Movies
Scary Movie 5: April 12th
Oh, not again. I can’t even remember there being a fourth movie to this now 13 year old parody series. However, I can’t hate on all of the Scary Movies. Personally, I thought the third was very funny, making fun of movies such as The Ring. But after watching it a dozen times, the jokes start to get old and you realize that the movie is best seen once for a really good laugh. And there is the same sort of expectation for the fifth one. Scary Movie 5 takes a humorous spin to the Paranormal Activity movies, advertising with a sub headline, “You have not seen anything yet,” in which I responded, “I actually have, there are five Paranormal Activity movies to laugh at.”
Upside Down: March 15th
From a first look, this fantasy story is strangely amusing because, well, who doesn’t like to dream about an alternate world with a gravitational pull opposite your own? These types of worlds are interesting to watch in movies, but I am usually left hanging with tons of questions: things that don’t really add up in these mythical universes (The two characters meet atop mountains from both of their worlds, so why aren’t they freezing? Why are they still breathing even though there is less oxygen at higher altitudes?). If these “romance in trying times” stories appeal to you, however, by all means go spend your money at the theater. I, on the other hand, prefer to not watch Jim Sturgess and Kirsten Dunst make-out upside down.
Argo
On Sunday, Feb 24, Argo took home the Oscar award for Best Picture. After being released on Oct 12, the mystery and suspense drama received rave reviews for not only Affleck’s impressive performance, but the accuracy and detail of the 70’s/80’s film setting. Affleck plays CIA specialist Tony Mendez who devises a risky plan to sneak six American hostages out of revolutionary Iran. To do this, Mendez will get the resources to make a “fake” movie to be shot in Iran, with the hostages as the leading actors. Based on a true story, this Oscar winner is a must see. Argo came out on DVD Feb. 19, but is also streamable on Netflix.
The Place Beyond the Pines: March 29
In this emotionally powerful drama, Ryan Gosling takes on the character of Luke, a motorcycle stunt performer who reconnects with former girlfriend Romina (Eva Mendez) who gave birth to Luke’s son a year ago. To provide for his new life, Luke partners with a coworker to start robbing local banks, using Luke’s motorcycle skills for the fast getaway plan. However, incoming trouble with the police not only threatens Luke, but the life and safety of his son. 98% of Rotten Tomatoes audiences want to see this engrossing story, and maybe this time the sole reason is not to watch Gosling smoke a cigarette.
Music
Justin Timberlake: “The 20/20 Experience” : March 19
J.T., its been awhile, but I’m glad you’re back. Timberlake’s comeback album ‘The 20/20 Experience’ is the star’s first album release in six years. While the album features songs such as his hit single “Suit and Tie,” a collaboration with Jay-Z, it has not been released yet if there are other artists highlighted on the CD. Timberlake and Jay-Z plan to take their new music with them on “The Legends of the Summer” Tour, the closest stop to C’ville being at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on August 8.
Brad Paisley: “Wheelhouse” : April 9
For all you country music fans, spring break will be a great time to get ready for the release of Brad Paisley’s eighth studio album, “Wheelhouse.” The record will feature hits songs such as “Southern Comfort Zone,” which Paisley performed in early January on Jimmy Kimmel Live. On the show he explained his reasoning or the different album title. Paisley asked himself in relation to his latest album, “What is my wheelhouse?” which he compares to the baseball expression, “what’s in your strike zone?” The album features music that Paisley says is “out on a limb,” with four additional track on Wheelhouse (Deluxe Version).
