faction hungry for knowledge.

The first half of this 576-page novel consists of Tris’ character development and follows her training with the Dauntless to survive initiation. At first, this first half of the story seems completely unnecessary and a waste of time. It isn’t until midway through the book that the reader finds out what the story is truly about: nonconformity and breaking free of tradition. (Those who’ve read a selection of dystopia-based fiction may already get the sense that the story would have these elements.) But if you choose to continue onto the second installment, “Insurgent,” then pay attention to the characters in the first half. I won’t spoil anything for you, so just pay attention.

In the second half of “Divergent,” the story resembles Suzanne Collins’ “Mockingjay.” The action and the drama come as an appreciated surprise after such a slow start. And then the story becomes more than nonconformity; it causes strain in Tris’ family. The Erudite brainwash the Dauntless to attack Abegnation. Tris’ parents sacrifice their lives to save her, all the while alluding to hints about what the Abegnation know and have been planning that would warrant an attack.

“Divergent” ends right after the attack, and “Insurgent” picks up immediately where the first book ended. They’re both very satisfying reads, and I appreciated that all the action wasn’t crammed into one book, which was why “Mockingjay” was my least favorite in “The Hunger Games” trilogy.

And as much as I love the Katniss and Peeta relationship in “The Hunger Games,” there’s a smidgen more romance in the “Divergent” books. Tris develops a relationship with her mentor, Four. I love Katniss, but she struggled with her feelings for Peeta in all three books. But in “Divergent,” the romance is more natural and unfolds in a steady pace.

Overall, “Divergent” is undoubtedly worth a shot, and it won’t take you long to read. Despite the book’s thickness, the words and the margins are slightly larger than normal, and each chapter makes you yearning for more, similarly to the way Suzanne Collins ends her chapters on a cliffhanger.

Review: ‘Rock of Ages’ underwhelms, but music does rock

Last weekend, I took my mother out on her birthday to see “Rock of Ages.” It was that or “Snow White and the Huntsman,” but she let me decide, and I prayed that “Rock of Ages” wouldn’t be too sexual for my conservative mother.

Oops.

Nonetheless, “Rock of Ages” was underwhelming, and it made me wonder how it stacks next to the Tony Award-nominated musical.

The classic go-to karaoke songs made up for two hours of hollow plot. The cast – Diego Boneta, Julianne Hough, Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise – sang the songs well.

Drew Boley (Diego Boneta, middle) performs with his band in The Bourbon Room.

“Rock of Ages,” which garnered just about $15 million at the box office on its opening weekend, follows Julianne Hough as Sherrie, an Oklahoma girl who moves to Hollywood in pursuit of stardom. She meets Drew (Diego Boneta), a bartender at the Bourbon Room, where famous rock musicians play. The two fall in love rather quickly, but their relationship is compromised by a false assumption that Sherrie had sex with rock ‘n’ roll icon Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) and Drew’s quest for fame.

Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages.”

While the talented Boneta and Hough showed off their chops in a variety of oldies — “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Every Rose Has its Thorn,” to name a few — it was Tom Cruise’s Stacee Jaxx who shined. Cruise effortlessly seemed to translate his celebrity into rock star status in “Rock of Ages,” which makes me wonder how easy it was for him to film such raunchy scenes with a Rolling Stones journalist (Malin Åkerman). Along with Cruise’s ability to play a rock star going downhill — what would Suri think about this? — the biggest shock came from the “Mission Impossible” star’s singing voice. According to E!, Cruise had five-hour vocal lessons every day. Stacee Jaxx’s life seemed to be spiraling out of control until a Rolling Stones article revealed his manager (Paul Giamatti) stole the proceeds from his show at the Bourbon Room. Despite Stacee’s drunk, erratic and wild lifestyle, his character brought excitement to what would have been otherwise a dull and cliched film.

Musicals hardly translate well in a film format. Few musicals do well — CNN ranks “West Side Story,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Sound of Music,” “Grease” and “Chicago” as the top movie musicals — and unfortunately, “Rock of Ages” has gotten so many mixed reviews that it is unlikely you’ll find this in any “best of” lists. This is disappointing, considering that the Broadway show was so successful. (For fans of the original show, you’ll be pleased to see that the original Drew, played by Constantine Maroulis, makes a cameo in the “Any Way You Want It” number.)

I had high hopes for this film, considering director Adam Shankman’s impressive track record, like “Hairspray,” Carrie Underwood’s Christmas special and “Glee’s” “Rocky Horror” episode. But if you appreciate old classics, I highly recommend getting the soundtrack. Every cast member — including Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand in the comedic, love-professing performance of REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” — sings great. (I’m also happy for Diego Boneta, whose music and acting career began with short appearances in “90210” and “Pretty Little Liars,” for finally finding his big break.)

And let’s admit it: “Don’t Stop Believin'” is the ultimate feel-good song.

‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Twilight’ win big at 2012 MTV Movie Awards

“‘Twilight!’ ‘Hunger Games!'” frequently — and annoyingly —shouted host Russell Brand. Clearly, this was an indication of the films that would sweep this year’s MTV Movie Awards.

Pardon the pun, but the odds were definitely in “The Hunger Games'” favor as it took in four of its six nominations. And “Twilight” won both of its two nominations, including Movie of the Year. And for the fourth year in a row, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart won Best Kiss.

Possibly the most insignificant of all award shows — because having a golden popcorn is such an accolade (“Oh my God!” said Best Male Performance Winner Josh Hutcherson. “I’ve wanted to hold a golden popcorn since I was 4 years old.”) — this year’s MTV Movie Awards fell short in having any stand-out moments. (But really, will it ever be able to top the Britney/Madonna kiss of 2003 or Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech in ’09? — Oh wait, those were at the MTV Video Music Awards. My bad.) There were, however, a few interesting bits that made me laugh and facepalm in embarrassment.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield’s entrance — “The Amazing Spider-Man” stars walked out with a glowing Spider-Man’s face and blue lasers that were pointed in a web. Said Garfield of the entrance, “That was a little bit much.” To which Stone replied, “The entrance you make is very important.”
• Joel McHale teaches Jennifer Lawrence archery — In a somewhat funny skit, “The Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence and director J.J. Abrams talk about working with archery “expert” Lester Boonshaft (McHale). Despite a few unnecessary bits — like Lawrence complaining about inappropriate photos texted by Boonshaft — the best line of the skit came from Boonshaft, who likened archery to bowel movements. (“It’s about taking all that focus and energy and releasing those juices in one explosion … like diarrhea.”) WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
• Emma Watson’s Best Cast acceptance speech for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” — The “Harry Potter” star was solo at tonight’s award show, but gave an endearing shout out to the castmates she shared the award with (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton). “Wherever you are, I miss you very deeply,” she said. She also thanked the hundreds of cast, crew and even characters — “… to Hedwig and Dobby! This is amazing!” — for making the movie a success.
• Emma Stone’s acceptance speech during Trailblazer Award win — Stone, the first winner of the Trailblazer award, thanked all of her inspirations, including Charlie Chaplin, but admitted she did not want to be like them. “I know that when you’re a teenager or even an adult, what can set you apart can feel like a burden,” she said, “and it’s not — it’s what makes you great.”
• Christian Bale tears up remembering Heath Ledger — The “The Dark Knight” lead was visibly emotional following a clip that recapped the first two films “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.” Along with costars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gary Oldman, they introduced director Christopher Nolan and a new sneak peek at “The Dark Knight Rises,” set for release July 20.

“REALLY?” MOMENTS

• Russell Brand’s obsession with Michael Fassbender’s penis — Brand poked fun of Fassbender, who went full-frontal in “Shame.” Brand, who claimed he went to school with Fassbender, said he was “embarrassed to admit that at the time I didn’t notice his huge, engorged talent as I was too busy staring at his massive c***.”
  
• Jennifer Aniston winning Best On-Screen Dirtbag — There’s an award for that? And did Aniston really thank “Friends” for letting her unleash “the inner sweetheart?”
• Kristen Stewart’s reaction to Jennifer Lawrence’s Best Female Performance win — “She couldn’t be here,” Stewart began, but awkwardly cried out, “which is such a bummer!”
• Joe Manganiello during the Best Transformation Award — The “True Blood” star came out shirtless with overalls, an axe and a fireman’s hat with the envelope containing the name of the Best Transformation Award winner. Elizabeth Banks walked up to receive the award and held the arms of award presenters Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum as she gave her speech. Manganiello, who also held the golden popcorn, placed it near his crotch and stood behind Banks. If that didn’t make her husband jealous enough, Manganiello picked her up and carried “The Hunger Games” star off the stage.
• Jim Carrey “mistakenly” thinks Emma Stone is Lindsay Lohan — In a clip featuring Stone’s castmates throughout her career, Carrey jokingly said Stone didn’t peak until “The Parent Trap.” While they may look similar, I wouldn’t consider likening the actress to Lohan a compliment, even if it were a joke.

The show was not without musical performances: fun. sang their hit “We Are Young” with Janelle Monaé and The Black Keys performed with Johnny Depp on guitar, who would win the 2012 Generation Award.

If you happened to miss the show, here is a list of the winners:

• Best On-Screen Dirtbag — Jennifer Anniston, Dr. Julia Harris in “Horrible Bosses”
• Breakthrough Performance — Shailene Woodley, Alex King in “The Descendants” (“This is for Hawaii and all those artists out there,” she said during her acceptance speech.)
• Best Male Performance— Josh Hutcherson, Peeta Mellark in “The Hunger Games”
• Best Female Performance — Jennifer Lawrence, Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games”
• Cult Classic — “Project X”
• Best Music — LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem” in “21 Jump Street”
• Best Kiss — Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1”
• 2012 Generation Award — Johnny Depp
• Best Fight — Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson vs. Alexander Ludwig, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark vs. Cato in “The Hunger Games”
• Best Cast — Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Tom Felton, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”
• Best Hero — Harry Potter, “Harry Potter” series
• Best Transformation — Elizabeth Banks, Effie Trinket in “The Hunger Games”
• Trailblazer Award — Emma Stone
• Movie of the Year — “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1”

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Adele gets personal in NBC special

English powerhouse Adele graced television sets across the country tonight in her first concert special, “Adele Live in London,” which also featured an exclusive sit-down interview with “Today” host Matt Lauer.

The 24-year-old singer has had a very successful career from past heartbreaks, evident in chart-topping hits like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Chasing Pavements” and “Someone Like You.” She won all six of her Grammy nominations earlier this year, right around the time she was recovering for a polyp that kept her voice mum for six months.

Adele opened up about the relationship that inspired her “21” album to Lauer, and said she’s “not bitter about it anymore,” right before she sang “Someone Like You” in front of thousands of fans at the Royal Albert Hall.

In addition, she told Lauer about life as a superstar, admitting that press dig through her own rubbish to get dirt — no pun intended — on her.

“I don’t want to be a celebrity,” she said. “I just want to make music.”

The full concert is available on DVD at http://www.adele.tv/

Phillip Phillips wins ‘Idol,’ ‘Duets’ premiere fulfills singing show withdrawals

For the fifth consecutive year, a male (white) guitar player was crowned the “American Idol.”

An emotional Phillip Phillips sings his coronation song, “Home,” as the winner of “American Idol.” (Image courtesy of americanidol.com)

Phillip Phillips, 21, from Leesburg, Ga., is the 11th winner of the reality show and now follows the footsteps of predecessors Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McCreery.

Review: ‘Thank You Camellia’ showcases Kris Allen’s songwriting growth

I’ll admit, it’s hard to write a review of anything I’m passionate about, because at one point, there will be bias. So I’m going to do this as best as I can, whilst having so much pride and love for this album and this man.

Album cover for “Thank You Camellia,” the sophomore album release by “American Idol” Season 8 champ Kris Allen.

It was 2009 when Kris Allen joined “American Idol.” The Arkansas native had next-to-zero screen time up until the live rounds, and in 12 weeks, he went from shadowing behind frontrunners Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud to taking the eighth “Idol” crown.

I’ll provide a track-by-track review of “Camellia,” but overall, in the three years since his “Idol” reign, Allen has gained such confidence in his musicality and writing ability, putting in every inch of effort and teaming up with some of today’s top songwriters to compose every song on this album. The “White Guys with Guitars” – WGWG, as they’re fondly called online – that have been winning “American Idol” since Season 7 don’t often get the credit or the platinum-selling awards they deserve, and not many release tracks that actually hit the top of the charts. That doesn’t mean, however, that the songs aren’t good, because most of the time they are.

And Kris Allen has done just that, in this 11-track record. I recommend purchasing the deluxe edition for three bonus tracks, also included in this review.

“Better With You” – The album begins with the sounds of soft footsteps and a sigh before Allen sings this cheery tune. No doubt about this one, it’s a happy, feel good track, just in time for the summer.

“The Vision of Love” – As the first single off “Thank You Camellia,” this song encompasses such a great message: a little help and encouragement are what everyone deserves. It held such promise for Allen’s sophomore release, and boy, did it deliver.

“My Weakness”  – When I heard this song, I had it on repeat for at least 10 times before I continued listening to the album. It’s got a whistle-able tune, and a bit of a Jason Mraz feel to it. I’d rank this in my top three favorite songs of the album. The only “weakness” to this song? It falls short of being three minutes long.

“Out Alive” – Allen doesn’t have the strongest vocal range, but his voice is pretty high or low. In this tune, he harnesses more of his lower register in verses and gets higher in the chorus to encourage someone their relationship will last, despite the odds.

“Monster” – Allen’s sweet and bashful image takes a turn in this track, as he warns his girl to be prepared that he is what what the title track says. “I’ve been telling you to run away / But you say you’re not scared / But when I break your heart some day / Girl you need to be prepared,” he says. I don’t believe Kris Allen is like that in real life, but again, the track is good.

“Blindfolded” – Allen sings what every girl in a relationship wants to hear, that her man will find her no matter what. The words are simple, with lyrics like “If I was blindfolded / If my memory was erased / If every sign pointed to another place / I’d still find you,” but tell me you’re not jealous of Mrs. Katy Allen right now.

“Teach Me How Love Goes” – Of all the tracks in this album, I didn’t particularly care for this one much. Allen’s guitar-playing skills, however, do get to shine here. There was just something missing in the content for me, though.

“Rooftops” – This song is just so. much. fun. It’s another Jason Mraz-y kind of song, and I would totally jam to this in the car one summer afternoon down the highway. Even if that means singing “Iiiiiii, I can’t help myself, I’m in love with a girl, with a girl, scream it on the rooftops all over the world.”

“Leave Love Alone” – While I don’t particularly agree in the concept of leaving someone alone for a night after a fight, the lyrics are crafted poignantly. (“I blamed it on you, but there is no evidence for my case / And I know the truth, but I still can’t point the blame in my face.”) I personally can’t stand not talking to someone after a disagreement. But the song is nice.

“Loves Me Not (feat. Meiko)” – I have no idea who Meiko is, but this song is unusually bubbly despite its lyrics, like “Why do you pick me up to watch me fall?” I wouldn’t want to be in this kind of relationship, but how can you not love this track? The evident irony is so effective.

“You Got a Way” – As I listen to this track, “You Got a Way” gives me flashbacks of Allen when he sang “To Make You Feel My Love” on Idol way back then. It’s a purely simple song that will have your heart moved.

“Turn the Pages” (deluxe album)  – If you got your hands onto the deluxe version of “Thank You Camellia,” you’re in for two extra treats. (Technically three extra treats, but I’ll get to that later.) This was the second track I had on repeat for about a dozen times. There was something about this song that I just fell in love with. I don’t know what it was, but I have it narrowed it down: the tune, the catchy chorus, Kris’ gentle high pitch when he sings “So if you feel like it’s getting harder to breathe, just try to hold on,” the connection to the song where it talks about not wanting a memorable night to end.

“Fighters” (deluxe album)  – “Fighters” is another one of those tracks that have a positive message. It’s much like “The Vision of Love,” but instead Allen’s message is saying we are all fighters and have the strength to get up when something or someone gets knocks us down. It’s a great listen to if you’re ever feeling like you’re getting kicked around.

“The Vision of Love (Maison & Dragen Radio Remix)” (deluxe album) – If you have the deluxe version, then this is the ultimate disappointment of the album. “The Vision of Love” did not need to be remixed into a dance version. If this is the version that gets released to radio, I’ll be bummed that Allen has to resort to this kind of measure to get promotion for his album. The remix takes away the message of the song. The only track I will not admit exists on the album.

OVERALL GRADE: A-
MUST LISTEN: “The Vision of Love,” “Turn the Pages” and “Fighters” (deluxe album only)
CATCHY TUNES: “My Weakness,” “Rooftops,” “Loves Me Not (feat. Meiko)”

LISTEN: Carrie Underwood warns ‘Good Girl’ in new single

"Good Girl" single cover

It looks like Carrie Underwood is keeping the promise she made in last year’s American Country Awards. 2012, she said, would be a big year.

And judging that her new single, released less than 24 hours ago, is steadily climbing the iTunes charts, fans can expect Underwood to reign the country genre once again.

“Good Girl” is the 16th single from the Season 4 “American Idol” champ, and although it is a country song, there are catchy pop-like hooks and Underwood shows off her rock influences when she hits those killer notes. (Underwood recently performed with “Idol” judge Steven Tyler for CMT’s “Crossroads,” right before the Super Bowl game.) “Good Girl” was also written by Underwood, along with Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano.

Take a listen to the song below. Support the artist by purchasing the song on iTunes.

‘Glee’ tackles ‘Grease,’ proposals and shockers galore

Lima-Heights.org would not be lima-heights.org without some “Glee.”

After losing out to “Modern Family” in last weekend’s Golden Globes, “Glee” came back strong tonight in its 10th episode, entitled “Yes/No” — an episode that I thought was the best of the season. (Pretty sure I’ve said that a few times this season…)

Considering all the storylines they had to jam in the hour, “Glee” wasted no time as it started off the episode with the girls nagging Mercedes to spill the details of her ongoing chemistry with Sam. Finally, Mercedes admits they had a “summer fling,” which goes right into the first musical number of the night: “Summer Nights” from the classic musical, “Grease.”

The number was extremely cute, but a little ridiculous in that it was a replica of the 1960s movie, with the boys on the steps and Sam in the leather jacket. And why did Puck kiss Sam’s fist when he asked about specifics about Sam’s fling with his ex? So bizarre. But obviously, their “summer fling” meant more to Sam than it meant to Mercedes… or did it? Sam, desperate to win her back, begs Coach Bieste to let him on a sports team, but the basketball team was full. So poor guy had no other choice but to join synchronized swimming.

This episode also hosted two guest stars: NeNe Leakes and Helen Mirren.

Leakes plays the swimming coach, who humorously called Sam “one strange-lookin’ kid. I’ve never seen lips like that on a white child, and one of your nipples is higher than the other. I bet you had to overcome a lot with those crooked nipples, well I know a thing or two about overcoming. When I was growing up, they said that black people couldn’t swim. But I had a dreaaam! That one day, I would get to the Promise Land…” Major props to the writers for that epic speech of hers. (Let me guess, Ian Brennan?)

Mirren doesn’t have a visible role on the show, however, she lends her voice to Becky Jackson, Sue’s accomplice. There’s something rather epic when you hear Helen Mirren say “I’m the hottest bitch at McKinley High School.”

Love is in the air at McKinley High as Becky eyes Artie Abrams, who she describes as “sweet, sexy and handicapable like me, with a voice as velvety as my favorite Sunday church dress.” Too bad Artie has his eyes on new Glee member Sugar Motta. And when Sugar turns her down, Artie starts to hang out with Becky, unknowingly leading her on.

Coach Bieste gets some loving, too. We find out no more than five minutes into the show that the football coach eloped with her boyfriend. The news brings tears to guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury’s eyes, who is convinced that her boyfriend, Will Schuester, does not want to marry her. In a rather strange turn of events, Sue tells Emma, “It’s 2012! If you want to marry Will Schuester, ask him.”

Emma, in all her doe-eyed cuteness, breaks into “Wedding Bell Blues,” with backing vocals from Bieste and Sue. Jayma Mays such as an incredible voice, and her range is normally so high up, so it was very nice to hear her lower register. And in true Emma Pillsbury cuteness, she realizes that she actually sang it out loud for Will to hear, which then inspires him to enlist help from his glee club to stage the perfect proposal.

The boys, particularly Artie and Mike, tell Mr. Schue to avoid the typical sappy ballad, and let his Mick Jagger hips swoon Emma. The boys then break out into an awesome mashup of “Moves Like Jagger” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Kevin McHale, who plays Artie, has one of the best voices — and moves — of the entire cast. But poor guy! Becky happens to witness the number and tell Artie that was a good “part one” of their date. The glee club get concerned that he’ll lead her on and call for a “Beckyvention.” Artie defends Becky and claims after getting to know her he found that she was a cool person, however, Santana tells him straight up: “I know her. She’s a sly, conniving bitch.”

As much as I do not like the Artie/Becky pairing, I do admit the story was very heartfelt. The way Artie defended Becky moved me, even though his friends were right all along.

“You guys talk a good game about how it’s OK to be different, how it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but I think you’re just as narrow minded as the rest of this school. I like spending time with Becky; she knows what it’s like to be trapped by a disability. She doesn’t care what people think about her; she’s really optimistic about life, which is really amazing considering what life has handed her.” — Artie Abrams.

Artie, however, realizes the hard way that his friends were right. Becky confronts Artie, telling him she’s ready for sex. Artie immediately goes to Sue for advice, and she just tells him to tell her the truth that he’s not interested in her, because all she wants is to be treated just like everyone else. Artie does so at the very end of the episode, and a heartbroken Becky shares a moment with her mentor.

When Finn and Will went out to look for wedding rings, I found it a little strange that Will would ask Finn, his student, to be his best man, but whenever Cory Monteith has that goofy smile and hugs people, Finn is a perfect human being — but so flawed. He confides in Will that he wants to join the Army and follow in his father’s footsteps. Will informs Finn’s mother and stepfather about his choice, and Finn’s life takes a dramatic turn when his mother reveals that his dad didn’t die a war hero — he served in Iraq, but was dishonorably discharged and died of a drug overdose.

I feel so terribly sad for Finn, but I applaud the “Glee” writers for giving Cory Monteith such a powerful storyline. If anyone ever doubted Monteith’s acting, they absolutely have to watch this episode (and “The First Time”). He does such a great job dealing with pain and suffering, and not to mention the chemistry between him and Romy Rosement (Carol Hudson-Hummel) is astounding.

Finn’s problems bring Rachel to sing to him “Without You” by David Guetta and Usher. I was hesitant when I heard that they were tackling this song, but it was nicely stripped down and Lea Michele can do no wrong.

Adding to the drama, Will meets with the glee club girls who sing “The First Time,” led by Rachel Berry, but also featuring solos from Mercedes, Tina and Santana. As each misty-eyed girl sang, it showed sweet little clips of them with their boyfriends and girlfriend… except Mercedes, who kept having flashbacks of Sam, instead of her quarterback boyfriend, Shane. Uh oh! (Or as the “Samcedes” shipper heart in me is going: “YES!”) She breaks down after the number and tells the girls about her doubts, to which Rachel tells Mercedes to take it slow and listen to her heart… and that maybe the spark with Sam is still there. (Once again, “YES!”)

Following their bad first encounter earlier this season, Will invites Emma’s parents back to his house and asks them for their permission to marry Emma. They decline, reminding Will of Emma’s OCD problem, which then churns doubts in Will about proposing. Will tells Emma to think realistically about their future, which Emma pleads that she’s trying her best to overcome her disease.

“Can I promise you that I’m going to get better? No. This is what you get — you know, this incomplete person with toothbrushes and rubber gloves and with so much love for you. ” — Emma Pillsbury.

Will realizes that he’s ready to take the leap with Emma, and that’s when Sam tells him about his great proposal idea. Will walks Emma down the halls of McKinley High, with students, Bieste and even Sue handing her a white rose. Along with the synchronized swimming team, the glee club perform Rihanna’s “We Found Love” at the pool. Will comes out at the end of the number in an all-white suit, and pops the question.

And she says yes.

But wait. The show’s not over? What?!

Rachel finds Finn at the auditorium looking at a picture of his father. He tells Rachel that he wanted to make a picnic like their first date, and they briefly reminisce about that moment.

And then comes this speech, which has every Finchel fan on the floor:

“I just feel like all my life I’ve been wondering if I was ever going to be as much of a man as my father was. Now all of a sudden I’m up at night, worried, that I’m going to become the man he was. Let’s face it, I got ‘High School Hero, Life Zero’ written all over me — except for one thing: you. You’re like a beacon of light guiding me through the darkness. You’re like this big gold star, and for some bizarre reason, you chose to let me love you. And I feel like if I can just convince you to let me keep doing that, then I’m going to be OK; everything’s going to be OK. I opened up my first credit card to get this, and I know it’s not a swimming pool full of dancers or a tux or it’s not very big… but it’s a promise: a promise to keep loving you for the rest of my life. All you’ve got to do is say ‘yes.’ Rachel Berry, will you marry me?” — Finn Hudson

We’ll find out next week what Rachel says in the Michael Jackson tribute episode. Oh my gosh, I can’t stand it! I honestly don’t know if she should say yes… My Finchel heart is conflicted. How about yours? What did you think? Leave comments!

‘The Artist’ wins big at 2012 Golden Globes

For a silent film, “The Artist” made a lot of noise at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards.

“The Artist,” which pays homage to Hollywood’s black-and-white silent film era, swept the film categories of the award show — it won best musical or comedy, best actor in a musical or comedy (Jean Dujardin) and best score.

Also recipients of Golden Globes were Michelle Williams (best actress in a musical or comedy movie), Octavia Spencer (best supporting actress in a musical or comedy movie), Meryl Streep (best actress in a drama movie) and George Clooney (best actor in a musical or comedy movie) for his role in “The Descendants.”

“Glee” couldn’t sing its way to another Golden Globe this year, and “New Girl” was just too fresh; the Hollywood Foreign Press to give “Modern Family” won for best TV comedy or musical for the third time.

For the full list of winners, visit http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/.