Request follow
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
The Lonely Island - Incredibad
The Lonely Island are Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorme Toccone, and you may know them from Saturday Night Live or, more likely, YouTube, and this is their debut album, which also contains a DVD of 8 videos.
CD:
1 - Who Said We're Wack?
Not a brilliant start to the CD, but it's quite short and it's soon all over like a midget losing it's virginity.
2 - Santana DVX (feat. E-40)
Slightly better and funnier than the opening track, but still nothing great.
3 - J**z In My Pants
Now we're talking, this is one of the best and funniest songs on the CD. Works better with the video but still enjoyable.
4 - I'm On A Boat (feat. T-Pain)
Without a doubt the best song on the CD. T-Pain is fantastic and the lyrics are great to sing along to. This is one of those songs that when it comes on it just has to be turned up.
5 - Sax Man (feat. Jack Black)
Not bad on the first listen, but has no real lasting quality. Jack Black has shown he can do funny songs with Tenacious D, so this really should have been better.
6 - Lazy Sunday (feat. Chris Parnell)
Meh. Nothing special here.
7 - Normal Guy - Interlude
Quite a funny interlude, not really excellent or necessary but the best of the interludes.
8 - Boombox (feat. Julian Casablancas)
A surprisingly catchy chorus, but the verses aren't much. Still, it's listenable.
9 - Shrooms
Ugh, pointless but only 34 seconds long. Not really sure why it was included but hohum.
10 - Like A Boss
Quite funny lyrics and rather memorable. Rather short but if it had gone on much longer it would have soon become quite silly.
11 - We Like Sportz
Pretty funny, in a lazy way. The comedy comes from the lack of enthusiasm in this song, but the lyrics could have been better.
12 - Dreamgirl (feat. Norah Jones)
An obvious joke to go for, but makes excellent use of Norah Jones and is quite listenable.
13 - Ras Trent
Not great.
14 - D**k In A Box (feat. Justin Timberlake)
Very great! Justin Timberlake is great, the lyrics are inspired and it's very very funny. One of the standout songs.
15 - The Old Saloon - Interlude
Bleh. The interludes are crap.
16 - Punch You In The Jeans
Not a very funny joke that soon gets worn into the ground.
17 - Space Olympics
Better than the previous song, but still rather forgettable.
18 - Natalie's Rap (feat. Natalie Portman & Chris Parnell)
Natalie Portman steals the show here, giving a foul mouthed hilarious rap that plays off her image quite nicely.
19 - Incredibad
The lyrics are genius, the song tells an excellent story of how the CD got its name and it's a very funny end. Nice to bow out on a high.
Overall the CD is very hit and miss, but when it hits it knocks it out of the park. Some excellent and hilarious songs, but also some real duff ones too. The majority of songs are under 3 minutes, so at least if they're bad they're over quickly.
The DVD includes videos for J**z In My Pants (makes the song even better), Just 2 Guyz (the prequel to We Like Sportz, for some reason the song is not included on the CD but it's not bad), Lazy Sunday (better than just the audio), Ras Trent (still not great), D**k In A Box (hilarious, Justin Timberlake is so good), We Like Sportz (not bad not great, nice dance moves), Space Olympics (nothing amazing), and Bing Bong Brothers (meh).
Probably best to just cherry pick the good songs off iTunes, or just enjoy the videos on YouTube, since all the best songs have equally good videos.
Two and a half stars
@liamu99 reviewing :D1 commentAugust 6th, 2009
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
Being John Malkovich
Directed by Spike Jonze
Featuring Cameron Diaz, John Cusack and Catherine Keener
The premise of this film is this, we meet a puppeteer (John Cusack) who is convinced by his girlfriend (Cameron Diaz, who is almost unrecognisable with her brown wig) to get a "real" job. So he does on the 7th and half floor of a high rise building working for a centenerian who believes he has a speech impendement, as a filer. Here he finds a portal leading to the brain of John Malkovich where you get to experience "Being John Malkovich" for 15 minutes after which you are spat out on the New Jersey turnpike. Upon discovering this portal our puppeteer gets incredibly excited and goes and tells his very sexy work colleague about it (Catherine Keener) who then suggests they make some money out of it by selling the portal for $200 a go.
Still with me? No? Then you're probably on the right page.
This film is incredibly imaginative. The storyline is a marvel for it's sheer wackiness and yet at the same time it doesn't over do the insanity and allows you to actually experience these characters. Alot of films let their plotlines get to eccentric and there is painfully little character development. But that doesn't apply to this film, every character is explored wonderfully. Even John Malkovich who is playing himself and discovering that complete strangers are messing with his head. Infact his annoyance which leads him to delving into his own portal is actually one of the most ridiculously amazing things I've ever seen in any films... ever...
The acting is fantastic, Catherine Keener is alluring and completely despicable at the same time but she carries the unlikeability and also tenderness of the role. Cameron Diaz has never been better, playing a part that makes her completely out of her own character of confident and charismatic into a bumbling little woman who has an obsession with pets and wants a sex change... John Cusack is sufficiently creepy but also wonderfully acted as the sexually repressed puppeteer.
But the thing I love the most about this film, remembering it's not just the story or the actors, is the direction. It's as crazy and controlled as everything else this film has to offer. Considering Spike Jonze only did music videos before this and this is actually his first feature length it's a marvel. There are many scenes that just leave you in scratching your head neither in confusement or annoyance but just wondering, "How the heck did he do that!?"
So yeah. I love this film, and I can promise you, even if you don't, you'll never, ever, see anything like it.
*****
(I had to give it 5! THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS FILM!)
Reviewed lovingly by @kisswithatear3 commentsJuly 30th, 2009
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer
Yeah, they went there. None of the original cast return (thankfully) and instead we get a fresh story and some fresh faces. And a stupid story. Wonderful.
There seems to be a growing trend in horror films ('All the Boys Love Mandy Lane' and 'S. Darko,' for example) whereby it looks like the director has just stepped out of film school, fresh faced and eager to make horror arty and stylish. Oooh, pretty skies, oooh, stupid saturation, oooh, quick edits, oooh, unnecessary flashes, oooh, fast zooms, oooh, crane shots, oooh, underwater shot. Throw it all together and it's annoying and looks shit.
The acting isn’t actually bad, in fact, compared to the first two films (Oh Freddie, how we miss your gormless face trying it’s best to act concerned) the acting borders on good. The story, however, is dreadful and just an excuse to get the Fisherman dusting off his hook again, but with no connection to the first two you have to wonder just what he’s getting out of it, and when he’s going to move on from that fateful summer (which actually has bugger all to do with this film) and start getting on with his life.
With better direction, i.e. a director not spaffing over every little artistic flourish he can crowbar in each scene, this might have been an average film. But it isn’t.
It is actually genuinely annoying to watch. As you try to make out just what is actually going on in a scene, it will slowly dawn on you that it doesn’t even matter what is actually happening, it’s all nonsense. This is a very disjointed and messy entry into a rather dire trilogy, and one I would not recommend. But still, if you feel you MUST track down and watch this awful movie to find out the fate of the Fisherman... well, you see that face up there? That's the face of someone who watched this. You have been warned.
And there are STILL no gratuitous boob shots!
Two stars
@liamu99 reviewing :D3 commentsJuly 27th, 2009
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
Let’s put aside the genius title for a second and focus on the film. So you enjoyed the first one and are back for more fun and excitement eh? I have sad news for you.
Let me start by saying this movie is not good. It’s not even average. It is bad. The survivors from the first are back, and so are some obnoxious cardboard cutout horror movie characters. Yay! We have the feisty black woman best friend, and her horny black gangster “I WILL FUCK SHIT UP” boyfriend. Lovely. After winning a trip to a Caribbean island, Jennifer Love Hewitt and her new friends jet off for a week of fun in the sun. Except it’s storm season. Oh and the second anniversary of them accidentally killing someone. Oh and naturally, the Fisherman is back with his hook eager to slice and dice fresh teenage flesh.
The biggest shock in this movie is seeing Jack Black appear, which says it all really. It is far too familiar to the first in far too many places, Jennifer Love Hewitt isn’t brilliant so instead the camera focuses on her body in a tank top and tight shorts, playing to her ass-ets (ho ho ho). Freddie Prinze Jnr. has improved since the first... which isn’t really saying much, and the rest of the cast run around screaming and shouting and doing whatever stupid teenagers do in stupid horror movies.
Stretching the premise to breaking point, with some very silly scenes and a terrible ending, we can at least rest safe in the knowledge that they won’t be able to think up any more silly titles about last summer.
Oh... wait... I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer? Surely... they wouldn’t make a film named that?!
Oh... they did. Oh dear.
Two and a half stars
@liamu99 reviewing :D3 commentsJuly 27th, 2009
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Ok everyone, raise your hands in the air, and keep them raised if the following applies to you:
Do you like horror? From the late 90s? With teenagers? And no gratuitous boob shots? And bad acting? And generally not very scary? Still got those hands up? Good, read on.
The premise isn’t bad, a group of kids accidentally run down a guy while drink driving. Instead of going to the police they decide to dump the body and take this terrible secret to the grave, because, y’know, they didn’t want to ruin their college chances and whatnot. As you do. But this secret eats away at them, until one year later their friendships are in tatters. But of course, someone knows what they did last summer, and as the anniversary approaches, the kids start seeing the mysterious hook wielding Fisherman. Then the murders begin.
So we have a good premise. Excellent. It is, however, woefully executed. Starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, who is alright in her role of running around screaming, with Ryan Phillipe and Sarah Michelle Gellar, both also quite decent. Then there’s Freddie Prinze Jr., struggling with this while acting malarky usually required from actors. But whatever, he’s a pretty boy so there’s something for the girls to look at, and the boys have Sarah Michelle Gellar so everyone’s happy.
The film has very few actual scares, so horror movie novices might do well to start off here before delving deeper into the genre, but still, go in with low expectations and you probably won’t be disappointed.
Three and a half stars
@liamu99 reviewing :D3 commentsJuly 27th, 2009
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
21 GRAMS
DIRECTOR: Alejandro González Iñárritu
ACTORS: Sean Penn, Benicio Del Torro & Naomi Watts
Iñárritu claimed that he wanted the film to be told in a way that a person would describe a story, starting off with the things that come to mind first then filling in the details. If this film was told in a linear manner it would not have the immense effect it does.
The direction itself must be aplauded, there is a tenderness, a light touch that can be seen throughout the film and it is drenched in Iñárritu's sheer grace and style. Some scenes leave you breathless, just looking at beautiful scenery and with the derelict burnt down buildings around. The texture of the picture is also notable, there's alot of saturation and lack thereof in particular places highlighting and subduing what is important to that moment in the film. I find these little details scintillating, although I'm sure it's not of a huge importance. But then if it wasn't like this and it was done in a normal tone and texture it would be noticeable I'm sure.
As far as the acting goes it is impeccable and of all of the actors in this film I have swapped between who I believe gave the best performance. I simply can't chose anymore. Sean Penn is delightfully calm and stoic as a University Lecturer who has to have a heart operation. If it was a younger man it would be seen as almost too over the top and a slight teenager angst but on Penn it is refined and perfect to the part.
Bencio Del Torro, who got the hardest role, is both a detestable and yet completely sympathetic character. Everytime this man is on screen the camera is glued to him, it loves him. He just awed me on the first viewing, his intensity is infallable.
Naomi Watts plays the grieving wife having lost both of her children and husband in a freak car accident. The part could've been overplayed as well but I don't get that from her. It feels completely natural and upon finding out about the incident, the entire scene is heartbreaking, her large watery blue eyes just brimming within seconds and right there, it can only be described as grief. This film has solidified her as my favourite actress.
*****
Overall this film is heartbreaking, it is emotive and with it's music, its words, it visual mastery it will leave you breathless.5 commentsJuly 7th, 2009
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
Natural Born Killers
In this bizarre, satirical violent crime film from Oliver Stone, we follow Mickey (played by Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis) – two serial killers on the run as the media whips up a frenzy about them and their exploits. Robert Downey Jnr stars as a wonderfully crazy reporter, determined to get the full story on Mickey and Mallory as their path of violence leads them across America.
Comparisons can be drawn to the media’s obsession with criminals, following not only their crimes but also their court cases, and we are reminded of not only Bonnie and Clyde, but also the long drawn out court cases of O. J. Simpson and others.
A very good and interesting film with great performances all round, and a nice use of colour throughout. Visceral but not without meaning, great direction helps this film become not only a visual treat but also one with an actually interesting, meaningful and relevant story.
4 and a half stars.
@liamu99 reviewing. :D2 commentsJuly 6th, 2009
-
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
@elizavacious has failed epically at keeping the first review short and too the point. Ah well. Don't judge too harshly!
The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Wies and Tracy Hickman
[Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Dragons of Winter Night, and Dragons of Spring Dawning]
I literally just put down the last book, and not for the first time either. This was my favorite series in middle school, and it hasn't disappointed me now. It's perfect for fantasy readers young and old- the former because of the simplistic yet engaging writing style, and the latter because of the original characters and quick-paced plot. Despite certain cliche elements, the "Dragonlance" label is one of three major ones published by Wizards of the Coast, known in the fantasy gaming world for Dungeons and Dragons and other expansive book collections. This trilogy is the beginning of a world that is still continually expanding since its initial publication in the 1980's. The story centers around, most predictably, a world on the brink of war. The
Amazon synopsis: Lifelong friends, they went their separate ways. Now they are together again, though each holds secrets from the others in his heart. They speak of a world shadowed with rumors of war. They speak of tales of strange monsters, creatures of myth, creatures of legend. They do not speak of their secrets. Not then. Not until a chance encounter with a beautiful, sorrowful woman who bears a crystal staff draws the companions deeper into the shadows, forever changing their lives and shaping the fate of the world.
Incredibly cliche? You bet. But this baby is pure magic. Though the characters are stereotypical- conflicted half-elven, grumbling dwarf, sarcastic mage- they each have a strong personality that might surprise you. They carry the story on their backs, and you right along with them. In the first novel the writing isn't wonderful, but wanting to know what happens next brings you eagerly into the next.
As a series, I give it 4 stars. Not because the content is life changing, but because the novels are genuinely good and make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.0 commentsJuly 3rd, 2009
-
First Picture
ReviewBooth snapped a picture
Salutations! @elizavacious here! I'd also like to introduce @kisswithatear and @liamu99. I've written the 'down low' in the About Me, but I'll copy a bit of it here. ;)
We'll be reviewing everything from literary classics to new movie releases for your reading pleasures, while kicking assonance and taking names. If you have a review or critique you'd like to submit, send the Review Booth a private message.0 commentsJuly 3rd, 2009
Review Booth is from somewhere in the universe.
About
This is a project started by @elizavacious, @kisswithatear and @liamu99. We'll be reviewing everything from literary classics to new movie releases for your reading pleasures, while kicking assonance and taking names. If you have a review or critique you'd like to submit, send the Review Booth a private message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Following them
They're following
Movies
Natural Born Killers, I Know What You Did Last Summer, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, I Am Legend, The Breakfast Club
Websites
facebook.com/elizabeth.theriot