http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/ en cmerrill@thecornernews.com Copyright 2008 2008-10-14T17:03:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/oasis-dig-out-your-soul/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/oasis-dig-out-your-soul/#When:16:03:00Z Recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, “Dig Out Your Soul” is a completely solid album of psychedelic inspired rock. Oasis “Dig Out Your Soul” Standouts - “The Shock of the Lightning,” “I’m Out of Time,” “Falling Down” The infamous brothers Gallagher have released their seventh studio album and follow-up to 2006’s “Stop the Clocks.” Produced by Dave Sardy, renowned for his classic recording style, and recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, “Dig Out Your Soul” is a completely solid album of psychedelic inspired rock. Allegedly hastily recorded, the famously dysfunctional band couldn’t sound any tighter. Noel Gallagher, has called it a return to form and an ode to the great psychedelic albums of the ‘60s and ‘70s. music, reviews 2008-10-14T16:03:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/unforgettable-humor/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/unforgettable-humor/#When:14:20:00Z The majority of the film was entertaining - no considerable dry spells of humor.The new-to-DVD “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is from the same group that made “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up” and it’s more or less along the same lines as those in regards to humor and plot. The film’s writer, Jason Segel (also the star of the movie), did a wonderful job of producing a funny movie without compromising its substance. The basic plot of the film is the breakup of sitcom composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) and television star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). Segel’s character is pretty torn up so he takes a vacation to Hawaii, only to end up staying at the same hotel as Sarah Marshall and her new beaux, played by the unusual Russell Brand. But with heartbreak on his mind, Segel finds a new potential love interest in Mila Kunis (Jackie from “That 70s Show”). Through a series of awkward run-ins and a considerable dose of Brand’s usual eccentric humor, the film is a well-paced comedy. And small roles by Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd and William Baldwin add a nice touch to the already well-casted movie. Run time of the movie is almost two hours, but fortunately the majority of the film was entertaining - no considerable dry spells of humor. If you are looking to buy the movie, hold out until you can find the three-disk collection, as opposed simply to the widescreen edition, which is loaded with extra features and music from the film. Overall, if you enjoy movies like “Superbad” and “Knocked Up” you’ll like this one. Could have done without the crotch shot though. movies 2008-10-10T14:20:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/ben-folds-way-to-normal/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/ben-folds-way-to-normal/#When:13:58:00Z Not his best work, but after a few listens it is certain that there are a definitely some gems on this one. Ben Folds “Way to Normal” Standouts - “Dr. Yang,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Cologne” Ben Folds is a master of self-deprecation. On “Way to Normal,” the follow-up to 2005’s “Songs for Silverman,” Ben Folds kicks off the album with a tune that sounds humorously like “Bennie and the Jets,” that centers on his true-life fall from a Japanese stage. From there, the aging piano rocker sings about his recent divorce and living in a world of decadent luxury. Not his best work, but after a few listens it is certain that there are a definitely some gems on this one. music 2008-10-10T13:58:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/when-nothing-is-something/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/when-nothing-is-something/#When:14:07:01Z "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" is a worthy successor to those 1980s John Hughes movies that were sweetly romantic without trying hard to be.Someday, Michael Cera will show us what else he can do. He surely must have someone else inside of him besides the poignantly verbal but sweetly awkward nerd we’ve come to know and love in movies such as “Superbad” and “Juno” and the late, great TV series “Arrested Development.” He seems too smart, too substantial, to be just a one-trick pony; then again, maybe it’s easy to want good things from him because we like the person we’ve gotten to know so far. For now, in “Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” Cera is that guy again, but he also shows some glimmers of potential as a viable romantic lead — albeit an unconventional one. He and Kat Dennings have a lively, easy chemistry with each other as a couple of high school seniors prowling the streets of New York on an all-night quest to find their favorite underground band. Cera’s Nick is an average middle-class New Jersey kid who’s obsessed with Tris (Alexis Dziena), the unfaithful ex-girlfriend who dumped him, and the CD mixes he makes her of his favorite indie rock tunes aren’t winning her back. But they do win the heart of Dennings’ wealthy Norah, a classmate of Tris’ who has never met Nick but thinks he must be the coolest guy in the world, based solely on his musical taste. One evening, through a convoluted confluence of events, Nick and Norah and their respective posses find themselves thrown together. It’s the kind of long, wild night everyone’s had — or at least wanted to have — filled with old friends and new adventures. Sometimes, you’re the drunk chick in need of baby-sitting, like Norah’s party-girl pal Caroline (Ari Graynor), who winds up wandering around the Port Authority Bus Terminal by herself; sometimes, you’re the one stuck driving, like Nick’s gay friend and bandmate Thom (Aaron Yoo). One strange thing happens after another until, eventually, the sun comes up. The comedy from director Peter Sollett (“Raising Victor Vargas”) and writer Lorene Scafaria, based on the book by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, is aimed squarely at solipsistic 20-something hipsters, with stops at Arlene’s Grocery and the Bowery Ballroom and a trek across the Williamsburg Bridge into the vortex of angst-ridden, post-collegiate cool. In that regard, “Nick & Norah” offers a very specific, very authentic slice of New York. But it’s also a worthy successor to those 1980s John Hughes movies that were sweetly romantic without trying hard to be, which should make it relatable for (slightly) older audiences, too. OK, so maybe nothing happens. Not much happened in “Before Sunrise” or “Before Sunset” either, yet everything happens to the characters involved. And maybe “Nick & Norah” can be a little too quirky for its own good — Nick drives a beat-up Yugo, for example, which drunk New Yorkers keep trying to climb into because they think it’s a cab. It looks nothing like a cab. Like “Before Sunset,” though, it’s a small gem with one of the most perfectly charming endings you’ll see in a while. Unlike other movies that can unfortunately feel infinite, this one knows exactly when to say good night. movies, reviews 2008-10-08T14:07:01-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/robin-thicke-something-else/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/robin-thicke-something-else/#When:18:36:00Z If I had to describe Robin Thicke’s sophomore CD “Something Else” in one word, it would have to be ‘soulful.’ Robin Thicke “Something Else” Standouts - “Tie My Hands,” “You’re My Baby,” “Magic,” “Dreamworld,” “Loverman,” “The Sweetest Love” If I had to describe Robin Thicke’s sophomore CD “Something Else” in one word, it would have to be ‘soulful.’ From start to finish this is one of the best CDs I’ve heard this year. Robin Thicke managed to do something most artists can’t ... meld great music with great lyrics on the same disc. This CD is truly ‘Something Else.’ music, reviews 2008-10-07T18:36:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/run-away-from-this-fat-boy/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/run-away-from-this-fat-boy/#When:14:03:00Z The movie was directed by David Schwimmer, and apart from the script there were certainly times when his inexperience as a director was evident.After leaving his pregnant fiancée at the alter five years earlier, Dennis (Simon Pegg) decides to turn his life around and quit running from his troubles. This general theme makes “Run Fatboy Run” into a bit too much of a moral lesson of perseverance than a comedy. And for someone as cynical as myself, his token determination was sickening. That, coupled with the fact that the parts intended to be comedic were not anyway and you have a sub-par film. The plot “develops” when Dennis picks up his son for the afternoon and discovers that his ex-fiancée has a new boyfriend. Of course, the new man in her life (Whit, played by Hank Azaria) is a seemingly perfect man with a successful career as a hedge fund manager. Also, Whit plans to run in a charity marathon soon after he and Dennis meet which inspires Dennis to join him to prove he is a new man. The movie was directed by David Schwimmer, and apart from the script there were certainly times when his inexperience as a director was evident. The acting itself was decent - with Azaria, Thandie Newton, and Dylan Moran supporting Pegg’s performance. Overall, I would definitely pass on a second viewing of “Run Fatboy Run.” If you are still interested in this film though, simply watch the trailer and you’ll be all set. It will provide you with both a plot overview and the humorous parts in the film.  movies, reviews 2008-10-03T14:03:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/ti-paper-trail/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/ti-paper-trail/#When:14:30:00Z T.I. manages to provide some life lessons without seeming like he’s preaching to his audience.T.I. “Paper Trail” Standouts - “Live Your Life,” “On Top Of The World,” “Whatever You Like,” “Swagga Like Us,” “Swing Ya Rag” How does T.I. follow up 2006’s concept album “TI vs. TIP”? By taking his life over the past year or so and talking about it in detail. And there’s nothing off limits when it comes to the content on his sixth CD “Paper Trail.” Whether he’s discussing his legal troubles or talking about his family, T.I. navigates through it all with the skill of a lyrical surgeon. In the process, T.I. manages to provide some life lessons without seeming like he’s preaching to his audience. Don’t be misled, this is still a T.I. album, and his swagga can be felt throughout music, reviews 2008-10-02T14:30:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/youll-choke-on-your-dissapointment/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/youll-choke-on-your-dissapointment/#When:16:28:00Z Adapted from a novel by Chuck Palahniuk, that talented author behind “Fight Club,” the new release “Choke” seems nothing less than a sure bet. Adapted from a novel by Chuck Palahniuk, that talented author behind “Fight Club,” and anchored by a cast including Anjelica Huston and Sam Rockwell, the new release “Choke” seems nothing less than a sure bet. Yet a loosely wound, tedious pace and jumbled plotline manage to take all the bite out of this decidedly dark tale, leaving audiences with a few chuckles and an overall feeling of emptiness. “Choke” follows the twisted life of Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell), a sex-addict and con-man who pays for his demented mother’s hospital bills by scamming money out of the people who save him when he pretends to choke in restaurants. With a setup like this, the action and self-conscious laughter should be non-stop. In actuality, the plot is quite slow moving. The film is dialogue intensive with brief, intense flashes of graphic sex scenes interwoven. Certainly not a film for children, “Choke” never quite builds enough momentum to carry an adult audience through to the closing credits. The majority of the characters are one dimensional. Dimensionality is forced upon Victor and Ida Mancini (Anjelica Huston), with varying degrees of success. Huston is able to bring Victor’s delusional mother, Ida, to life with a moving performance that evokes both pity and frustration. Rockwell is not quite so adept when it comes to Victor. Victor is so warped and perverted that any attempt at redeeming his character rings false; a last minute salvation plot tacked on to give the illusion of depth without ever really accomplishing that goal. The remaining plot and many of the characters are completely forgettable. For the dark, unwholesome subject matter that “Choke” tackles, the movie’s filming fails to relate, seeming more low-budget indy film than twistedly humorous morality play. I had hoped that “Choke” would live up to its filmic predecessor, “Fight Club,” but this is not the case. If you are morbidly curious and decide to give “Choke” a try, wait for it to be released on video. movies 2008-09-30T16:28:00-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/pussycat-dolls-doll-domination/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/pussycat-dolls-doll-domination/#When:15:08:01Z The highly anticipated “Doll Domination,” The Pussycat Dolls’ latest, won’t be doing any dominating … well at least not on the charts.Pussycat Dolls “Doll Domination” Standouts - “Takin’ Over the World,” “Out of This Club,” “Halo,” “Elevator,” “Whatchamacallit” The highly anticipated “Doll Domination,” The Pussycat Dolls’ latest, won’t be doing any dominating … well at least not on the charts. With their sophomore album laced with Timbaland produced beats and star-studded cameo appearances by Missy, Snoop Dogg, Ne-Yo and R. Kelly, you would only hope this would beef up the album. But with “Doll Domination” already lacking an overall sense of cohesiveness and limited in substance, it’s hard for it to make a strong comeback. Oh and don’t be surprised if you find yourself double checking the front of the album cover to see if it reads “Nicole Scherzinger & The Other Pussycat Dolls.” music, reviews 2008-09-26T15:08:01-06:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/lakeview-terrace-neighborly-its-not/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/music_n_movies/lakeview-terrace-neighborly-its-not/#When:19:50:00Z With this story of a psycho cop who tries to run off his new next-door neighbors, you wish the director would have just given into the B-movie instincts of the material and not tried to make “Lakeview Terrace” about something important. You could argue that all Neil LaBute movies are horror movies. Whether it’s “In the Company of Men,” “Nurse Betty” or “The Shape of Things,” someone always ends up being tormented and terrorized in some way. And in true horror-flick fashion, the victim is usually a woman. But in “Lakeview Terrace,” the director takes his first real stab at the genre, if you will ("The Wicker Man” doesn’t count because it was a remake and because it was just so awful). And with this story of a psycho cop who tries to run off his new next-door neighbors, you wish he would have just given into the B-movie instincts of the material and not tried to make “Lakeview Terrace” about Something Important. As an overzealous Los Angeles police officer, Samuel L. Jackson certainly seems ready to head down such a cliched, schlocky road. He is, after all, the one who triumphed over all those snakes on that plane. But LaBute, working from a script by David Loughery and Howard Korder, is trying to probe the dangers that lurk within a supposedly safe suburbia with making a statement about race relations. It’s “Unlawful Entry” meets “Crash.” Jackson’s Abel Turner is a strict, single father of two who patrols his hillside cul de sac as thoroughly as he works his beat. When racially mixed newlyweds move in next door - Chris (Patrick Wilson), who is white, and Lisa (Kerry Washington), who is black - he turns even more prickly. Some of the initial tension is intriguing: the subtext that exists within Abel and Chris’ awkward neighborly small talk, the vaguely threatening tone in Abel’s voice that grows less veiled in time. Abel catches Chris sneaking cigarettes and tossing out the butts. And, understandably, he’s a little perturbed when Chris and Lisa christen their swimming pool with some late-night skinny dipping in full view of his young son and teenage daughter. Then there are the freaky break-ins and acts of vandalism that no one can explain. The blinding security lights that Abel shines into the couple’s bedroom at night and refuses to shut off, even after repeated complaints. And Abel’s incessant remarks about their interracial marriage. “You can listen to that noise all night long,” Abel says to Chris as he blares rap from his car stereo, “but when you wake up in the morning, you’ll still be white.” Wilson, who grew up in the Tampa Bay area, effectively keeps things low-key even as Jackson’s eyes bulge and he busts out that maniacal laugh. But any early good will gets obliterated by the over-the-top ending. When Abel says to Chris during his nightly patrols, “Not everybody up here is somebody you’d want to live next door to,” it’s just one of many occasions to beat us over the head with the obvious. And that comes long before a single gunshot. movies 2008-09-23T19:50:00-06:00