The East Coast Blog on Entertainment Media

Long time no review...

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:35:00 +0000

It's been a while since I've done a review, so I've decided to start up again and review three movies I watched recently. The three are Star 80, Jacob's Ladder, and Downfall. The first review will be up by Sunday, September 5th!

Come back soon! Your views and support is greatly appreciated. Spread the word about us!

COMING SOON:

My Top 10 Greatest Pop Albums of All Time

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 01:49:00 +0000

1. True Blue

2. Spice

3. It's Not Me, It's You

4. Madonna

5. Ray of Light

6. She's So Unusual

7. Thriller

8. The Fame Monster

9. Off the Wall

10. The Fame

Silent Hill 2

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:29:00 +0000

I have decide to include three firsts on the site in this one review: first video game review, soundtrack review, and double review. I could think of nothing better than Silent Hill 2 to review for this special.

Silent Hill 2, first released on PlayStation 2 in 2001, has been described by G4's X-Play as "the scariest of all time". I couldn't agree more. This game effectively combines two key elements of horror that many filmmakers cannot capture in the same movie: psychological terror and shock. In Silent Hill 2, there is a perfect balance of the two. It is truly one of the scariest works of any kind I have ever experienced, more than most movies, games, books, etc. The plot of the game is truly one of the best in gaming and is worthy of a Hollywood movie. It features an incredible plot twist and a story woven perfectly together.

I must admit that the controls are a bit annoying and difficult at first, but the makers of the game gave you time to get used to them before any trouble really arises. Trust me, you really get used to the controls because it is so addicting you can't put the controller down! The riddle and action difficulty levels are up to you, but for a really good and challenging experience, I recommend a hard riddle level and easy or normal action level. The higher up on the action level you go, the more annoying it gets, not hard.

Rarely is a game ever more terrifying than Silent Hill 2. The stories you read, the monsters you see, the creepy areas you explore, the noises you hear, and especially the music you hear make this the scariest game of all time.

The soundtrack of Silent Hill 2 deserves just as much praise as the game itself. The album cover can really tell you the theme of the music: creepy and slightly depressing. It may not be depressing to some people, but there are certain slow songs on here that make me feel sad. Of course, those song were used in depressing scenes. The tracks featured in tension building or shocking scenes requires no actual scene to bring out the emotion. The music is that powerful. I recommend buying it on iTunes, and after playing the game, you will.

Sticky & Sweet Tour

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:38:00 +0000

Madonna's eighth worldwide tour to promote her latest studio album Hard Candy, Stick & Sweet Tour, was released on CD/DVD earlier this year. The tour itself began in August 2008 in Cardiff, Wales, and concluded in September 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel. It earned in upwards of $408 million becoming the highest grossing tour by a solo artist, breaking the previous record Madonna herself set with her 2006 Confessions Tour.

The live album Sticky & Sweet Tour became Madonna's nineteenth top-ten album in the United States. It featured a CD as well as a DVD, or blu-ray. While the DVD showed the tour in its entirety, the CD was missing almost an hour of the tour. That was real disappointment, but most of the best performances were on the CD, except "Into the Groove" for some reason. Watching DVD was very enjoyable though. Madonna still manages to be sexy, energetic, and musical while performing at age 51. The two performances that really stand out are "Vogue" and "Into the Groove". I also really liked the "Die Another Day" video interlude for some reason.

I would definitely give this album a try, especially if you are a Madonna fan, but don't expect to find a lot of classics, as it is supporting her 2008 album Hard Candy.

Mind In The Gutter

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:22:00 +0000

Most of you may know him as the "leave Britney alone guy", but Chris Crocker has done quite a bit since the release of that sensational video in 2007. Besides appearing on numerous talk shows and releasing dozens more internet videos that still gain hundreds of thousands of views each, Crocker has been dipping into the music industry. His first single on iTunes, "Mind In The Gutter", only got three stars based on the reviews of a thousand or so bias listeners. I think that because most people see him as the 'Britney' guy, those people won't give his music a chance. As far as independent internet music goes, Chris is no worse than anyone else. I think the song is catchy, danceable tune. Although I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of the entrance.

Crocker has since released another single on called "Love Me Better". It has received mixed to positive reviews on iTunes.

It's Not Me, It's You

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 01:59:00 +0000

This article concludes the two part special on Lily Allen.

With It's Not Me, It's You, Lily Allen's music took a slightly darker and more serious tone. It also feels more like it is for adults. Each track is very full sounding and has meaning, some personal, some political, some religious.

The album's singles, "The Fear", "Not Fair", "Fuck You", "22", and "Who'd Have Known" are undoubtedly the best tracks on the album of course. All of them fared well commercially too, especially "The Fear" and "Not Fair" which peaked at #1 and #4 in the UK respectively. My favorite of these would have to be "Not Fair", mostly because lyrically it is genius and it has a sort of country pop feel, much like Madonna's "Don't Tell Me". In fact, the album owes a lot of it's greatness to the lyrics of the songs which are brilliant.

The backing tracks on the album are many, but there are a select few that stand out: "Everyone's At It", "Him", "I Could Say", and "Back To The Start". "Back To The Start" was so good, in fact, that it was released as a sixth single in Australia.

It's Not Me, It's You once again shows us Lily's great talent in the lyrics department, but brings out a wider range of emotions than she did with Alright, Still. This album is definitely one of the best to be released in 2009, even better than Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster. It's one of the best pop albums to come out in a very long time.

Alright, Still

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:49:00 +0000

I was very disappointed to hear that British singer Lily Allen was giving up her music career for good to pursue other projects, but thankfully she left us with some great music to look back on. This blog begins a two part special on Lily Allen where I will review her only two albums. This is the review for her debut album Alright, Still.

In 2006, we in America only got a glimpse of Britain's hottest new pop star Lily Allen with her hit single "Smile", that peaked at #1 in the UK and #49 in the US. I had heard the song on the radio once or twice, but I wasn't really interested until I saw Lily perform the song live at the Concert For Diana. After that I became obsessed with the song as well as her debut album itself. I mostly liked the albums official singles "Smile", "LDN", "Littlest Things", and "Alfie", as well as backing tracks "Everything's Just Wonderful" and "Knock 'Em Out".

What I really love about Lily is her ability to take songs that are lyrically very negative and turn them into upbeat 'happy' songs. For example, "Smile" is about Allen enjoying seeing her ex-boyfriend suffer; in "LDN" she describes that London is not all it seems (The negative aspects of life in London) ; and in "Knock 'Em Out" she explains how much she dislikes getting hit on by creeps at a pub. All of these songs have an extremely happy and upbeat composition.

I think that it's safe to say that Alright, Still is one of the best pop albums ever made.

In her second album, Allen stuck to the complex and meaningful lyrics, while getting more serious and losing the bubblegum pop feel. The review for It's Not Me, It's You is coming soon.

Monster

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Mon, 31 May 2010 04:56:00 +0000

"I'm not a bad person. I'm a real good person!"

Few movies have touched me like Monster has. You see, Monster is very much a love story. Its a very different love story, but still very powerful in showing the lengths a troubled soul will go to for love.

Charlize Theron stars as Aileen Wuornos, in her Oscar-winning performance of the infamous American serial killer who was convicted of the murder of seven men in the early 1990s.

The film follows Wuornos in her final attempt at a normal life. In this final attempt, she turns to love. After contemplating suicide, she meets Selby Wall in a gay bar who, after a brief argument, offers Wuornos beer and a place to stay. Aileen, a life-hooker, attempts to make some quick cash for her second date with Selby. However, a rape attempt leads Wuornos to murder. Soon, she and Selby move into a motel. Desperate for money, Aileen is forced to continue her life of prostitution, but the six men who stand in the way of her happiness have no idea of nightmare that awaits them.

There is no excuse for what Aileen Wuornos did, but Monster explains what would lead a battered and abused prostitute to murder. It truly is very saddening, and its Wuornos who you are sad for. Its one of those movies that makes you feel sorry for the bad guy. It really succeeds in that. It is one of the best movies I've seen and contains THE BEST female performance in the history of cinema.

Directed by: Patty Jenkins

Starring: Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci

Released: December 17th, 2003

My overall rating: 10/10

AFI 100 Years..100 Movies: N/A

True Blue

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:13:00 +0000

I've always been a fan of Madonna, but recently I've been digging deeper into her music and I must say that now I am a Madonna mega-fan. I've listened to all her albums and seen all her videos, after buying the Celebration Video Collection, and of all eleven of her studio albums I must say I like True Blue the best. However, some songs stand way superior to any on True Blue, such as "Like A Virgin" and "Like A Prayer". The album as a whole though is the best.

Five singles were released from True Blue: "Live To Tell", "Papa Don't Preach", "True Blue", "Open Your Heart", "La Isla Bonita". All singles were a chart success. The first two and "Open Your Heart" were #1 hits. The other two were Top 5 hits. My personal favorite is "Papa Don't Preach". I love it for its great instrumental entrance as well as its darker tone, message, and music video. The song gathered lots of controversy over its teen pregnancy theme. Nonetheless, it became one Madonna's most successful singles and secured her a position as one of the greatest artists of the 1980s.

She's So Unusual

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 15:42:00 +0000

I've recently been rooting for pop icon Cyndi Lauper on NBC's reality series The Celebrity Apprentice. So, because of her recent boost in publicity, I have decided to review her 1983 album She's So Unusual.

To start, the album has a pretty good cover. I absolutely love an album with an awesome cover.

The actual music on the album itself is tremendous. Its a mix of several different styles with an overall tone. No two songs sound very alike, and no song is absolutely boring to the point of skipping.

In 1983, when the album was released, Lauper's popularity spread like wildfire. She soon became the first female artist to have four top-five singles released from one album. Those three songs are my favorites from the album: "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", "Time After Time", "She Bop", and "All Through The Night". "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was certified platinum by the RIAA, while "Time After Time" and "She Bop" were certified Gold. All three sold in excess of one million copies. The album itself sold 16 million copies worldwide, more than 6.5 million in the United States alone, and was certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA.

The album went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package in 1985, and won Lauper the Grammy for Best New Artist as well. In total, the album was nominated for six Grammy Awards including Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

In 2003, the album was ranked at 494 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. In my opinion, it should have ranked higher.

Artist: Cyndi Lauper

Produced by: Rick Chertoff and William Wittman

Released: October 14th, 1983

My overall rating: 9/10

Why Did I Get Married Too?

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:59:00 +0000

"I'll show you crazy!"

First of all, I have admit that I don't know what was funnier, the movie or the audience. If I had not been sitting in front of a loud, but funny woman, my review would probably be worse. The people around me in the theatre added on to every funny thing said or done in the move, thus making it funnier than it actually was. So I have to admit I had a good time. However, not everyone can be as fortunate as I and get a funny crowd.

The movie was not really funny throughout, nor was it dramatic at any point other than the climax, which was pretty good. It just seemed like a movie I would watch only if it was on TV. I definitely would not waste my money on it.

Other than the climax, there is one good thing that came out of this move, Janet Jackson's performance. I really expected her to be terrible just like every other music star that attempts to act. She was by far, the best actor in the entire move. She really keeps the movie afloat. I only wish I could see her in a good drama film. She could really flourish if she were.

Directed by: Tyler Perry

Starring: Tyler Perry and Janet Jackson

Released: April 2nd, 2010

My overall rating: 4/10

AFI 100 Years..100 Movies: N/A

Susan Boyle Remains #1

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:52:00 +0000

I was surprised enough to see that Susan Boyle's new album I Dreamed A Dream debuted at #1 in both the US and the UK, but to see that it has stayed at #1 into 2010 had me completely shocked. So, I decided to go out and buy it. I gave every song a careful listen and have come to the conclusion that Susan has deserved her spot at number one.

Its actually great to see classical music at number one. I'm not a big fan of classical music, but Susan is amazing.

My favorite tracks on the album are:
"Wild Horses"
"I Dreamed A Dream"
"Cry Me A River"
"Daydream Believer"
"Up The Mountain"
"Who I Was Born To Be"
"Proud"
"The End Of The World"

Click here to purchase Susan's debut album.

Our new blog!

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Please visit our new blog, Weekly Top 5, at http://weeklytop.blogspot.com/

Top 5 of 2008

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0000

1. The Reader
Shocking twist and a brilliant Kate Winslet.

2. Revolutionary Road
Challenging film with two incredibly talented leads.

3. Doubt
Great plot and the wonderful Meryl Streep.

4. Gran Torino
Another movie with a terrific plot.

5. The Dark Knight
Heath Leger was excellent in his final performance.

And the winner is:

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Recently, we held a poll here at Classic Movie Reviews asking you what the best movie of 2008. The poll ended; the votes were counted, and the winner is... The Dark Knight.

Personally, I would not have picked this movie, but just because you picked it, I'll do a short review.

A tad bit overrated:

The Dark Knight was pretty good, for the first half at least. For me, it became very predictable and too actiony. However, the brilliant performance by Heath Leger keeps the film tolerable. It still stays afloat in my Top 10 of 2008 (blog coming soon).

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale and Health Leger

Released: July 18th, 2008

My overall rating: 7/10

AFI 100 Years..100 Movies: N/A

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:22:00 +0000

You are cordially invited to George and Martha's for an evening of fun and games:

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, based on a fantastic play by Edward Albee, takes you on an exciting ride that won't soon forget. Elizabeth Taylor plays the drunk wife of an associate history professor, played by Richard Burton, who invite an unexpecting young couple over for a night of fun, which turns out to be a night of scandal.

The film starts with a little booze in everyone's system, but as the night goes on the bottles become empty and the sparks begin to fly, all while the poor young couple caught in the middle begins to see the flaws and secrets within their own marriage. Its hard to tell much more about Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? without spoiling it.

I believe this is one of the most powerful dark-comedic dramas, and I am proud to say that this is one of my favorite movies ever.

Directed by: Mike Nichols

Starring: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

Released: June 22nd, 1966

My overall rating: 10/10

AFI 100 Years..100 Movies: #67

Marie Antoinette

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:07:00 +0000

"Let them eat cake"

The story of the young French Queen Marie Antoinette, her husband, and the downfall of the French Monarchy is perfectly mixed together with modern themes and music, thanks in great part to writer/director Sofia Coppola (The Virgin Suicides).

Marie Antoinette is not a very historically accurate film about the Queen, but it is none the less entertaining. The costumes are great, the acting believable, the music satisfying, and even a bit of comic relief here and there.

Marie Antoinette steps away from the history to dig deep into Antoinette's life as a Dauphine and as a queen, including her infidelities, gambling, and great love of food and shopping.

Don't look to watch Marie Antoinette for political film about the era of the French Revolution, because you won't find it here. Its for those looking for an upbeat (mostly) film about the life of a young beautiful queen, with a sad end. Rent it, please.

Directed by: Sofia Coppola

Starring: Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman

Released: October 20th, 2006

My overall rating: 7/10

AFI 100 Years..100 Movies: N/A

Some Like it Hot

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:51:00 +0000

A Truly Funny Classic:

Most old comedies were funny at the time of their release, but don't get to many laughs now days. Some Like it Hot, however, has stood the test of time. It is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen!

Most of the funny lines come from the screen goddess Marilyn Monroe in perhaps her most famous role, but there not the typical old comedy lines. They're sexual jokes! (Note: This movie was not approved by the Hay's Code but was released anyway, which is probably why we find it funny!)

So here's the story: After witnessing a mob hit, two musicians are forced to flee the state in an all female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.

Well, My only criticism is that it's a bit slow at first but really picks up once Marilyn comes into the picture to make up for it.

Some Like it Hot is a true classic and still on funny movies out out there. You should definitely buy it.

Directed by: Billy Wilder

Starring: Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis

Released: March 29, 1959

My overall rating: 10/10

AFI 100 Years...100 Movies: #22

All About Eve

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:15:00 +0000

It's really all about Bette:

Although Bette Davis didn't win an Academy Award for her role in All About Eve, she absolutely deserved one! She, as well as the brilliant plot, make this film.

The movie starts out at an awards ceremony. At first we are not sure what's going on or who is who, but soon we are introduce to everyone except Eve, who is continually mentioned throughout the ceremony. Soon, though it is made clear that Eve is a poor young woman and a big fan of stage actress Margo Channing (Davis). After she is introduced to Channing, telling her sad story, she moves in with her as a sort of personal assistant.

Channing is soon annoyed by Eve who is worshiping her, copying her, and even trying to steal her spotlight. Tensions grow all the way up to unexpected climax, which is brilliant. It's another one of those movies that starts with a person who you think's a villain, but ends up being the good guy.

Also, Marilyn Monroe makes an appearance as a talentless wannabe at Margo Channing's party to provide a bit of comic relief that is much needed.

A wonderful plot, writing, and acting makes this film one of the best in American history. Its an absolute must see.

Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Starring: Bette Davis and Anne Baxter

Released: October 13th, 1950

My overall rating: 10/10

AFI 100 Years...100 Movies: #28

The Players Club

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:13:00 +0000

Overlooked Comedic Drama:

The Players Club is full of laughs and shocks from the very beginning. It's the story of a young woman, Diamond, as she tries to earn money for college by working at a strip club, all while trying to look after her cousin, Ebony.

Diamond, who has good morals and big dreams, has a very hard time keeping Ebony in line, who becomes mixed up with the wrong crowd.

Needless to say, Ebony gets herself into a lot of trouble by sleeping with Diamonds boyfriend.

After Ebony is kicked out of Diamonds house, she tries to earn money doing "private parties" with her friend Ronnie, but one of these "private parties" goes horribly wrong, and Ronnie leaves Ebony behind to suffer.

When Diamond finds out, all hell brakes loose! Diamond get her revenge!

Although some of the acting could have been better, The Players Club is different, original, and shocking. It also has one of the best fight scenes in all of cinema! If you get the chance, rent it.

Directed by: Ice Cube

Starring: Lisa Raye and Bernie Mac

Released: April 8th, 1998

My overall rating: 6.5/10

AFI 100 Years...100 Movies: N/A

Mommie Dearest

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Underrated and wrongfully panned:

Mommie Dearest is one of the best movies I've ever seen! It has been wrongfully panned by critics due to its perception of Joan Crawford, a truly great actress. To watch this movie, you must set aside all your past views on Joan Crawford so that you may take into account the story of her daughter, Christina.

Christina Crawford, adopted by Hollywood royalty Joan Crawford, has her story told in this disturbing and saddening film. If your looking for an enlightening movie that will make you jump up and down with happiness, don't rent Mommie Dearest. I will admit his movie has little to no happy moments, but life is not always happy and doesn't always end happy.

Mommie Dearest is realistic in way that you would not expect coming from the home of a Hollywood legend. It shows the abuse poor Christina had to endure, while showing her mother, Joan, going crazy over time.

It features Faye Dunaway in, what I consider, one of her best roles. She is absolutely stunning as Joan Crawford.

Although the way Joan Crawford is viewed in this film is controversial, you have to admit that it was a good movie whether you believe she was abusive or not. Give it a chance and you'll see that its a great movie with great performances and very memorable scenes.

Directed by: Frank Perry

Starring: Faye Dunaway and Diana Scarwid

Released: September 18th, 1981

My overall rating: 9/10

AFI 100 Years...100 Movies: N/A

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (DD) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Thank you for viewing my blog! Here you will find weekly reviews for movies that are at least a year old so that you can get an idea of what to rent (or buy) when your unsure.

Thank you!