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February 26, 2007
Music Review - Nelly Furtado
Grayson's Music Post
Artist: Nelly Furtado
Album: Loose
Genre: Pop/ R&B
Release Date: June 20th, 2006
you like justin timberlake? you'll love nelly furtado. loose is nelly furtado's latest album and a departure from her folky roots. i actually bought her first album, whoa nelly! when it came out in march of 2001. loose has tight beats and infectious vocals. furtado's first single, "promiscuous," is produced by and features musically genious timbaland. if you didn't know, timbaland is the man behind justin timberlake's futuresex/lovesounds, which is also a hype album.
anyways, loose features a bunch of guests artist such as juanes ("te busque"), chris martin of coldplay ("all good things") and of course timbaland.
nelly's latest single off of loose is say it right. it is one of the tracks that better showcases her vocal talent, along with "in God's hands."
while nelly's venture away from folk music maybe turn away her fans from the begining, her she embraces new style very well and it shows. loose is a hot album and is definately worth a listen.
hot trax:
- say it right
- showtime
- all good things
- promiscuous (of course!!)
Posted by graysony at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
February 24, 2007
Movie Review
This is a fantastic movie presented by the wonderful Walt Disney Company. They never seem to disappoint. Dead Man's Chest is a star studded cast that gets together for the second movie in the Pirates trilogy.
The movie begins with Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) once again escaping a seemingly inescapable situation to meet up with his crew. We come to find out that Jack made a deal with Davy Jones a long time ago in order to become captain of the Black Pearl. He must find away out of the predicament or he will be under Davy Jones' servitude on the Flying Dutchmen forever.
Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) are ready to be married when the movie begins, but the ceremony is stopped when the couple is arrested. They were to be hanged for aiding Captain Jack Sparrow's escape in the first movie. Once Will meets up with Jack, Jack tricks him into settling his debt, which only angers Davy Jones. Throughout the movie the crew is searching for the Dead Man's Chest, which ironically is a chest holding Davy Jones' still beating heart.
This movie is wonderfully directed and acted. It is one of my favorite repeat watches. I waited in line for two hours to see this movie because I knew it would be that good. Johnny Depp is great as Captain Jack Sparrow. He is funny, witty, and not to mention there are a few good sword fight scenes. Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightley are great complements to Depp in the movie. This movie has a lot to offer the entire family. It is full of action, comedy, and there is even a little sexual tension between Captain Sparrow and Ms. Swann. The onl knock is that this movie at times seemed like a 2 hour trailer for the third movie, which leaves me in great anticipation for the arrival of Pirates of the Caribbean, At Worlds End.
Grade: A-
Posted by tschill at 05:07 PM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2007
Brad and Angie are at it again: adoption numero 3!
Nikki dishes on Brad and Angie's Growing
Fam
JustJared.com, another one of my favorite celebrity sites, has recently spread word on US Weekly magazine's latest scoop: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are in the midst of adopting another child! Just weeks after the death of Angelina's mother, Marcheline Bertrand, Angelina and Brad have begun the process of adopting a little boy from Vietnam. Angelina's actions seem to indicate that expanding the Brangelina Brood is another way to help her cope.
This is going to be one huge diverse beautiful family. Me = very jealous of their little kids. If Brad Pitt was my dad, I'd be the first kid to raise my hand to volunteer my parent for career day. On second thought, maybe I wouldn't want Brad to be my dad because if he was my dad, my innocent crush on him would be considered incestuous and that's just plain wrong. Regardless, those kids (and Angelina too) are luccccccky. They get to ride with him on his motorcycle. Sexy guy + good leather + Harley = an ultimate fantasy.
I know there are some Angelina Jolie haters out there, especially after the controversy with Jennifer Aniston, but do you really have to hate on a person who's been such a great role model as a UN Ambassador? She's taken her role seriously and has made a strong effort to bring the plight of refugees to the forefront. OK, I have to admit, Angelina freaked me out when she was married to Billy Bob and had a vial of his blood around her neck; but this is a different Angelina, an Angelina who's admitted that her son, Maddox, has saved her from her self-destructive ways. We shouldn't judge her for something no one besides Angelina, Brad, and Jennifer completely know about. Instead, we should look at the issues she stands for and the work she's done. She doesn't talk bull. She doesn't focus on the glitz and glammer of Hollywood. Instead, she tries to make her kids globally conscious, donates a portion of her income to third-world causes, and on the side makes a few movies. She follows through with what she says. Personally, I find nothing wrong with that.
Posted by paulinad at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2007
Music Review - Alex Winston
Grayson's Music Post
Artist: Alex Winston
Genre: Rock
Label: Unsigned
this post i'm going to do something new. instead of reviewing an album from a signed artist, which most likely is already known publically, i want to spread some hype about a local act who is extremely talented and even more good-looking. a recent high school grad, Alex Winston picked the guitar and started taking opera lessons around age 10. starting at such a young age, she's developed quite the musical talent. More importantly, she's spent the better half of this year working on some new music with Drew and Chris Peters at 40 oz Sound in Ann Arbor. these are the same guys that wrote the Black Eyed Peas hit "Don't Lie" with Fergie!
anyways, i first heard of Alex back in high school as she went to another local high school at which one of my better friends attended. A year or so later she had an EP for sale, titled Nameless Face," so i bought one. The EP had 7 tracks, of which my favorite was "Overboard." it was my favorite most likely because of its emo-tesque lyrics: "i jumped overboard/ feel the water rising to my neck/ and you know that's what i love best."
Recently, Alex released a video for Everything You Wanted directed by TheTriumvirate.com with a cameo by Dick Valentine of the Electric Six.
whether you know this or not, Alex has come a long way from the 7 track EP i purchased in high school. she has matured vocally and musically and has even performed as an opening act for ted nugent. Key an eye on this up and coming artist, she's hot (literally and musically)!!!!!!!
Alex Winston on Myspace.com
40 Oz. Sound, Ann Arbor
Posted by graysony at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)
February 21, 2007
Movie Review
Walk the Line is an excellent, moving film. It touches the heart and soul. Joaquin Phoenix gives an amazing performance and co-star Reese Witherspoon delivers as well. This movie chronicles the trials and tribulations of the legendary Johnny Cash. This movie sparked my love for his music.
The movie begins with Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) as a young boy in rural U.S.A. It explains the death of his brother Jack and sets up the relationship he has with his father. Johnny cannot wait to leave this place and when the opportunity comes to join the Air Force he takes it. While in Germany he begins to play the guitar and falls in love with music. Upon his return he tries to hit it back and starts to tour with the likes of Elvis Presley. He then meets June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) and immediately falls in love. Johnny becomes very involved with drugs and needs June there to pull him out. Throughout the movie you see that many of his songs are from life experiences he has.
This movie is a must see for all fans of Johnny Cash. Even if you aren't a fan of Cash you should see this movie. I wasn't a fan before I watched but once the movie was over I couldn't get enough Johnny Cash. I even went out and bought his greatest hits CD.
Grade: A
Posted by tschill at 07:28 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Daniel's Rite of Passage
Nikki on Daniel Radcliffe and Horses
Over the weekend, Daniel Radcliffe, most famous for his portrayal as the beloved Harry Potter, officially shed his innocent boy persona as previews for Peter Shaffer's play, Equus, began previews in London's West End.
If any of you have ever heard of the play, you know it's one of the most bizarre thought provoking plays to hit the stage. Equus is a psychological tale about a teenage boy, Alan Strang, who's passionate about horses. One day, this fascination inexplicably causes him to blind six horses using a hoof pick. It becomes the task of psychiatrist Martin Dysart to uncover the reasoning behind Strang's actions.
I was actually able to catch the play last year at the Frieze building. Complete with nudity, it definitely isn't for the faint of heart, making Daniel Radcliffe's lead in the play all the more interesting. He goes from adored boy wizard to obsessed nude horse boy. I guess he really wants to avoid being type casted and show the world his real stuff, no pun intended. From what early reviews are saying, he made the right choice.
I just hope that all the teeny boppers out there (and their Moms for that matter) don't see this turning point in Daniel's career as something to be offended about. Being a little daring in the name of art isn't something people should frown upon. Besides, wouldn't you want to know what Harry's hiding beneath that black robe?
Posted by paulinad at 08:34 PM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2007
Music Review - Justin Timberlake
Grayson's Music Post
Artist: Justin Timberlake
Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
Genre: Pop/R&B
Release Date: September 12th, 2006
i won't lie. When I was a prepubescent teenager i had a mad crush on Miss Britney Spears (who is now bald). That meant that i had a passionate dislike for all the dudes in boybands (mainly because they were the ones chilling with Brit Brit). Anyways, i never really like Nsync or Justin Timberlake, so i was skeptical of his lastest solo work. However FutureSex/LoveSounds is a awesome album. First off, FS/LS was produced by Timbaland meaning the cd is full of sick beats and JT's smooth and sensual (yes i said that) voice.
The first single of the disc, "SexyBack" is a great dance track. Wait, what am i talking about? The WHOLE cd is a great dance album. "My Love" the second single is a hot track as well, and the My Love Video even more appealing. Justin's latest video is even more ridiculous (as in ridiculously good). For this video, What Goes Around.../...Comes Around Video, Justin has enlisted the danish/polish hottie Scarlett Johansson as JT's tricky lover. A nine minute long mini-movie, What Goes Around.../Comes Around is a simply another work of art.
Justin has come a long way since Nsync and this album proves it. FutureSex/LoveSounds hits all the right spots and is as satisfying as a warm bed on a cold winter morning. JustinTimberlake/SuperSweet.
Key Tracks:
- What Goes Around... /...Comes Around
- My Love
- Damn Girl
Posted by graysony at 11:35 PM | Comments (0)
Movie Review
Treasure has its price
I'm sure a lot of people have seen this movie, and I'm also sure that a lot of people didn't like it, but personally it is one of my favorites. I was even willing to spend some of my Christmas cash on purchasing it.
Into the Blue is about a group of divers who come across a plane wreck at the bottom of the ocean. Much to their surprise the plane was loaded with drugs. They continue searching for a sunken ship, the Zephyr, and pay no attention to the drugs. Eventually funds run low so Bryce (Sean Caan) grabs some of the drugs. This gets the group mixed up with some drug lords. They are instructed by the drug lords to retrieve the rest of the cargo from the bottom of the ocean and things start to spiral from there.
The movie has everything that you want. It has action, drama, sparkling blue Caribbean water, and most importantly, Jessica Alba in a bikini. Paul Walker takes his hard ass inter-city character from Fast and the Furious and transfers it nicely to the tropical hard ass he plays in Into the Blue. The stunning Jessica Alba delivers a great performance in which she acts as the concerned girlfriend who doesn't want to break the law. Scott Caan plays the comic relief in the movie and I found him to be a great complement to Walker. All in all this is a great movie. I watched it with my best friend when it first came out on DVD and at the conclusion we proclaimed that we wanted to be treasure divers in the Bahamas. How many movies have that affect on you?
Grade: B
Posted by tschill at 01:04 PM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2007
Britney the Bald
Nikki's Thoughts On Britney's New Do
As many of you now probably know, Britney Spears did the unthinkable last Friday night. She shaved her head (picture courtesy of one of my favorite entertainment news websites, accesshollywood.com)!
Nationally televised news media outlets, even CNN, reported the event and it's been all over the internet since Friday night. While the news is indeed shocking, people can't help but notice Britney's been on a reckless path to self destruction. And predictably, who's always there to capture one small mistep? The notorious paparazzi.
While I don't condone Britney's behavior, I feel that the paparazzi and Britney's high profile as an entertainer have been large contributors to her actions. Ever since she emerged as a star with her popular Karaoke hit, "...Baby One More Time," all eyes have been on her. That kind of media scrutiny can do a lot of damage to a person's psyche. Maybe, by cutting her hair she's making an attempt at "liberating" herself from all her baggage. Or maybe it was an act of rebellion to all those critics and malacious paparazzi that mercilessly follow her wherever she goes. Yes, Britney did sign away her privacy when she decided to become a singer, but do we really have to follow her every little move, every gas fill-up, every bathroom break? We need to remember that, yes, she is a celebrity, but more importantly, she's a person who makes mistakes, however stupid or crazy. Just like the rest of us.
Oh, and according to Grayson, "ps - dont ever shave your head."
Posted by paulinad at 06:30 PM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2007
Music Review - Secondhand Serenade
Grayson's Music Post
Artist: Secondhand Serenade
Album: Awake
Genre: Acoustic/Alternative
Release Date: February 7th, 2007
While wandering the isles of one of my favorite retailers, Target, I stopped to look at what I call the "rack of inexpensive emerging artists cds." Looking through the random rows of assorted albums my eyes caught a familiar name, Secondhand Serenade. I had originally discovered SS when browsing Purevolume.com, a site that features undiscovered or up and coming bands and artists.
What struck me most about Secondhand Serenade was its solo artist, John Vesely, close resemblence to the first Dashboard Confessional album, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most. Vesely's superior vocal range, mind blowing sense of harmony and heart wrenching lyrics contribute to a especially warm and deep album. The rawness of just acoustic guitar give Awake 12 fantastic tracks.
The video for "Vunerable," a fan favorite, will be shot with Frank Borin (director for Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, Eminem) sometime soon. Secondhand Serenade will also give fans the opportunity to catch him live as he tours the country. Vesely will also head back to the studio again soon, to punch out another release, which is being planned for later this year.
Secondhand Serenade.com
Secondhand Serenade on Myspace
Posted by graysony at 06:19 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2007
IMDb
The All Knowing Site
This is my first post for movies on this wonderful blog of ours. I will be posting movie reviews mainly, but I find it necessary to start my blogging career with the ultimate movie website.
The internet movie database (IMDb) is a wonderful site with information on actors, movies, and upcoming DVD releases. There have been many times when I've been curious as to what movies a certain actor has been in; lost for the solution, I remember the answer is only a click away. All I have to do is type in IMDb.com, put the actor's name in the search, and bam I have the actor's entire career right in front of me. The website will even give me biographical information. It is truly wonderful. Furthermore, for you avid BOMB players, this site is a great way to check if your opponent is telling the truth when he decides to take the abstract route and name actors and movies that no one has ever heard of.
I will end this blog by saying that in my movie reviews I will be rating each movie on the typical grade scale of A being the best and E being a movie that I feel no one should ever pay money to see.
Posted by tschill at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
February 10, 2007
Entertainment Capital, what are we all about?
As previously mentioned by the spectacular Grayson, our group's goal for this blog is to report to you, humble web surfers, the latest and greatest entertainment news; basically, our thoughts on some of our favorite movies, hottest music, and latest gossip. Why not information technology, you say? Well, as much as we love learning about spreadsheets and html, we feel that celebrity gossip and music/movie reviews are something that we're more familiar with and more knowledgeable about. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our opinions on the crazy entertainment industry.
Posted by paulinad at 03:26 PM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2007
Welcome to the Entertainment Capital of the the Blogisphere!
Nikki Dela Cruz (paulinad, Section 005)
Tommy Schilling (tschill, Section 005)
Grayson Yee (graysony, Section 005)
Posted by graysony at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2007
Tools are Cool!
While browsing the search and discovery tools, I came across PDFonline.com, a free site which allows users to convert a variety of document and picture files to the PDF format. A list of the most popular formats are as follows.
Document Files:
- MS Word (DOC, RTF)
- MS Publisher (PUB)
- MS Excel (XLS)
- MS PowerPoint (PPT,PPS)
- HTML (MHT)
- Text (TXT)
Picture Files:
- JPG
- GIF
- TIFF
- BMP
- PNG
- EMF
- WMF
I've found that PDF files are a much more professional way of sending or attaching files when sending e-mails, as they give your document a more complete look; that is, when sending, for example, a word document, it can be altered when opened, and therefore may give the impression that it is incomplete.
Posted by graysony at 10:57 AM