Evolutionary, not revolutionary. That's how a good number of attendees characterized the vast array of products on display at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. And this did ring true for the HDTVs unveiled, which tended to be thinner, sexier, and outfitted with a wider range of picture-improving features than that of last year's models.
Video: 4.5/5
Audio: 5/5
Extras: 3.5/5
I completely avoided this one during its theatrical run due to the bad taste left in my mouth from the first AVP. The first film had a reasonably good premise, but I didn’t care for the execution. Surprisingly this follow up was far more satisfying, though still short of the original Alien and Predator franchises. The film picks up right where the last one left off with the predator/alien half-breed. The ship gets taken over by the new breed and crashes in the woods in Colorado. From there a small town is essentially taken over by the alien. Back on the Predator home world a warrior is sent out to deal with the issue and essentially becomes the primary source of hope for the small town. There are definitely points in this film where the cheese gets a bit much, but I thought the execution was a bit better this time around and fans of the franchise will probably find this a more satisfying addition.
Video: 3/5
Audio: 3.5/5
Extras: 2.5/5
I always enjoy a good extreme sports documentary. Whether it is big wave surfing, skating or base jumping, I'm always blown away with the level these guys take it to. Steep looks at the extreme skiing side of things including big mountain skiing. These are the guys that are climbing peaks that most would look at in fear only to ski down what looks like a near impossible run. You see quite a few variations on the sport including "Heli-skiing", which requires the use of a helicopter to get to impossible peaks. Crazy is an understatement for some of these guys, but you have to admit it's pretty cool to see what some people are brave enough to do. The documentary is excellent and covers the history of the sport and where it is going. The photography is gorgeous and a mix of new high definition footage and archived film.
Video: 4.5/5
Audio: 4/5
Extras: 2/5
Sean Penn has been impressing me more and more with both his roles in film and his efforts behind the camera. Into The Wild is a moving film about a young college graduate that decides to go off the radar and embark on an adventure across the country and into the wilds of Alaska. Along the way he makes friends and faces some interesting challenges in the wild. The film is based on true events and I must say it was quite inspiring in spirit. The photography is outstanding, as is the score and original songs by Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder. Newcomer Emile Hirsch also gives a stellar performance as the young traveler finding his place and living his dreams.
Video: 4/5
Audio: 3.5/5
Extras: 3.5/5
I think most people would say that Juno was the dark horse of the Oscar race this year. It was loved by critics and audiences (based on its nice haul) and was probably the most popular of the Best Picture nominees. I didn't get the chance to see it in theaters but I was excited to finally get to watch it. Honestly, it didn't meet my expectations. The film was solid, of that there is no doubt, but it left me puzzled on the Best Picture nod. For one the film as a whole isn't much different from a lot of the “indie” comedies we see all the time. The story isn't anything new, the acting is good but again nothing new, and honestly I found most of the dialogue contrived. It was almost like they were trying to be too witty most of the film, which comes off as annoying for me. I love the heart of the film, I connected a lot with the end and the idea of losing your child, but I guess I wasn't as affected by the entire picture as the Academy was.
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Many early subscribers to Verizon's FiOS TV service consider themselves pioneers paving the way for competition among Internet and TV service providers and forcing cable and satellite companies to stay on their toes. As with all pioneers, the...
