Dan In Real Life - Steve Carrell has been on a big-time roll in the past few years (excluding Evan Almighty) and is heading towards Jim Carrey levels of comedy success. This is a very intelligent and very entertaining flick.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
Saw IV - Another year, another Saw movie. Well, let's face it, it's really just the same one over and over again with less interesting characters.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Modern Rock Update
Albums:
Jimmy Eat World debuted at #5 with Chase The Light.
Santana debuted at #8 with a... greatest hits album.
Also debuting this week was Thrice at #24 and REM at #72.
Modern and Mainstream Rock:
The Foo Fighters stayed at #1 on both charts.
Debuting this week on Modern was Linkin Park at #20 with "Shadow Of The Day" and on Mainstream were Drowning Pool's "Soldiers" at #20 and Godsmack's butchery of one of my favorite Zeppelin tunes "Good Times Bad Times" at #16.
Jimmy Eat World debuted at #5 with Chase The Light.
Santana debuted at #8 with a... greatest hits album.
Also debuting this week was Thrice at #24 and REM at #72.
Modern and Mainstream Rock:
The Foo Fighters stayed at #1 on both charts.
Debuting this week on Modern was Linkin Park at #20 with "Shadow Of The Day" and on Mainstream were Drowning Pool's "Soldiers" at #20 and Godsmack's butchery of one of my favorite Zeppelin tunes "Good Times Bad Times" at #16.
New Shit This Week
DVDs:
Spider-man 3 - The least of the Spider-man movies (by FAR), is still worth a purchase for the special effects alone.
VERDICT - Buy It.
Mr. Brooks - This surprisingly good underachiever is worth a look, but not quite worth a purchase.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Home Of The Brave - I don't know much about this movie, but it's got a great cast and I've heard good things.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Talk To Me - A well-reviewed movie that never saw the light of day, this is definitely worth a rent.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Hostel 2 - This sequel is actually better than the original, but no one went to see it, so you'll probably never believe me.
VERDICT - Rent It.
License To Wed - A rather dumb movie, but just about the only comedy being released this week, so if that's what you're looking for...
VERDICT - Rent It.
The Wendall Baker Story - It looks good, but the reviews were mixed.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Captivity - The lowest rung on the torture porn ladder didn't get anyone to see it in theaters, which is a good sign for humanity.
VERDICT - Skip It.
CDs:
Serj Takian - Elect The Dead - The first single reminds me a lot of System Of A Down and that's more than enough for me to give this one a buy nod.
VERDICT - Buy It.
Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation - Pete Doherty puts down the crack-pipe long enough to record this album. So far when he does that it's been fantastic, so this one gets a full recommendation.
VERDICT - Buy It.
Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World For Tomorrow - Seriously, do you really think anyone pays enough attention to your music to notice that there's a massive 5 album prog story arch running through it? Most people just know you guys for the lead singer's screeching vocals and that's all anyone will know you for.
VERDICT - Borrow it.
Spider-man 3 - The least of the Spider-man movies (by FAR), is still worth a purchase for the special effects alone.
VERDICT - Buy It.
Mr. Brooks - This surprisingly good underachiever is worth a look, but not quite worth a purchase.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Home Of The Brave - I don't know much about this movie, but it's got a great cast and I've heard good things.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Talk To Me - A well-reviewed movie that never saw the light of day, this is definitely worth a rent.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Hostel 2 - This sequel is actually better than the original, but no one went to see it, so you'll probably never believe me.
VERDICT - Rent It.
License To Wed - A rather dumb movie, but just about the only comedy being released this week, so if that's what you're looking for...
VERDICT - Rent It.
The Wendall Baker Story - It looks good, but the reviews were mixed.
VERDICT - Rent It.
Captivity - The lowest rung on the torture porn ladder didn't get anyone to see it in theaters, which is a good sign for humanity.
VERDICT - Skip It.
CDs:
Serj Takian - Elect The Dead - The first single reminds me a lot of System Of A Down and that's more than enough for me to give this one a buy nod.
VERDICT - Buy It.
Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation - Pete Doherty puts down the crack-pipe long enough to record this album. So far when he does that it's been fantastic, so this one gets a full recommendation.
VERDICT - Buy It.
Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World For Tomorrow - Seriously, do you really think anyone pays enough attention to your music to notice that there's a massive 5 album prog story arch running through it? Most people just know you guys for the lead singer's screeching vocals and that's all anyone will know you for.
VERDICT - Borrow it.
Modern Rock Reviews
Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere - A
The Boss' best song in a couple years, "Radio Nowhere" has a "Born in the USA" vibe to it, but an appropriately mature sound as well.
Serj Tankian Empty Walls A
Finally, the return of an artist that I actually WANT to hear more music from. Serj is technically on his own, but his first single sounds like it could have easily been lifted from any of the SOAD albums. If you're curious, that's a VERY good thing. Only now it's better because it's just Serj and we don't have to put up with Chris' screechy vocals.
Modest Mouse We've Got Everything A-
The weird thing about Modest Mouse is that they may be the first band I've come across whose songs seem to sound better each time you hear them. This is a fine example of that phenomenon. By the end of the year, I wouldn't be shocked if I move this one to an "A+".
Siouxsie Sioux Into A Swan B+
The original queen of goth rock returns with a peppy and clever song with a great beat.
Tegan And Sara Back In Your Head B+
Not quite their best, but still an excellent indie pop tune with a distinctive sound.
The National Mistaken For Strangers B+
An interesting post-punk throwback that distinguishes itself from bands that are just ripping off post-punk bands instead of making their own style.
Motion City Soundtrack This Is For Real B+
At this point, they're probably second behind Fall Out Boy for their pop punk genre. Their new album is their best yet and this first single is possibly their best song yet. Not quite great, but maybe getting there.
The Arctic Monkeys Old Yellow Bricks B
Above average for most bands, but right in the middle for the Monkeys. They just can't seem to pick the right songs to release as singles.
VHS Or Beta Can't Believe A Word B
A solid debut for this band. The song itself is full of hooks and has above average lyrics.
Stone Sour Zzyxz Rd. B
Another solid, but not quite excellent ballad from Stone Sour. Hard to believe the singer in this band is the singer from Slipknot, isn't it?
Athlete Hurricane B
Not the best song I've heard from them, but it's still a pretty good, if tame, slice of indie rock.
Coheed And Cambria The Running Free B
Their sound is starting to wear thin, but they can still create some good hooks and great choruses, so never mind that you need a handbook to figure out what the hell is going on in their songs.
The Hives Tick Tick Boom B
Another clever song from the Hives, but they're all starting to bleed together at this point.
The Cribs Men's Needs B
Though the song does sound an awful lot like The Strokes, it does still have a good guitar riff and solid hooks throughout.
Monster In The Machine Savior B
Pretty good, but definitely the latest in the "let's steal from Joy Division" genre and not quite the best.
Jimmy Eat World Big Casino B
Another exactly-average song from the most exactly-average band in rock n roll history.
Maroon 5 Wake Up Call B
A catchy, but lyrically lazy follow-up to the razor-sharp "Makes Me Wonder".
SKindred Ratrace B
They still get points for originality, but this song isn't nearly as much fun as their singles from their last album.
Dave Gahan Kingdom B
A good debut single from the new solo album from Depeche Mode's lead singer, but the song never really takes off.
Puscifer Queen B B
Maynard James Keenan takes a weird post-punk turn with the first single from his latest side project (#87, but who's keeping track). It's good, but not as good as his other projects have been.
Matt Nathanson Car Crash B
Catchy, but borrows rather heavily from Switchfoot for my tastes.
Shadows Fall Another Hero Lost B
A lyrically weak metal song is somewhat redeemed by excellent guitar work.
Bobaflex Home B
An average Pink Floyd-ish modern rock song that isn't entirely clever, but not a total waste either.
Mae Sometimes I can't Make It Alone B
Not bad for a debut single for a new band that has already got the hooks down if not so much the chops.
The Dropkick Murphys The State Of Massachusetts B
Another strong rocker from the Murphys, if only they could stop their lyrics from tripping on their instruments, they might really have something.
Saliva King Of The Stereo B-
More of the same from Saliva. Nothing new here at all.
Angels And Airwaves Everything's Magic B-
Easily their best single to date, this song manages to not be a complete bore, a first for A&A. It's still nothing special, though.
The Holloways Generator B-
A dull indie rock song that just doesn't click at all. They lyrics are too fast for their own good.
Just Jack Starz In Their Eyes B-
A decent british rap-rock sort of song that doesn't stick to the memory very well.
Operator Nothing To Lose B-
Not a great song, but I'm glad more people are at least trying to sing like Chris Cornell, even if they come up short.
The Hoosiers Worried About Ray B-
Another mid-range pop punk / emo song that's completely forgettable.
Fall Out Boy I'm Like A Lawyer With The Way I'm Always Trying To Get You Off B-
Now we have Fall Out Boy ripping off Maroon 5? When will our most boring bands stop cribbing off of each other? When will the madness end?
The Plain White T's Our Time Now B-
Another generic emo pop song that sounds like everything else on the radio.
Seether Fake It C+
Another post-grunge band that keeps coming back just as I've finally cleansed my ears of their bullshit. Catchy as always, but never great.
Poets & Pornstars Rock And Roll C+
A fatally dumb Black Crowes knockoff without the style.
The Matthew Good Band Born Losers C+
An extremely tepid and dull song from the Canadian rock idols.
The Secret Handshake Summer Of '98 C+
A boring song made worse by irritating Daft Punk technical effects.
Breaking Benjamin Until The End C+
A big step forward for the band as this song is officially "mediocre"!
Linkin Park Shadow Of The Day C+
Since when do Linkin Park do ballads? Hopefully never again, if this snoozer is any indication of their ability. They sound like fucking Angels & Airwaves for God's sake!
Killswitch Engage Holy Diver C+
It's not bad, but Killswitch is ignoring one of the most important rules of music: Never re-make a classic! "Holy Diver" defined heavy metal in the late 70s, early 80s and shouldn't have been touched for any reason other than a tribute album and no one is ever going to put together a Dio cover album unless they're doing so ironically. In short, this song shouldn't exist.
The Scorpions Humanity C+
So The Scorpions are still around, huh? Well, as surprising as that might be, it's even more surprising that they decided to come back as Queensryche, though not nearly as good.
New Found Glory Kiss Me C+
They're doing this again?!? I thought they were supposed to be a legitimate band now instead of just a goofy cover band. This is NOT progress, NFG!
Lillian Axe Waters Rising C+
Dumb, somewhat dull and totally generic heavy metal song from a band with no distinct features.
Finger Eleven Falling On C+
A tedious copycat of many different styles that sounds like watered down Korn.
MXPX You're On Fire C+
A lame Blink 182 knockoff that never goes anywhere worth going.
Fair To Midland Tall Tales Taste Like Sour Grapes C+
An average hard rock song with a stupid title and a boring chorus.
The Donnas Don't Wait Up For Me C
A throwback to hair metal music complete with stupid lyrics and the most obvious use of "girl power" gimmickry since The Spice Girls.
Onesidezero My Confession C
A sludgy metal mess with terrible vocals and a lousy chorus.
Biffy Clyro Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies C
Boring and uneventful, this song never seems to do anything other than simply exist.
Puddle Of Mudd Psycho C
Dumb lyrics and the irritating sense that Wes Scanlan is now holding his nose will trying to rip-off Kurt Cobain's voice kill this song.
Korn Hold On C
A departure for the band into mellower more Breaking Benjamin-like music fails miserably as this song is downright boring.
She Wants Revenge True Romance C-
True to form, the band once famous for ripping off Joy Division has now moved on to ripping off New Order.
Kid Rock So Hott C-
A promising beginning is squandered as Rock sinks low enough to bring out the worst aspects of Buckcherry, Aerosmith and Motley Crue all rolled up into one painfully bad song.
Black Sabbath Ear In The Wall C-
I'm not sure why this is being released to rock radio in 2007. This song is everything that was wrong with 80s metal (notably, not hair metal, but 80s metal).
The Boss' best song in a couple years, "Radio Nowhere" has a "Born in the USA" vibe to it, but an appropriately mature sound as well.
Serj Tankian Empty Walls A
Finally, the return of an artist that I actually WANT to hear more music from. Serj is technically on his own, but his first single sounds like it could have easily been lifted from any of the SOAD albums. If you're curious, that's a VERY good thing. Only now it's better because it's just Serj and we don't have to put up with Chris' screechy vocals.
Modest Mouse We've Got Everything A-
The weird thing about Modest Mouse is that they may be the first band I've come across whose songs seem to sound better each time you hear them. This is a fine example of that phenomenon. By the end of the year, I wouldn't be shocked if I move this one to an "A+".
Siouxsie Sioux Into A Swan B+
The original queen of goth rock returns with a peppy and clever song with a great beat.
Tegan And Sara Back In Your Head B+
Not quite their best, but still an excellent indie pop tune with a distinctive sound.
The National Mistaken For Strangers B+
An interesting post-punk throwback that distinguishes itself from bands that are just ripping off post-punk bands instead of making their own style.
Motion City Soundtrack This Is For Real B+
At this point, they're probably second behind Fall Out Boy for their pop punk genre. Their new album is their best yet and this first single is possibly their best song yet. Not quite great, but maybe getting there.
The Arctic Monkeys Old Yellow Bricks B
Above average for most bands, but right in the middle for the Monkeys. They just can't seem to pick the right songs to release as singles.
VHS Or Beta Can't Believe A Word B
A solid debut for this band. The song itself is full of hooks and has above average lyrics.
Stone Sour Zzyxz Rd. B
Another solid, but not quite excellent ballad from Stone Sour. Hard to believe the singer in this band is the singer from Slipknot, isn't it?
Athlete Hurricane B
Not the best song I've heard from them, but it's still a pretty good, if tame, slice of indie rock.
Coheed And Cambria The Running Free B
Their sound is starting to wear thin, but they can still create some good hooks and great choruses, so never mind that you need a handbook to figure out what the hell is going on in their songs.
The Hives Tick Tick Boom B
Another clever song from the Hives, but they're all starting to bleed together at this point.
The Cribs Men's Needs B
Though the song does sound an awful lot like The Strokes, it does still have a good guitar riff and solid hooks throughout.
Monster In The Machine Savior B
Pretty good, but definitely the latest in the "let's steal from Joy Division" genre and not quite the best.
Jimmy Eat World Big Casino B
Another exactly-average song from the most exactly-average band in rock n roll history.
Maroon 5 Wake Up Call B
A catchy, but lyrically lazy follow-up to the razor-sharp "Makes Me Wonder".
SKindred Ratrace B
They still get points for originality, but this song isn't nearly as much fun as their singles from their last album.
Dave Gahan Kingdom B
A good debut single from the new solo album from Depeche Mode's lead singer, but the song never really takes off.
Puscifer Queen B B
Maynard James Keenan takes a weird post-punk turn with the first single from his latest side project (#87, but who's keeping track). It's good, but not as good as his other projects have been.
Matt Nathanson Car Crash B
Catchy, but borrows rather heavily from Switchfoot for my tastes.
Shadows Fall Another Hero Lost B
A lyrically weak metal song is somewhat redeemed by excellent guitar work.
Bobaflex Home B
An average Pink Floyd-ish modern rock song that isn't entirely clever, but not a total waste either.
Mae Sometimes I can't Make It Alone B
Not bad for a debut single for a new band that has already got the hooks down if not so much the chops.
The Dropkick Murphys The State Of Massachusetts B
Another strong rocker from the Murphys, if only they could stop their lyrics from tripping on their instruments, they might really have something.
Saliva King Of The Stereo B-
More of the same from Saliva. Nothing new here at all.
Angels And Airwaves Everything's Magic B-
Easily their best single to date, this song manages to not be a complete bore, a first for A&A. It's still nothing special, though.
The Holloways Generator B-
A dull indie rock song that just doesn't click at all. They lyrics are too fast for their own good.
Just Jack Starz In Their Eyes B-
A decent british rap-rock sort of song that doesn't stick to the memory very well.
Operator Nothing To Lose B-
Not a great song, but I'm glad more people are at least trying to sing like Chris Cornell, even if they come up short.
The Hoosiers Worried About Ray B-
Another mid-range pop punk / emo song that's completely forgettable.
Fall Out Boy I'm Like A Lawyer With The Way I'm Always Trying To Get You Off B-
Now we have Fall Out Boy ripping off Maroon 5? When will our most boring bands stop cribbing off of each other? When will the madness end?
The Plain White T's Our Time Now B-
Another generic emo pop song that sounds like everything else on the radio.
Seether Fake It C+
Another post-grunge band that keeps coming back just as I've finally cleansed my ears of their bullshit. Catchy as always, but never great.
Poets & Pornstars Rock And Roll C+
A fatally dumb Black Crowes knockoff without the style.
The Matthew Good Band Born Losers C+
An extremely tepid and dull song from the Canadian rock idols.
The Secret Handshake Summer Of '98 C+
A boring song made worse by irritating Daft Punk technical effects.
Breaking Benjamin Until The End C+
A big step forward for the band as this song is officially "mediocre"!
Linkin Park Shadow Of The Day C+
Since when do Linkin Park do ballads? Hopefully never again, if this snoozer is any indication of their ability. They sound like fucking Angels & Airwaves for God's sake!
Killswitch Engage Holy Diver C+
It's not bad, but Killswitch is ignoring one of the most important rules of music: Never re-make a classic! "Holy Diver" defined heavy metal in the late 70s, early 80s and shouldn't have been touched for any reason other than a tribute album and no one is ever going to put together a Dio cover album unless they're doing so ironically. In short, this song shouldn't exist.
The Scorpions Humanity C+
So The Scorpions are still around, huh? Well, as surprising as that might be, it's even more surprising that they decided to come back as Queensryche, though not nearly as good.
New Found Glory Kiss Me C+
They're doing this again?!? I thought they were supposed to be a legitimate band now instead of just a goofy cover band. This is NOT progress, NFG!
Lillian Axe Waters Rising C+
Dumb, somewhat dull and totally generic heavy metal song from a band with no distinct features.
Finger Eleven Falling On C+
A tedious copycat of many different styles that sounds like watered down Korn.
MXPX You're On Fire C+
A lame Blink 182 knockoff that never goes anywhere worth going.
Fair To Midland Tall Tales Taste Like Sour Grapes C+
An average hard rock song with a stupid title and a boring chorus.
The Donnas Don't Wait Up For Me C
A throwback to hair metal music complete with stupid lyrics and the most obvious use of "girl power" gimmickry since The Spice Girls.
Onesidezero My Confession C
A sludgy metal mess with terrible vocals and a lousy chorus.
Biffy Clyro Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies C
Boring and uneventful, this song never seems to do anything other than simply exist.
Puddle Of Mudd Psycho C
Dumb lyrics and the irritating sense that Wes Scanlan is now holding his nose will trying to rip-off Kurt Cobain's voice kill this song.
Korn Hold On C
A departure for the band into mellower more Breaking Benjamin-like music fails miserably as this song is downright boring.
She Wants Revenge True Romance C-
True to form, the band once famous for ripping off Joy Division has now moved on to ripping off New Order.
Kid Rock So Hott C-
A promising beginning is squandered as Rock sinks low enough to bring out the worst aspects of Buckcherry, Aerosmith and Motley Crue all rolled up into one painfully bad song.
Black Sabbath Ear In The Wall C-
I'm not sure why this is being released to rock radio in 2007. This song is everything that was wrong with 80s metal (notably, not hair metal, but 80s metal).
Saturday, October 20, 2007
New Movies This Weekend
Into The Wild - Being partially based in my home state of South Dakota and featuring a soundtrack by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, I was already psyched about this film. And then I found out it was directed by Sean Penn, had a great cast and is getting tremendous reviews.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
Gone Baby Gone - Another prestige picture that's opening a little before Oscar season, this movie is based on a novel from the same writer as Mystic River and the reviews have once again been off-the-charts.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
Rendition - The reviews have been more mixed on this prestige / message picture, but my most trusted critic (Roger Ebert) called it perfect, so I'm there.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
The Comebacks - You might think that this is just another stupid ripoff in the Scary Movie, Epic Movie, Date Movie series, but I saw it today and it's actually really funny, in a ZAZ sort of way. It's certainly not a great movie, but it's much better than I expected it. You'll especially like it if you've noticed that there's a new sports movie out every week and it's basically the same movie over and over again.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
30 Days Of Night - "Based on the graphic novel" is usually a good selling-point for me, but I've never even heard of this graphic novel and the whole vampire thing is lost on me. The plot is pretty clever though and when I get a chance I'll check it out.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
Things We Lost In The Fire - Yet another prestige film with Oscar hopes that's getting great reviews. Geez, when is Hollywood going to stop making these films and get to work on Dr. Doolittle 4? This one looks pretty good, but a bit boring from the trailers.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
Sarah Landon And The Paranormal Hour, The Ten Commandments - Yeah, I've never even seen an AD for either of these movies and I'm 99.99% sure I wouldn't want to see them even if I did.
VERDICT - SKIP THEM.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
Gone Baby Gone - Another prestige picture that's opening a little before Oscar season, this movie is based on a novel from the same writer as Mystic River and the reviews have once again been off-the-charts.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
Rendition - The reviews have been more mixed on this prestige / message picture, but my most trusted critic (Roger Ebert) called it perfect, so I'm there.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
The Comebacks - You might think that this is just another stupid ripoff in the Scary Movie, Epic Movie, Date Movie series, but I saw it today and it's actually really funny, in a ZAZ sort of way. It's certainly not a great movie, but it's much better than I expected it. You'll especially like it if you've noticed that there's a new sports movie out every week and it's basically the same movie over and over again.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
30 Days Of Night - "Based on the graphic novel" is usually a good selling-point for me, but I've never even heard of this graphic novel and the whole vampire thing is lost on me. The plot is pretty clever though and when I get a chance I'll check it out.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
Things We Lost In The Fire - Yet another prestige film with Oscar hopes that's getting great reviews. Geez, when is Hollywood going to stop making these films and get to work on Dr. Doolittle 4? This one looks pretty good, but a bit boring from the trailers.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
Sarah Landon And The Paranormal Hour, The Ten Commandments - Yeah, I've never even seen an AD for either of these movies and I'm 99.99% sure I wouldn't want to see them even if I did.
VERDICT - SKIP THEM.
Modern Rock Update
Albums:
Kid Rock debuted at #1 for some unknown reason.
Even more offensive, Alter Bridge debuted at #13.
Also debuting this week were Eric Clapton's 803rd greatest hits album at #14, Puddle of Mudd at #27, Band Of Horses at #35, Van Zant at #57, and She Wants Revenge at #58.
Modern and Mainstream Rock:
The Foo Fighters stayed at #1 on both charts again with "The Pretender", so I don't have to completely give up on America.
Debuting this week were Silversun Pickups' brilliant "Well Though Out Twinkles" at #20 on the Modern Charts and Another Animal's not-so-brilliant "Broken Again" debuted at #19 on the Mainstream charts.
Kid Rock debuted at #1 for some unknown reason.
Even more offensive, Alter Bridge debuted at #13.
Also debuting this week were Eric Clapton's 803rd greatest hits album at #14, Puddle of Mudd at #27, Band Of Horses at #35, Van Zant at #57, and She Wants Revenge at #58.
Modern and Mainstream Rock:
The Foo Fighters stayed at #1 on both charts again with "The Pretender", so I don't have to completely give up on America.
Debuting this week were Silversun Pickups' brilliant "Well Though Out Twinkles" at #20 on the Modern Charts and Another Animal's not-so-brilliant "Broken Again" debuted at #19 on the Mainstream charts.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
New Movies This Week
Michael Clayton - The buzz on this film is off the charts and I want to see it the first chance I get.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age - A prestige film that is probably pretty good, but I won't be seeing it as I haven't even seen the original as of yet.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
We Own The Night - A crime drama with an outstanding cast, the reviews have been average so far. I'll probably see it, but it wouldn't kill me if I had to wait until DVD for this one.
VERDICT - SEE IT IF YOU GET THE CHANCE.
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? - I've never seen any of Tyler Perry's movies. They get terrible reviews and clearly aren't targeted at any demographics I belong to. This movie will not change that trend for me.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
VERDICT - SEE IT ASAP.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age - A prestige film that is probably pretty good, but I won't be seeing it as I haven't even seen the original as of yet.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
We Own The Night - A crime drama with an outstanding cast, the reviews have been average so far. I'll probably see it, but it wouldn't kill me if I had to wait until DVD for this one.
VERDICT - SEE IT IF YOU GET THE CHANCE.
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? - I've never seen any of Tyler Perry's movies. They get terrible reviews and clearly aren't targeted at any demographics I belong to. This movie will not change that trend for me.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
Modern Rock Update
Albums:
The Boss debuted at #1 with his new album Magic. Good job America.
Matchbox Twenty debuted at #3. Not so good, America, not so good.
Annie Lennox debuted at #9, shocking the hell out of me.
Also debuting this week were John Fogerty at #14, Dashboard Confessional at #18, another Bob Dylan anthology at #36, PJ Harvey at #65, The Cult at #70, Mick Jagger's greatest hits album (this implies that he has more than 1... very troubling), Nightwish at #84, the Deluxe version of that Bob Dylan album at #93, and a Chicago greatest hits album at #100.
Modern and Mainstream Rock:
The Foo Fighters stay at #1 on both charts. Cookies for everyone.
Debuting this week were Chevelle's "I Get It" at #19 on Modern and Avenged Sevenfold's "Almost Easy" at #18 on Mainstream.
The Boss debuted at #1 with his new album Magic. Good job America.
Matchbox Twenty debuted at #3. Not so good, America, not so good.
Annie Lennox debuted at #9, shocking the hell out of me.
Also debuting this week were John Fogerty at #14, Dashboard Confessional at #18, another Bob Dylan anthology at #36, PJ Harvey at #65, The Cult at #70, Mick Jagger's greatest hits album (this implies that he has more than 1... very troubling), Nightwish at #84, the Deluxe version of that Bob Dylan album at #93, and a Chicago greatest hits album at #100.
Modern and Mainstream Rock:
The Foo Fighters stay at #1 on both charts. Cookies for everyone.
Debuting this week were Chevelle's "I Get It" at #19 on Modern and Avenged Sevenfold's "Almost Easy" at #18 on Mainstream.
New Shit This Week And Last
DVDs:
Planet Terror - The second movie (though actually the first) comes out on DVD. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, PT is a funny gorefest that is entertaining through and through. With the restored "missing reel" footage, the movie should also make a LOT more sense, though it will ruin one of the best jokes in either Grindhouse movie. The bad news is that this disc doesn't feature the fake trailers, meaning that they're being saved either for individual release or for a future 2 movie set.
VERDICT - BUY IT.
A Mighty Heart - I've heard really good things about this movie, though it was a flop at the box office. Jolie is supposed to be good in it, which is rare as she usually seems to pick her scripts with her eyes closed. Still, it's not quite big enough to recommend a purchase.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
28 Weeks Later - I LOVED 28 Days Later. It was one of the smartest sci-fi / horror movies of the last few years and the art direction had a great look to it. This movie doesn't feature any of the cast or crew from the original and the film suffers as a result. It's still worth a look, but not a purchase.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
You Kill Me - An art-house film that is apparently pretty clever, this one will need to be viewed to be judged properly.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Transformers - One of the biggest hits of 2007 so far, this movie was pretty average in my opinion and certainly not worth more than a rental.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
The Hoax - I managed to see this movie. It was good, but not good enough.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Surf's Up - As animated movies in recent years go, this one is right around the middle. Better than Madagascar, worse than Cars.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Reign Over Me - Adam Sandler's latest attempt at becoming a serious actor was a critical and financial flop. The movie's not bad, but it's still not highly rated.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
The Reaping - Despite the excellent twist ending, this movie should have never made it past the direct to DVD level. Another bad choice for Hillary Swank.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
Evan Almighty - Bruce Almighty was amusing but forgettable. Evan Almighty is unforgettable... for all the wrong reasons.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
CDs:
Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II - Neil's pretty reliable, but I haven't heard anything about this disc that makes me want to rush out and purchase it.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Band Of Horses - Cease To Begin - Band of Horses is an interesting band, but I'm not prepared to purchase their albums as of yet.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
The Fiery Furnaces - Widow City - Pretty much the same deal here as with Band of Horses.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus - It's been awhile since Kid Rock has been relevant. I don't see that changing with this album, especially with the first single called "So Hott".
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold - Essentially a one-hit wonder, AS should be worth a look, but nothing more.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Jimmy Eat World - Chase The Light - The most mediocre band in rock history, Jimmy Eat World will probably squeeze a hit out of this album and then fade away for 2 more years.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Electric Six - I Shall Exterminate Everything Around Me That Restricts Me From Being The Master - Again, probably the same deal as Jimmy Eat World, though Electric Six is slightly better.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
She Wants Revenge - This Is Forever - SWR is a bad rip-off of Joy Division. Actually, they're a bad rip-off of the good rip-offs of Joy Division (Editors, Interpol, etc.).
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Planet Terror - The second movie (though actually the first) comes out on DVD. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, PT is a funny gorefest that is entertaining through and through. With the restored "missing reel" footage, the movie should also make a LOT more sense, though it will ruin one of the best jokes in either Grindhouse movie. The bad news is that this disc doesn't feature the fake trailers, meaning that they're being saved either for individual release or for a future 2 movie set.
VERDICT - BUY IT.
A Mighty Heart - I've heard really good things about this movie, though it was a flop at the box office. Jolie is supposed to be good in it, which is rare as she usually seems to pick her scripts with her eyes closed. Still, it's not quite big enough to recommend a purchase.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
28 Weeks Later - I LOVED 28 Days Later. It was one of the smartest sci-fi / horror movies of the last few years and the art direction had a great look to it. This movie doesn't feature any of the cast or crew from the original and the film suffers as a result. It's still worth a look, but not a purchase.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
You Kill Me - An art-house film that is apparently pretty clever, this one will need to be viewed to be judged properly.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Transformers - One of the biggest hits of 2007 so far, this movie was pretty average in my opinion and certainly not worth more than a rental.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
The Hoax - I managed to see this movie. It was good, but not good enough.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Surf's Up - As animated movies in recent years go, this one is right around the middle. Better than Madagascar, worse than Cars.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Reign Over Me - Adam Sandler's latest attempt at becoming a serious actor was a critical and financial flop. The movie's not bad, but it's still not highly rated.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
The Reaping - Despite the excellent twist ending, this movie should have never made it past the direct to DVD level. Another bad choice for Hillary Swank.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
Evan Almighty - Bruce Almighty was amusing but forgettable. Evan Almighty is unforgettable... for all the wrong reasons.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
CDs:
Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II - Neil's pretty reliable, but I haven't heard anything about this disc that makes me want to rush out and purchase it.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Band Of Horses - Cease To Begin - Band of Horses is an interesting band, but I'm not prepared to purchase their albums as of yet.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
The Fiery Furnaces - Widow City - Pretty much the same deal here as with Band of Horses.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus - It's been awhile since Kid Rock has been relevant. I don't see that changing with this album, especially with the first single called "So Hott".
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold - Essentially a one-hit wonder, AS should be worth a look, but nothing more.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Jimmy Eat World - Chase The Light - The most mediocre band in rock history, Jimmy Eat World will probably squeeze a hit out of this album and then fade away for 2 more years.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Electric Six - I Shall Exterminate Everything Around Me That Restricts Me From Being The Master - Again, probably the same deal as Jimmy Eat World, though Electric Six is slightly better.
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
She Wants Revenge - This Is Forever - SWR is a bad rip-off of Joy Division. Actually, they're a bad rip-off of the good rip-offs of Joy Division (Editors, Interpol, etc.).
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Modern Rock Update
Albums:
The top debut of the week is the new Foo Fighters, which opened at #3.
Melissa Etheridge debuted at #13.
Joni Mitchell's latest opened at #14.
Also debuting this week were Iron And Wine debuted at #24 and Steve Earle opened at #79.
Modern And Mainstream:
The Foo Fighters stayed at #1 on both charts.
Debuting on the Modern charts this week are the outstanding "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You're Told)" by the White Stripes at #16 and the irritating (but still a huge improvement over their previous album) "Everything's Magic" by Angels & Airwaves at #18.
The top debut of the week is the new Foo Fighters, which opened at #3.
Melissa Etheridge debuted at #13.
Joni Mitchell's latest opened at #14.
Also debuting this week were Iron And Wine debuted at #24 and Steve Earle opened at #79.
Modern And Mainstream:
The Foo Fighters stayed at #1 on both charts.
Debuting on the Modern charts this week are the outstanding "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You're Told)" by the White Stripes at #16 and the irritating (but still a huge improvement over their previous album) "Everything's Magic" by Angels & Airwaves at #18.
New Movies This Week
The Heartbreak Kid - The latest from the formerly red-hot Farrelly Brothers is another teaming with Ben Stiller. The trailers don't look promising, but the Farrelly Brothers are always worth a look.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising - Usually when you release an epic film that you hope to launch as a LOTR / Harry Potter type franchise you... you know... advertise it? What I've seen makes this one look really stupid.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
Feel The Noise - Am I crazy or is there a new break-dancing themed film coming out every month? Thing is, they usually make money... Why is that? Anyone?
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
VERDICT - SEE IT.
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising - Usually when you release an epic film that you hope to launch as a LOTR / Harry Potter type franchise you... you know... advertise it? What I've seen makes this one look really stupid.
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
Feel The Noise - Am I crazy or is there a new break-dancing themed film coming out every month? Thing is, they usually make money... Why is that? Anyone?
VERDICT - SKIP IT.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
New Shit This Week
DVDs:
1408 - It's official, the summer movies are now flooding onto the DVD market. This sleeper hit from July is an above average psychological horror film and worth a shot on DVD.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer - Well, it's much better than the original Fantastic Four, that's for damn sure. The story of the Silver Surfer is one of Marvel's finest and the filmmakers did a decent job adapting it, but I still can't say that I think that they're taking this franchise seriously enough. Sure, it's a team of superheroes that fights with each other and wisecracks, but so were the X-Men.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
CDs:
Bruce Springsteen - Magic - Springsteen is one of my all-time favorites and he's been on a hell of a hot streak lately, as his last 3 albums have been outstanding. I haven't listened to this one yet, but I bought it this evening based on reviews saying it's his best since The River, from 1980.
VERDICT - BUY IT.
P.J. Harvey - White Chalk - P.J.'s not one of my favorites (top 100, maybe), but her albums are easily worth a purchase.
VERDICT - BUY IT.
Dashboard Confessional - The Shade Of Poison Trees - Wait... didn't they just put out a cd like 10 months ago? This isn't a Guided by Voices situation where they release absolutely everything that they record, is it?
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
1408 - It's official, the summer movies are now flooding onto the DVD market. This sleeper hit from July is an above average psychological horror film and worth a shot on DVD.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer - Well, it's much better than the original Fantastic Four, that's for damn sure. The story of the Silver Surfer is one of Marvel's finest and the filmmakers did a decent job adapting it, but I still can't say that I think that they're taking this franchise seriously enough. Sure, it's a team of superheroes that fights with each other and wisecracks, but so were the X-Men.
VERDICT - RENT IT.
CDs:
Bruce Springsteen - Magic - Springsteen is one of my all-time favorites and he's been on a hell of a hot streak lately, as his last 3 albums have been outstanding. I haven't listened to this one yet, but I bought it this evening based on reviews saying it's his best since The River, from 1980.
VERDICT - BUY IT.
P.J. Harvey - White Chalk - P.J.'s not one of my favorites (top 100, maybe), but her albums are easily worth a purchase.
VERDICT - BUY IT.
Dashboard Confessional - The Shade Of Poison Trees - Wait... didn't they just put out a cd like 10 months ago? This isn't a Guided by Voices situation where they release absolutely everything that they record, is it?
VERDICT - BORROW IT.
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