'Paul' is Out of This World

Paul is a alien encounter movie that decides to be funny. Directed by Greg Mottola (SuperBad) is full of some familiar faces and hilarious moments. The story takes off with two friends (Simon Pegg, Nick Frost) from England come to the U.S. to come to comic con in California. Deciding to go on a road trip they run into an alien voiced by Seth Rogen (Green Hornet, Pineapple Express ) who seems to be already adept at being human like. They then go on a mission to help him get back home. This movie is full of science fiction movies references, some that only the true nerd would get. This movie had many funny moments and had a few more famous faces to round out a nearly perfect cast like Sigourney Weaver, and Jane Lynch. This is one that will have you laughing and laughing more at the jokes and references made in this one. This is one worth seeing if you enjoy a science fiction movie that is one of the funniest movies of I've seen in a while.

Final Grade: A

The 'Adjustment Bureau' Needs No Fixing

George Nolfi writer of Bourne Ultimatum steps into the director role of this film of love and the crazy things it makes people do. Matt Damon (Bourne trilogy, True Grit) is a politician who seems to be just going through the motions of life when he meets a girl one day played by Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) and they have a short encounter that seems unimportant. After this everything goes off the deep end when Damon sees behind the 'curtain' and learns the actions of people are manipulated by an agency. From here things become unclear to Damon and then the girl from before come back into play and he wants to be with her, but the agency disagrees with this. This movie is full of action, an intriguing story, and some good acting. This movie brought up some good points on ideas of religion and free will, though it tries to do so from a distance which seems at times a little ridiculous. This movie is definitely worth seeing as it brings a new feel to a usually overplayed love story.

Final Grade: B+

'True Grit' Gets Down and Dirty

This film directed by the Cohen brothers (No Country for Old Men)  Features two big name actors, Jeff Bridges (Tron) and Matt Damon (The Bourne Trilogy), in roles that for Damon didn't seem at first fitting but turned out for both to work out well. This movie has Hailee Steinfeild in her first major film , as the grieving daughter out for revenge o the man who killed her father. This movie though it has a serious story seems to be more comical than I expected. You get Bridges as a Marshall who is a drunk who seems to be a little off his game. Mix in Damon a Texas Ranger who seems to just be out trying to make a name for himself. Steinfield has a sharp tongue and says what's on her mind which makes for some great lines. For a western there isn't as much gun toting as I expected but when these scenes do happen I was holding my breathe waiting to see the outcome. This was a great film with great actors. There never seemed to be a lull in action and had me interested the whole time. This is a must see that I wish I had seen even sooner.

Final Grade: A

"Brutal Legend" is Viciously Awesome

Brutal Legend created by studio Double Fine, famous for making Pyschonaughts, bring us this game that brings great justice to the music genre of metal. This game features the voice of Jack Black (School of Rock) as Eddie Riggs, a groupie who is sent back in time to save a suppressed civilization. As the game gets going we see a landscape that has an interesting mix of large expanses and some interesting landscape full of metal structures. The game is full of some interesting characters. What really made the game stand out was its use of the metal and rock genre. Throughout the game the music keeps the game moving and your heart pumping. One moment that really stuck in my mind was in a flashback scene the game uses Ozzy's "Mr. Crowley". I literally shivered and hand to watch this scene over and over. The control scheme is easy to learn and very comfortable. The control of the vehicle could be tweaked as i was running into walls more than I'd like to admit. For me the game play was fun but I was not a fan of the stage battles, as it's similar to a real time strategy game and not my favorite genre. Other than that the game was really enjoyable and if you like metal music and epic tales this one is worth playing.

Final Grade: B-

30 Second to Mars' "This is War" Album Achieves Victory

This is a group who until now have somehow ignored. They are a alternative rock group that seem to know what there doing.  A friend suggested this album and am now hooked. This is there third album released. The CD has some awesome tracks and an overall great sound. The instruments are great and at times the beats are so engrossing and rhythmic I feel like I'm somewhere else when hearing it. This would be great music to hear when working out or going on a long trip. The only weak point I can speak of is the vocals at times could use some touch-ups but are otherwise acceptable. One of my favorite tracks is Kings and Queens. It has a nice beat that carries you through a nice song. Another track that caught my ear was Hurricane it has an awesome synthesizer that pulls the whole song together and keeps you mesmerized. Closer to the Edge is another song that has an almost epic ballad sense to it that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs, and once I learn the words I probably will. This is a great CD that if you haven't heard and enjoy some good alt. rock you should check this out.

Final Grade: B+

The Temper Trap has a Soothing Sound

Temper Trap is a alternative rock group that has some a nice smooth sound that seems to draw you in. I first heard them in a diet coke commercial and decided to listen to the whole album. I was somewhat impressed by their vocalist range and a sound that sounds familiar yet unique. Though Nothing over the top good still a good band. My favorite song on the album is Sweet Disposition. This tune really reminds me of Sigur Ros if they sang in English. This song has great lyrics and great instrumentals. Another good track on the album is drum song. There aren't any lyrics but just a nice drum track and the guitars let loose a little with this one. If you need something to relax a night away to check this group out.

Final Grade: B