Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

1/26/09 2:34 PM

Nick Grever | The News Record It seems that the Underworld series is trying desperately to establish itself as the campy, cult action series of the 2000s. Considering the third film of the series, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, was just released (a prequel this time), another nail may have been pried from the coffin: You just can’t keep a good vampire down. Let it be said up front: If you did not enjoy the first two Underworld movies, don’t bother seeing this one; it’s more of the same. Trade in twin pistols for swords and vinyl cat suits with corsets for chain mail with more corsets, and you basically have the same formula. Even the characters are recycled (it is a prequel after all). So if you enjoyed the stylized fight scenes, hints of nudity and generally gothy...

Animal Collective | Merriweather Post Pavilion

1/26/09 2:30 PM

Eric Ransbottom | Bearcast Animal Collective’s recent release of Merriweather Post Pavilion [Domino] has not come without controversy. Following the release of a subpar EP effort, Water Curses, and a supposed leak of tracks off the new album by fellow animalia musicians Grizzly Bear, the anticipation for this album has been unbearable. Avey Tare and the gang, as always, deliver. The album ebbs and flows with the ease of a knife through butter, or maybe even a “Lion In A Coma.’ Named after a Columbia, Md. musical venue designed by Frank Gehry, Merriweather Post Pavilion is Animal Collective’s third full-length effort in 5 years. The album is reaffirming for fans who sensed a rift within the band when both Avey Tare and Panda Bear released solo albums, Pullhair...

My Bloody Valentine

1/26/09 2:24 PM

Adam Sievering | The News Record Can anyone remember the last mainstream horror movie that offered something fresh? Was it The Devil’s Rejects, which flip-flopped the cat and mouse game so that the band of psychopathic murderers was the ones being hunted? Was it Freddy vs. Jason, which pinned two slasher icons against one another? Aside from these films, and maybe a few other exceptions, the horror genre has maintained a painfully consistent formula since the 1970s that is defined by shallow plots, terrible acting, a slew of graphic (and oftentimes innovative) kill scenes, and enough topless blondes to satisfy that guy in the back of the theater who’s wearing a Misfits t-shirt and laughs every time someone is decapitated. My Bloody Valentine, released last Thursday,...

Gran Torino

1/11/09 4:58 PM

Alex Roettgers | The News Record No one could have imagined that Clint Eastwood would direct a dark comedy, but he most definitely pulled it off with his new award-buzzing film: Gran Torino. There are enough stereotypes and racial slurs to ensure controversy, however, they are somehow in good taste. They are not said for cheap laughs or shock value, but to make Walt Kowalski a believable, stubborn, racist, lonely, old man. The plot is simple: Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) hates everybody, but loves his 1972 Gran Torino. This is no murder mystery like Mystic River or tear jerker like The Changeling; just a man who growls when he speaks and looks as if he is constantly staring into the sun. The film begins with the Kowalski family at the funeral for Walt’s wife. Walt stands...

Marley and Me

1/11/09 4:53 PM

Kristy Conlin | The News Record So, what can be said about the film adaptation of one of the most beloved books in recent history? Marley and Me has no surprise ending, is completely predictable, probably won’t win any awards and is sappy and emotionally manipulative. But all that still doesn’t mean the average movie-goer won’t enjoy it or that it isn’t worth spending your hard-earned $9 on. After all, anyone with a heart, anyone who has ever had a pet, will laugh and cry at the plight of newspaper columnist John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and his wife Jenny (Jennifer Aniston), who believe they are raising the world’s worst dog. Wait, doesn’t everyone who is raising a puppy think that? Only the coldest hearted of dog haters wouldn’t find some...