'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

"Go" a Smooth CD

Many may recognize the singer here as former lead sing of Sigur Rós, Jonsi. I finally decided to check out his solo debut album after hearing his melodic voice on a car commercial the other day. For those who listen to Sigur Rós, this album has a very familiar sound but has become a little more streamlined and sound less experimental. The starting track Go Do seemed to be the most distinct track with an almost pop sound to it. For those unfamiliar with the band all the lyrics are in Icelandic. So I can't go into how much the lyrics are truly saying and trying to find a translation is valid but usually can be misunderstood and I feel doesn't do the music true justice. The vocals are very melodic and Jonsi has always had a voice I find comforting in a unique way as he sings in a voice that seems soulful yet it rings like falsetto at times. A great CD to listen to when you need to relax. This is one you should listen to if your looking to broaden your music horizons.


Final Grade: B

Darksiders Unleashes Awesome

Darksiders created by Vigil Games.  This game is a pleasant mix of an RPG in the style of a Legend of Zelda Game with a fighting style similar to God Of War. Though similar to these it has a unique feel that stayed mostly fresh. My only real complaint was if there where more unique finishes and more button inputs. I seemed to wear out my B button after all the finishes I had to do. The story line was a nice twist on the biblical Armageddon story. Being able to he one of the Horsemen of the apocalypse. The graphics are nothing over the top and more interaction with the environment would be nice. The fighting seemed mostly fluid, though weapon switching could use more integration. Overall a great game that I am looking forward to the sequel. It had 20+ hours of game play and many things to collect, including my favorite an armor set that not only looks awesome but changes game play quite a bit. If you have slept o this game it's definitely worth renting or buying.

Final grade: B+

"Due Date" Was Right On Time

Due Date created by, Todd Phillips director of The Hangover brings us another quirky film that is full of a lot of laughs. The film starts off with Robert Downy Jr. (Iron Man) Trying to get back to LA at the airport he runs into Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover)who is playing an inspiring actor who has gone through a recent loss and is hoping to make it big in LA. After some shenanigans on the plane the movie really gets started as this duo have to team up and drive all the way to California. Along the way some crazy things happen and Galifianakis has some great lines that seem awkward but are hilarious. The movie had me laughing the whole time and never seemed to have any slow downs in the script. Jamie Foxx makes an appearance as a friend of Downy. His character seemed as though it may be important but really didn't develop much farther. The film seemed at times almost too insane but never went to far. A great film that should be seen as soon as possible.

Final Grade: B