Music Review: The S1nd1cate

The S1nd1cate is a band you might not have heard of yet-- but you should definitely give a try. I recently had a chance to hear a few tracks off their upcoming album "Reloaded", and I was pleasantly impressed.

Most bands with a gimmick are either extremely theatrical, or run toward campy. Not these guys. On their site, they profess a theme story that has futuristic elements of corporate drones, conspiracy, and shirt-and-tie revolutionaries. However, the music is very direct, and leaves behind any overbearing overtones, and merely runs with the theme. It gives their sound a hard-edged cyber working culture sound that both rocks heavy, and has a layered electronic element with a danceable beat that in several tracks would sound right at home in a cyberpunk or gothic-industrial club.

I've been seeing a trend lately in bands that have been minimal in members, but sport a very rich sound, and The S1nd1cate is definitely among the ranks of the slick and listen-worthy. The duo pack a lot of effort, style and energy into each song. One of the notable tracks I previewed was "Give It Up", a hard-edged and in your face track that makes me hope their live performance has even half the energy packed into this song. Another favorite was "Never Forgotten", a song that accomplishes a remarkable feat in my opinion-- it utilizes the vocoder in a manner that doesn't automatically set my teeth on edge. I normally find vocoder sounds irritating at best, but this song is a catchy, memorable tune that I fully expect to hear at my favorite club. The duo also cover an old favorite-- Oingo Boingo's "Dead Man's Party"--with a fresh, modern veneer that makes me smile.

The album releases on 3-6-09, and can be obtained on their website, iTunes, or cdbaby.
I've already got my copy on reserve.

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Grindhouse Fox Style

This is a pretty clever ad for Fox's new Friday Night line up of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Joss Whedon's latest work of art Dollhouse.

Hats off for some creativity over there.

Let's hope it's a success.

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Movie Review: Taken

Neeson plays an ex-operative for the government, whose past is merely hinted upon in buddy stories shared with his former associates, whose sole presence in the film seems to be to provide the audience with some background on his character. We see a father who missed out on his daughter's upbringing, a daughter who now lives with a rich stepdad and mother. Dad lives on a meager government stipend, and can hardly compete.

Of course, the overly-cautious government spy doesn't want his little girl going to Paris with only another hormonal teenager for company, and we can't help but see the inevitable when she gets kidnapped by sex slavers. Getting past this, the action picks up at a frenzied pace.

Neeson is excellent portraying the cool, slick operative, whose unapologetic and ruthless efficiency leaves many bodies in his wake. He's got some serious presence. The writing is pretty sound, and the audience is assured enough of the operative's experience that they can almost take it for granted when he infiltrates the network of slavers so quickly, and cuts a swathe through its ranks. The fight choreography is believeable in its breakneck pace, skipping too much fancy footwork for practical, lethal finality. Although, seeing Liam Neeson shoot a man in the foot was extremely amusing.

Taken is a very satisfying evening of entertainment. Most will leave the theater thinking:
"That was BAD ASS!"

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Tracy Jordan Explodes on set!!

WAaAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

30 Rock. So awesome.

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BluRay/DVD Review: Friday the 13th 1-3

Friday the 13th is now available on BluRay in gorgeous 1080p and that might not necessarily be a good thing. The biggest highlight here is that the film has been released uncut. That means that about 10 seconds or so of footage has been restored to the film. Yeah, 10 seconds. For the most part the film looks nice. There is still some grain and I noticed a few pops but over all the picture was pretty clean. This does not help the make up effects at all. This is especially true in the famous Kevin Bacon death scene. You can clearly see where the makeup ends. It's a completely different color than his face. I never noticed this on the old DVDs but it is blatant on the BluRay.

The movie is just as I remembered it, I'm not a fanatic of these movies so I really couldn't tell you where the gore was restored to. It seems kind of worthless when you can see the make up on the kill spots though. The acting is passable the movie is still fun to watch though by now its scare factor is significantly less than in years past.

The BluRay is loaded with special features some great, some kinda worthless. The good stuff is the interviews with Sean Cunningham, Victor Miller (he actually states Sean wanted a Halloween ripoff), and Tom Savini. There is also a commentary track with Sean and some cast and crew, trailer, secrets to the gore of the film, most of which are presented in HD.

The bad is this Lost Tales of Camp Blood. I don't understand the point of it. It's just a short film of some guy killing two people. Was this some contest I was not aware of? It's not even Jason doing the killing. Utterly pointless.

Is the BluRay worth buying? Honestly, probably not. The clarity takes away from the make up effects and the special features aren't special enough to warrant spending the extra money. If you are a die hard Jason fan then yes, pick this up. Otherwise, you're fine sticking with the DVD version.

Friday the 13th Part 2 is not on BluRay but has been remastered in HiDef with a new 5.1 audio mix and new special features. This time we get Inside "Crystal Lake Memories", Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions, Jason Forever, and the trailer. Oh and another Lost Tales from Camp Blood which I didn't even watch. I had enough with part one.

Friday 2 brings us the bag headed Jason Vorhees on a rampage avenging his drowning and the beheading of his mother.

It's basically the same movie as part one. Except it's Jason this time running around with a pillowcase over his head. Still though, it is enjoyable. Retro glasses will serve these films well because if you're seeing them for the first time I really don't think you'll appreciate them.

Friday the 13th Part Two 2 is not uncut so the only bonus here is the remastered picture, which looks great, and the 5.1 sound which sounds well...great.

I didn't notice any of the make up issues that I saw with the first one so that's a bonus.

Friday the 13th Part 3, 3-D. I was extremely interested in this. I had never seen this film in 3-D before and was itching to watch it. Unfortunately, I got a splitting headache five minutes into the movie. When the 3-D kicked in it felt like someone was trying to scoop out my eyes while hammering a nail into my temples. Sounds like something right out of the movie. That put an end to my 3-D adventures with Jason.

That said, switching over to the standard version proved a much more pleasant experience. Not that pleasant though, this movie is a stinker. It's the same as the first two. More kids in the woods getting high, having sex, and getting eviscerated. This is an important film in the franchise only because it's where Jason obtains his iconic hockey mask.

I think I might have watched these movies too close together because I noticed that A they're almost exactly the same movies and B part three reused some kills in part one, most notably the Kevin Bacon scene. The only difference was that it was a hammock in part 3 and not a bed that the arrow was shoved through.

The print on this must have been a disaster because even with remastering there was some serious imperfections in the picture. I don't know if they just did a rush job on this or they just couldn't clean the film. It sort of gives it that retro feel though but still its noticeable when you see a brown sheen come over one of the scenes.

Friday 3 is devoid of special features outside of the unwatchable (at least for me) 3-D version and a trailer.

Are these new versions necessary? Absolutely not. The DVD artwork is gaudy and a giant step down from the artwork on the original releases. It would be worth while if Paramount continues to release the films uncut as the fans have been demanding for years. I am not aware of any plans to continue with the series at this point but I hope they do.

Why stop with the first three?

I also noticed that the only movie of the first three that takes place at Crystal Lake is part 1. The rest are set in areas nearby. I never realized that before.

Anyway, Jason fans are sure to enjoy revisiting these films before seeing the remake that hits theaters next week. I can't really justify the double dip considering part one is the only one presented as Uncut. We'll see what happens with the next ones. I'm curious if they will return Part 7 to its uncut glory.

Friday The 13th Uncut is available on DVD and BluRay now. Friday the 13th Part 2 and Friday the 13th Part 3 3-D are available on DVD now.

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DVD Review: Funny Face

Another A+ Movie from the Paramount Centennial Collection. Funny Face, starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire is the fourth installment to this so far fantastic series.

Funny Face is not your typical musical, it's a witty romantic comedy that showcases great talent of our time. Fred Astaire gives a wonderful performance; if you haven't seen him act or dance you are missing out on what is truly a Hollywood legend. Audrey Hepburn gives another dazzling performance; I fall more in love with her in each movie that
I see.

One person that really stands out is Kay Thompson who plays the owner of the Fashion Magazine Quality. She brings attitude and wit to what could have been a very typical musical and romantic comedy. Some of these movies can drag on with song after song, or the same comedic formula that get tiring scene after scene. Kay Thompson jumps in at the right moment giving Funny Face the perfect balance to wit, music, comedy, and romance.

As always, Paramount packs in the special features which are nothing but dynamic in its scope of offerings. From a feature about Kay Thompson, to fashion, and of course a retrospective about Paramount in the 50's.

Funny Face is more than a movie about a shy bookshop clerk turned model who falls
in love with Quality fashion photographer, it's a lesson in cinema, fashion, music, and art.

And if nothing else, it's the source of those somewhat recent GAP commercials with Audrey Hepburn dancing in the "skinny black pant."

Funny Face is available on DVD now.

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Three New Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Posters!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Price hits theaters in July.

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DVD Review: Oliver and Company

Disney has released a 20th Anniversary edition of Oliver and Company on DVD this week. The cartoon features the voices of Better Midler, Joey Lawrence, Billy Joel, Cheech Marin, Richard Mulligan, Roscoe Lee Browne, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dom Delouise, and Robert Loggia.

Oliver and Company is a retelling of Oliver Twist about an orphaned kitten who joins a gang of dogs that commit petty crimes in New York City to help their owner pay off a debt to the villainous Sykes.

Now, I'm sure I must have seen this movie when I was a kid but I really didn't remember any of it. The characters were familiar but the story and everything else about it was not.


That said, I did enjoy the film. It didn't seem like a Disney movie to me. It was more reminiscent of the old Don Bluth cartoons. Mainly because of the violence at the end. It was rather graphic for a Disney cartoon. I won't go into details but it is rather gruesome for Disney.

The voice acting is great and the character design fantastic. The animals are extremely cute. It's a funny movie with a few touching moments and is certain to give the kids a great time watching.


My only complaint is the music. I really did not enjoy the songs in this. Thankfully, there are only a few so it wasn't too much to deal with. They just weren't enjoyable. You expect music in a Disney film to be timeless. The songs in this movie aren't.

Besides the music, I really don't have anything else negative about the movie. I really enjoyed it. I laughed, I teared (don't tell anyone) I smiled, and I wanted an Oliver and a Dodger of my own.


The DVD is full of special features including sing alongs, Oliver's Big City Challenge game, The Making of Oliver and Company, and a couple classic Disney toons starring Pluto.

The film has been digitally mastered for the 20th anniversary and it looks pretty great. Like I said before it looks more like a Don Bluth cartoon.

Oliver and Company is worth a revisit and definitely worth introducing to the new generation of animation and Disney fans.

Oliver and Company is available now on DVD.

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DVD Review: Greek Season 2

Greek
ABC Family
Starring: Clark Duke, Scott Michael Foster, Spencer Grammer, Paul James, Jake McDorman, Jacob Zachar, Aaron Hill, Dilshad Vadsaria, Amber Stevens, and Tiffany Dupont

Network TV might be a little afraid right now considering all the best shows are on cable. Dexter, The United States of Tara, and Californication, to name a few, are all on Showtime. And now another cable network has slipped in with what might be called the best kept secret on television.

ABC Family of all places is home to Greek a show about pledging a fraternity/sorority, about growing up, about love, about friends, and about college.

I'll admit I had never seen this show before I was asked to review season two. I really can't start a show from the middle so I went out and bought season one so I could understand what I was watching. I will say flat out: I was hooked from the first episode.

Season One of Greek was great and Season Two is even better.

I hate to praise a show too much because I don't want to give it too much hype, but in the case of Greek, I can't really help it. It's perfect. Brilliantly written and acted, I just can not get enough of it.


A few years ago TV was graced by a show that was, in my opinion, one of the best examples of great television in recent memory. I'm referring to Freaks and Geeks. No show since has captivated me quite the way that show did. There are plenty of shows I love and can't get enough of but none have quite reached the level of Freaks and Geeks. Not until Greek.

Greek is funny, touching, and best of all believable. These characters can be people you know. The writers take care to progress them and grow them in ways that are not outrageous or out of character, but natural. There are characters we hate one minute and love the next and vice versa. I honestly don't think this show would be near as successful creatively without the fantastic cast. Every member of this ensemble is essential and perfectly embodies the characters they are playing.

There is not a weak link in the bunch here. I'm really glad to see Clark Duke getting some attention though. He is hilarious and one of my favorite characters on the show. What we have here is certainly one of the best ensemble casts on television today.

Greek has everything. Love triangles, coming of age, comedy, drama, sex, drugs, rock and roll, drinking, you name it. Don't let the fact that it is on ABC Family fool you. That preconception is what kept me away from the show in the first place. How good can a show on that network actually be? Well, I'm pleased to say that there is nothing to be worried about. ABC Family seems to give the creators a lot of leeway and the show does not suffer at all from being on the network.

With Greek, comes that rare mix of brilliant storytelling and a perfect cast that creates a show that is a can't miss for me. I'm in for the long haul on this.

The DVD for Season Two features bloopers (quite funny), sneak peaks of other shows, an behind the scenes look at the flashback episode, Freshman Daze, and a Plain White T's music video.

Kinda light on the features but to be honest, the show speaks for itself.

Greek's first two seasons are in stores now. I can't recommend buying it enough.

Greek returns with all new episodes on March 30 on ABC Family.

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Music Review: The Fray - The Fray

In stores now, is the new self-titled album from Denver based band The Fray. After some great success with their first album, How To Save A Life, the band have returned with a stellar new album. The lead single You Found Me was featured in ads for the new season of ABC's Lost but it's only one part of an album filled with great songs.

There is no evidence of the dreaded sophomore slump here as this disc is even better than their first.

From the opening song "Syndicate" to the closing notes of "Happiness", this album is exceptional. The Fray certainly have their finger firmly on the pulse of melodic rock. The album is radio friendly, which in this case is not a bad thing. They've got an album full of potential top ten's here.

The great thing about The Fray is the emotional core to all their songs. The words always ring true and never come across as cheese or forced. Mixed with the great instrumentation, every song makes up for a perfect package.

While I enjoy the entire album, I do have a couple stand out favorites. "Happiness," "Never Say Never," and the lead single "You Found Me" are three of my favorites.

The Fray have kicked off 2009 with a brilliant album, which, if there is any justice in the world, will storm radio and the charts.

Fans of The Fray are certain to love this new disc. Anyone on the fence will definitely fall on the right side after hearing these songs.

The new album from The Fray is in stores now.

The Fray - The Fray

1. Syndicate
2. Absolute
3. You Found Me
4. Say When
5. Never Say Never
6. Where The Story Ends
7. Enough For Now
8. Ungodly Hour
9. We Build Then We Break
10. Happiness

Don't forget we are giving away a copy of the new album and there is still time to enter.

Send me an email with your name and favorite song by the band to garon@popculturebeast.com by midnight tonight for your shot at winning!

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New clips from Important Things with Demetri Martin!

Important Things with Demetri MartinWed 10:30pm / 9:30c

Preview - Time Gigolo

More Funny Videos
Comedians on Tour

Get Funny Ringtones
Stand-Up Comedy

Important Things with Demetri MartinWed 10:30pm / 9:30c

Preview - Anger Management

More Funny Videos
Comedians on Tour

Get Funny Ringtones
Stand-Up Comedy

Important Things with Demetri MartinWed 10:30pm / 9:30c

Preview - Some Data: Timing

More Funny Videos
Comedians on Tour

Get Funny Ringtones
Stand-Up Comedy

Important Things with Demetri MartinWed 10:30pm / 9:30c

Extended Trailer

More Funny Videos
Comedians on Tour

Get Funny Ringtones
Stand-Up Comedy

Important Things with Demetri Martin premieres next Wednesday at 10:30 on Comedy Central!

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Win the brand new album from The Fray!

The brand new self-titled album from The Fray is in stores today and we have a copy to giveaway.

In order to win send an email to garon@popculturebeast.com with your name and favorite song by the band.

The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Thursday, February 5.

Email entries must be received by Thursday @ 12:01 am. Sorry to say that this contest is open to US residents only.

The winner will be contacted by email so I can get an address to send the CD.

We'll have a review up on this album very soon as well. I can say I have heard the album and it's...well...you'll have to wait for the review.

Good luck!!

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Wolverine Poster

Nice.

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Superbowl Movie Spots

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen


Star Trek



GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra

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American AbFab Patsy and Edina!

The pilot for the American version of the brilliant BBC show Absolutely Fabulous has been given a green light and the two lead have been cast. Edina will be played by Kathryn Hahn, who I honestly have never heard of but she does look the part. Patsy will be played by 3rd Rock From The Sun's Kristen Johnson. Not a bad choice if you ask me.

Fingers crossed we have a good show coming here. Considering Jennifer Saunders involved I can certainly see it will be.

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New GI Joe Posters!

Not a lot of individuality in the uniforms but still looks pretty cool.

GI Joe hits theaters this summer.

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