On Nov. 17, British boy band One Direction released their fourth album in three years: FOUR. These international superstars continue to be successful in the music industry and in stealing our hearts.

Though most of their fan base consists primarily of teenage girls, for years, Harry, Niall, Zayn, Liam and Louis have made it nearly impossible for us pseudo-adults to not bop our heads to an insanely catchy tune or sing along with our best friends after a glass of wine — or three.

With clean records in the eyes of the media, their charismatic attitudes towards fans and booming international success created the perfect explanation of why these young men continue to deliver.

Time has provided expansion and experimentation in the types of styles One Direction places uniquely within each album, proving just how much they have grown in a more sophisticated manner over the past few years.

Like every opportunity, being successful in a boy band has its shelf life before the youthful talent fades away (i.e. Justin Bieber). Need I say more? But it seems to be that this group of five is only becoming something greater than they already were, with age and their name continues to stay as white hot as the day when “What Makes You Beautiful” was originally released.

FOUR brings in more of an electric strum of a guitar with an ’80s and ’90s-like vibe to each of the songs. The lyrics, instead of the usual ‘trying to get the girl,’ highlight more of the growing pains that come with the boy to man growing pain and the relationships that come with it.

One of FOUR’s top hits thus far, “18″ deals with just that. This slower ballad, co-written by Ed Sheeran, pines after the teenage years that seem like they were just yesterday for these young men — because they were. 20-year-old Harry Styles sang, “I want to love like you made me feel when we were 18.” Ah yes, to be so young again!

Other chart toppers and songs that you may be hearing repeatedly on the radio for the next six months include hits, “Steal My Girl,” “Girl Almighty” and “Ready To Run” that are too catchy to skip. The pulsating, foot-stomping beat of many of their songs, keeps as One Direction’s signature, making their name stay on everyone’s mind in the pop world.

FOUR successfully eases that awkward transition from boy band to being taken seriously by a wider audience. This time around, tweaks were made in the lyrics in order to become not only more relevant but more realistic to their adult lives.

Although FOUR may not stand as tall as “Midnight Memories” or “Take Me Home,” past albums with multiple songs of which I favored more, I give it four stars for not being disappointed. This quintet shows diligence, allowing nobody to catch his or her breath before cranking out another booming record.

Follow Audrey Bittner on Twitter @PodgeTown

I never thought that the qualities of stupidity, hilarity and (seriously mindless) entertainment could balance one another out so perfectly.

After 20 years, directors and brothers Bobby and Peter Farrelly have brought back the dynamic dimwitted duo, Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) to the silver screen to make us feel a lot smarter, even if we may have lost a few brain cells while viewing this sequel.

Harry (Daniels) in need of a kidney transplant from a blood relative goes to his Asian parents in hopes of being successful. Clearly, Harry is adopted which results in a mini and hilarious “light bulb” moment from both Harry and Lloyd who of course, had no idea.

On their way out, Harry’s non-biological father hands him a box with mail they’ve received over the years. In it Harry and Lloyd find a postcard marked from 1991. An old flame had written to Harry saying she was pregnant, “light bulb!” Harry has a child that he has never met. This moment ignites the fire for another cross-country adventure to find what we later learn to be his 22-year-old daughter Penny played by Rachel Melvin who was given up for adoption by her biological mother.

Now we’ve got a lead, a chase and a blood-relative all in hopes of receiving a suitable kidney.

The film is stacked a mile high with idiot pranks, gnarly plot twists and that kind of crude humor that takes a second to understand before retracting in mild disgust. All hallmarks of the film are renewed from the classic dog grooming mobile to Lloyd’s upside-down breath spray moment.

Since the first Dumb and Dumber, the careers of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels have cooled down significantly compared to their high success in the ’90s, but I was highly impressed by how at ages 52 and 59, they were able to bring back the same unhinged energy and farce with plenty of eagerness.

Still wondering if you should spend a couple bucks to see this or wait for Red Box? The amount of one-liners and gags that range from giggling to gut-twisting howls made this something I wouldn’t want others to wait for it to come to DVD.

Despite the purely profane and raunchy humor this film insures, the Farrelly brothers still have a way of gently pulling on our heartstrings, showing the tightly bound pathos Harry and Lloyd continue to share for one another and solidifying the fact that 20 is really — just a number.

Follow Audrey Bittner on Twitter @PodgeTown

Last Wednesday marked the 48th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and it was one of the most unusual in country music’s history.

Expected: the disappearance of Taylor Swift, who finally made an overdue step down from her soapbox to accept the inevitable genre classification of pop — something she should have done two years ago, when her last album Red was a smashing hit.

Regardless, the show was missing that usual pep in its step. Swift’s awkward dance moves were missed this year.

Hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood joked all night about “post-partum Taylor Swift disorder,” which was funny, until they wouldn’t stop — like when a friend keeps obsessively explaining to you why she doesn’t care that her ex-boyfriend didn’t show up to the party.

Unexpected: one of the opening acts consisted of Meghan Trainor singing “All About That Bass” as a country-fied duet with Miranda Lambert, and Ariana Grande coming out of nowhere to similarly sing “Bang Bang” with Little Big Town.

My guess? They met backstage for the first time five minutes before performing.

Both were not only out of element for all artists involved, but also unnecessary. These forced collaborations added nothing more than a noticeably sore attempt to fill the pop-music void Swift had left behind.

Aside from the two outliers, most performances lacked chemistry and offered frayed vocals. Things were too off-balance as many of the slower, duller songs from the past were done, rather than the loud strumming of a country guitar and those flashy lights that give you goose bumps.

Don’t get me wrong, the classics are always great, but the show seriously lacked younger, more current country artists. Instead, they left us with their year-old leftovers — nothing too fresh or too new.

Luckily, Kacey Musgraves brought a little hope to my sinking heart as she won “song of the year” for “Follow Your Arrow.” Musgraves showed the boot print Swift left behind when she reshaped country music’s sound and individualism, something also seen from young artists like Hunter Hayes, Dan + Shay and Lucy Hale.

Though I’m a fan of the artists who took away the highest awards including Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, the Association should have widened their spectrum more.

Swift was a legacy, but the fire of country needs a strong re-kindling since she hopped off the saddle years ago.

Follow Audrey Bittner on Twitter @PodgeTown

We’re all thinking it, but not everyone says it out loud. History does indeed repeat itself, or in this case, films and TV shows bring forth many renditions of old storylines that were so popular in their day, they have the opportunity to shine even brighter with a new cast, slightly altered storyline and most importantly, a new generation ready to enjoy them.

With fall being the most popular season to release new primetime television series and winter break right around the corner, I’ve constructed a list of what I know you should add to your next binge-watching extravaganza.

If you like Seinfeld or The Mindy Project, you should watch Mulaney:

The perfect formula has been set once again. Real-life comedian John Mulaney stars in his own TV show revolving around his life, work, roommates and New York. The show stars John Mulaney as himself, SNL alumni Nasim Pedrad and Martin Short. This brings the classic sitcom vibe many of us grew up with. Airs Sunday on FOX 9:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Fox.

Actually, just start watching these back to back because they air one after the other. Starring Academy Award Nominee Viola Davis as a top notch criminal defense professor, she and a group of her students become involved in a murder plot that will change the trajectory of their lives for all days to come. This show has a fiery female lead and an ambitious cast that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Airs Thursdays on ABC at 10 p.m.

Photo courtesy of ABC.

This political drama truly captures the imbedding qualities and fearlessness of Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton into its leading lady. Téa Leoni stars in the new drama, giving an inside look at her personal and professional life and the balance she is left to find as the Secretary of State. Airs on Sunday on CBS at 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of CBS.

These two new series bring classic tales into a new light. Gotham serves as a prequel as Commissioner James Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie) rises to prominence in Gotham City before the existence of Batman. Flash, a spinoff of the original, brings back adventure to our TV screens as forensic scientist Barry Allen plays a superhero that is quick as lightning. Gotham airs Monday on FOX at 8 p.m and Flash airs on Tuesday on CW at 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Fox.

Stalker, one of this fall’s most thrilling drams, follows the Threat Assessment Unit in the LAPD as they solve various crimes of stalking throughout Los Angeles. Watch Dylan McDermott, Maggie Q and Victor Rasuk take over the City of Angels Wednesday on CBS at 10 p.m.

Photo courtesy of CBS.

Somehow, by random chance, some of our favorite films are coming out with sequels, and they all happen to be released this November. Just in time to savor, as we bundle up on these chilly November days, get cozy in a movie theater and spend time laughing our asses off. Keep your schedule open and an eye on movie times because next time you’re looking for a treat, these sequels ought to be at the top of your list.

Dumb and Dumber To — It has been 20 years since we last saw Harry and Lloyd dominate the silver screen, making this franchise into a classic– something many of us grew up with, and its sequel is finally here after what seems like the longest wait. In this new adventure, Harry (Jeff Daniels) discovers that he has a daughter who was adopted. He and Lloyd (Jim Carrey) set off cross country to try and find his daughter, and of course, Lloyd lusts after her — we wouldn’t expect anything less from Carrey. Opens Nov. 14.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I — The highly anticipated beginning of the end of The Hunger Games trilogy is headed our way in less than a few weeks. The infamous heroine, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), has changed the games and now must fight for her nation, which has forever been changed with the help of her tremendous courage. Join the adventure on Nov. 21.

Horrible Bosses 2 — The limit of ridiculousness at the movies just got raised to a whole new level in this wild sequel. Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), Nick (Jason Bateman) and Dale (Charlie Day) are back with a new kind of scheme on their hands. After deciding to launch their own business, a wealthy investor decides to take them down. Once again not thinking too clearly, the trio kidnaps the investor’s son under ransom to take back ownership of their business. See what happens next on Nov. 26.

Penguins of Madagascar — The penguins we all know from stealing the show in the Madagascar series have their own spinoff that is a must see, no matter what your age. DreamWorks Animation brings back Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private to work with the North Wind, an elite undercover task force to prevent Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich) from taking over the world. Don’t miss out on all the laughs on Nov. 26.

Los Angeles is too often considered the end all, be all of everything cinematic.

But before you make the big move to L.A., listen up, film fanatics. Especially those who are artistic and/or reluctant to leave Oregon.

Have you ever heard of Laika? It’s not necessarily a household name, but many of their movies are major animated films like Coraline, The Boxtrolls and ParaNorman. They create animation the old-fashioned way, from hand, using a variety of tools and techniques such as drawings and sculptures from hand or machinery.

What might ring an even louder bell is Phil Knight’s son, Travis Knight. That’s right, Laika studios are co-owned by Phil Knight and his son, Travis, who serves as the company’s president and CEO.

Laika is located in Hillsboro, which is just 15 miles outside of Portland. Their goal is to bring handcrafted, original animated content to the big screen. Their first produced short was Moongirl back in 2005, which may strike a nostalgic chord from most of our childhoods. Even more exciting: ParaNorman was nominated for an Academy Award and Coraline was highly critically acclaimed.

What may seem like a company that spurted out of nowhere actually developed from the financially struggling Will Vinton Studios back in the late 1990s.

One of its outside investors, Phil Knight made Henry Selick, the director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, the supervising director of the studio. Out of this came Laika Entertainment for feature films and Laika/house, used for commercial work.

A major animation company like Laika highly prides itself on giving its employees freedom in what they enjoy to do. There are opportunities for both business and artist professionals.

Even more beneficial: Laika offers paid internships year round for college juniors and seniors. On their website, current job postings are updated frequently and have specific steps, so if you’re considering applying, the FAQs serve as the most helpful guide you can get.

And with Knight’s name somewhere on the credits, Laika is the next big thing you need to add to your to-do list for post-grad, future jobs applications.

Whether it’s a gateway into the business aspect of the film industry you’re looking for, a place where you can truly make your artistic ability shine or somewhere close to home, be sure to check out Laika on your next job hunting excursion because the traffic is a hell of a lot better in Portland than it is in L.A.

Christmas came early this year.

On Oct. 28, comedian, SNL alum and current Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler released her first book, Yes Please. These words, when together, bring forth power and preciseness, according to Poehler. “Saying ‘yes’ doesn’t mean I don’t know how to say no and saying ‘please’ doesn’t mean I am waiting for permission,” she noted.

This mid-life memoir is both ambitious and earnest, fiery and tender, much like its author.

Reading about Poehler’s simple childhood, first jobs and memories in “the biz” was sort of like reading a hilarious history book. However, at 329 pages, the book is an easy read. Best of all, it’s relatable for women of any age.

Comedic memoir prefaces are always the best, like licking the frosting off of a cupcake before devouring the rest. In hers, Poehler discusses about how hard it was to write a book – it’s accurately titled “Writing Is Hard.” Nevertheless, her impeccable and unique narrating style made it a gem.

At just 43 years old, she does not see herself as “middle aged” quite yet. She can drink with the 20-year-olds, but will take a week to recover and still isn’t excited for dinner at 5:30 p.m. She discusses all this, as well as her experimentation with cocaine in the 90′s drug scene, which she said was “terrific if you want to hang out with people you don’t know very well and play ping-pong all night. It’s bad for everything else.”

She recalled her fondest memories at SNL: When she went into labor the morning of a show and Seth Myers had to do Weekend Update by himself for the first time or when she was looking for aspirin and was offered ten loose pills from Johnny Knoxville’s jean pocket. The years she spent at SNL were described as “laughing then crying then laughing.” And speaking of funny, she gives the skinny on how and why she fell in love with improv in Boston, Chicago and New York, New York long before she became famous.

But don’t expect an explanation of why Amy and her ex-husband Will Arnett split up – she said it’s “too sad and too personal.” She wants readers to be entertained, not sympathetic.

She doesn’t focus on one subject for too long, which makes the book almost as jumpy as she is. Unlike Tina Fey’s Bossypants or Lena Dunham’s Not That Kind of Girl, the memoir is organized chaos containing small essay-like stories, a chapter written by Seth Meyers, a letter from Hillary Clinton and even blank pages to ask your parents your birth story, which makes it complicated to fully enjoy at some points.

However, it proves that just because it’s your memoir, doesn’t mean it can be too much of a scrapbook.

Indeed, Yes Please reminded me why I love Poehler as much as I do, but the messiness got to me.

This melting pot of personal stories from parenthood, friends, sex and relationships offers some hilarious advice that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This memoir is not all laughs, however.

Poehler is a woman who precisely knows when to throw in a one-liner that punches us right in the funny bone and this book is one of the rare ones out there that truly holds words to live by. Like, “Treat your career like a bad boyfriend,” and most importantly, “If its not funny, you don’t have to laugh.”

One of the many things you probably did not know about Eugene is that they host an international film festival right here in town at many of our local movie theaters. From Nov. 7-9, you can indulge in forty-five films ranging from three to 98 minutes.

Filmmakers from cultures across the globe have submitted a variety of films to satisfy everyone’s viewing pleasure. Eugene International Film Festival’s main purpose, other than sharing unique films with the world, is to create social connections through networking — to help films be seen by talent agents, producers, distributors, exhibitors and webcasters.

Throughout the festival, events are held for filmmakers like the buffet mixer, cocktail and snack lounge and an awards ceremony. These multiple and exciting events throughout the festival provide easy networking opportunities.

There is also a filmmakers/screenwriters retreat that is offered to those entered in the festival. This retreat lasts for three days and is spent with Hollywood professional writers, agents and distributors to spend as much quality time as possible to receive hands on experience and quality advice on your work. The benefits are truly endless from being a part of the Eugene International Film Festival.

There really is something for everyone at the festival, with genres ranging from documentaries, science fiction, animation, young audience, art and experimental, making of or behind the scenes, narrative, comedy, youth theme and pilots.

Eugene International Film Festival as been noted as one of Americas top film festivals by multiple directors, producers and screenwriters in Hollywood. And on top of that, whenever does a weekend filled with fantastic films ever disappoint? Plan your viewing schedule by visiting the festivals website at www.eugenefilmfest.org/schedule .

I’ve got two words that are guaranteed to make your mouth water: Salted … Caramels. So brown sugar-buttery, milk chocolaty, topped with fresh rock salt that I was nearly drooling over as manager Anne Gregory of Goody’s Chocolate gave me a sample of their most popular item here, at the Eugene location in the 5^th Street Public Market. I stopped by the shop to get an inside scoop on why this local and very unique chain has stellar reviews on Yelp! and is a crowd pleaser from locals to travelers looking for a treat straight off I-5.

Founded 31 years ago by owners Dane and Jvon Danforth, Goody’s currently has eight locations and seven partnering stores. What I loved about Goody’s is not only their unique selection of sweets and treats, but also the freshness of it all. The chocolate sold in the Eugene location is actually made fresh in the store by the people who work there. Just like anything else in Oregon, you know it’s going to be just as unique as it’s people; dark chocolate covered Oreos, milk chocolate potato chips and milk chocolate sea foam were just a few that caught my eye, and my sweet tooth. There is also a wide assortment of truffles as well as your other favorite classics, just as I found satisfaction in my favorite milk chocolate and caramel duo.

“At this time of year, our most popular item, especially for Halloween is our gummy body parts,” Anne gleefully told me. She motioned over to behind the counter of chocolates where an entire wall of glass jars held every gummy and loose hard candy that ever lived. From gummy frogs, to pumpkins, and sour belts, you can also find classics like candy buttons and Jelly Beans. Speaking of classics, Anne led me to another corner of the store that held not only candies that you could find at the local mini mart, which she said are popular with travelers passing through Eugene, but a small section dedicated to all of the nostalgia candy. You name it, Abba-zaba, Charleston Chew, U-No and everything under the sun packed into a little corner of childhood we all love to remember. “Oh, I love these hamburger gummies! My grandpa always used to give me these when I was a kid” joyfully reflects UO student, Aaron Smirnoff.

And that is not even the half of it. Goody’s also has gourmet popcorn that comes in some of the wildest flavors I’ve ever seen; pizza, banana and green apple are just a few. Of course, the delectable peanut butter chocolate and caramel corn is also available. “I hand season and drizzle the popcorn myself” proudly states Anne.

Lastly, what sweet shop would be complete without ice cream? In fact, just in time for Halloween, this Friday will have a special delivery of flavors including pumpkin spice, Dutch apple, brownie batter and Oreo.

Next time you’re thinking about gifts this season, head over to Goody’s to pick up some last minute treats on your way home for the holidays because this sweet little gem is everything you need to treat a crowd or just yourself.

Follow Goody’s on Instagram @goodyseugene

Follow Audrey Bittner @PodgeTown

Tearjerker: the single word to describe the ninth and latest novel-to-silver-screen adaptation from the cupid of our generation, Nicholas Sparks. The author released The Best Of Me on October 17, with a plot line reminiscent of The Notebook: passionate with young love torn apart, then rekindled by none other than fate itself.

After living separate lives for 20 years, former high school sweethearts Dawson (played by James Marsden) and Amanda (played by Michelle Monaghan) find themselves back in their hometown, forcefully reunited after an old mutual friend passed away and left their names on his will. The reunion between the two exes starts out bitter, then turns sweet. Many secrets and mysteries of these tragic lovers’ pasts are peeled back, layer by layer, through a series of flashbacks. Luke Bracey plays a young Dawson and Liana Liberato, a young Amanda. The classic star-crossed lovers storyline now comes into full effect.

Dawson comes from a tragic past, a long line of notorious, “trailer trash” family members and a father who beats him. Amanda comes from a privileged lifestyle with parents who believe they know what is best for her future, which (naturally) includes breaking up with Dawson. The couple becomes separated by an accident involving a gun and puppy-eyed Dawson being sentenced to eight years in prison. Amanda insists on making their separated lives work, but Dawson cuts it off with barely half an explanation. Typical Nicholas Sparks.

Twenty years pass, Dawson lives a simple life alone while Amanda finds herself in a loveless marriage – the perfect formula for a scandalous reunion. Old feelings and regrets resurface, leading to a few days of a careless affair and the struggle to face its impending consequences.

I won’t give away the ending, but I will say that I was disappointed. Then again, I have never left a romantic drama fully satisfied because it always ends to my distaste. In my opinion, the film focused a little too much on Dawson’s relationship with his abusive father as well as a few other issues on Amanda’s end. This distracted me from being able to fully immerse myself into Dawson and Amanda’s relationship. Nevertheless, if you’re a sucker for romance like me, give it a shot on your next date night. Maybe you can handle this emotional roller coaster ride better than I did.

Follow Audrey Bittner on Twitter @PodgeTown