Guitar Hero: Aerosmith June 30, 2008

Fire up the fret board, crank the amp to 11 and get ready to rock this way with Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith®, the first game built around the legendary music of America’s Greatest Rock ‘N Roll Band: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer. Slated for release this June, this latest installment from the franchise with the #1 best-selling video game in 2007, puts players in the shoes of Perry (guitar), Whitford (guitar) and Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside frontman Tyler and drummer Kramer. Gamers will experience Aerosmith’s GRAMMY® winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty, in a way that no other entertainment vehicle offers.

To celebrate this historic, ground-breaking collaboration, Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock fans will have the opportunity to download and jam to Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” The song will be available for free from February 16-18 on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. For more information, please visit www.guitarhero.com.

“Having a game built around Aerosmith has been a huge honor and really a great experience for us,” says Joe Perry. “We’ve put a lot of ideas into the game so that fans can have fun interacting with our music, getting inside our body of work and learning about the band’s history.”

Steven Tyler says, “Any band that can go from ‘Don’t Want to Miss A Thing’ (Aerosmith’s #1 smash hit) to the ass-kicking ‘Sweet Emotion’ to the cheekiness of ‘Love in an Elevator,’ to the classic ballad ‘Dream On’ shows why Activision chose us to headline this game based on the diversity of the Aerosmith catalog. Not only is songwriting a bitch, but then it goes and has puppies.”

Perry adds, “On a larger scale, it’s cool for us to be pioneers helping to rebuild the music industry through a format like video games. It’s great for rock since the record companies are struggling to make sense of how things are changing. Fans want to get and experience music in new formats–and there are going to be some of them who will play the game, then pick up the guitar for real and start bands. It’s what’s happening now, and it’s only going to build more momentum in the future. It’s a massive change for the music business.”

“We are extremely excited that Aerosmith chose to team up with Guitar Hero, bringing one of the world’s all-time best-selling artists together with one of the biggest video game brands, to deliver a new and unique interactive way for our customers to connect with artists and their music,” said Dusty Welch, head of publishing for Activision/RedOctane. “This partnership will give Aerosmith, a band that has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, a powerful and innovative platform to reach their fans and new audiences.”

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith brings these quintessential rock legends to the interactive realm to create the ultimate gaming experience. As fans progress through their careers in the game, they can rock out to scores of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, as well as songs from celebrated artists that the band has either performed with or has been inspired by in some way. Venues from historical moments during the band’s illustrious career offer the experience of “sweet emotion” and further capture the essence of the band’s rise to fame.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The Wii™ version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army June 28, 2008

Plot Summary: With a signature blend of action, humor and character-based spectacle, the saga of the world’s toughest, kitten-loving hero from Hell continues to unfold in “Hellboy II: The Golden Army.” Bigger muscle, badder weapons and more ungodly villains arrive in an epic vision of imagination from Oscar®-nominated director Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Hellboy”).After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above and the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures. Now, it’s up to the planet’s toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his marauders. He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it’s time to call in Hellboy (Ron Perlman).

Along with his expanding team in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development–pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair), aquatic empath Abe (Doug Jones) and protoplasmic mystic Johann–the BPRD will travel between the surface strata and the unseen magical one, where creatures of fantasy become corporeal. And Hellboy, a creature of two worlds who’s accepted by neither, must choose between the life he knows and an unknown destiny that beckons him.

 

The Sims™ 2 IKEA Home Stuff June 26, 2008

Give your Sims’ home a makeover with new furniture and décor items based on stylish designs by IKEA!

Whether you want to create a trendy, spacious office, a chic living room, or a cozy and inviting bedroom, you can make your Sims’ dream house into something even better-a home. Design your Sims’ rooms to fit their personalities with all-new sofas, beds, tables, TV units, shelving, and more, in a variety of colors and patterns for a truly unique look. Add the finishing touches with popular IKEA wall art, mirrors, lighting, and vases. Be your Sims’ personal interior designer with inspiring, contemporary styles from IKEA! *Requires The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition, The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, or The Sims 2 Deluxe to play.

Hancock review June 25, 2008

Nobody is quite sure what to think about the upcoming movie Hancock. Having Will Smith in the lead role is a pretty good guarantee of box office turnout, but lately people have been raising concerns about whether he can save Hancock.

Then the Latino Review published a scathing review of Hancock from an advanced screening and gave us a good idea of just how bad Hancock might be. But the Latino Review only confirmed what many were thinking: Hancock will be just as disappointing as its superhero protagonist.

Around the same time, The New York Times published an article about Hancock possibly being a box office bomb because the director, Peter Berg, was pushing the barriers of Hollywood movie-making. Trying to get a scene of statutory rape and Hancock getting drunk with a 12-year-old into a PG-13 movie will do that.

The real hurdle for Hancock might be overcoming the perceptions created by the movie trailers. It’s being portrayed as a light-hearted comedy (c’mon it’s got Will Smith and Jason Bateman…right?) when the director himself has said that despite some editing to get the PG-13 rating the movie remained sexual and violent. Hancock might sink like a rock just because Peter Berg is handing movie-goers a serious action thriller when they are expecting a comedic romp.

But the bad omens continue to pile up for Hancock, and we’re not talking about the fact that Will Smith slapped Charlize Theron on set. We’re talking about the delays in releasing the movie itself. The world premier was pushed back, and then pushed back again for reshoots, which is never good news for a movie. As of right now, the release is set for July 2 in America. Could it be Peter Berg trying to compensate for the bad reaction to the advanced screening, or just making further modifications for the ratings board?

Some of the reasoning for the delays has been slightly ridiculous, but the truth is that Hancock might not live up to the hype. The glum tagline might just be prophetic: There are heroes. There are superheroes. And then there’s… you guessed it, a disappointing film about a disappointing superhero.

You can find out how Hancock pans out as soon as it’s released by signing up for the TopTenREVIEWS Movie Review Notification. And in the meantime, check out how Will Smith rates against other actors on his TopTenREVIEWS Actor page.

Alone in the Dark (video game) June 24, 2008

 

It’s been a long time coming – not least for fans of the last instalment, which came out seven years ago – but Eden Studios’ larks-in-the-park reimagining of the Alone in the Dark series finally hits later this month.

A steady stream of spectacular trailers has ramped up interest very nicely in this Central Park-set adventure. And Eurogamer TV even blundered around in the real park after dark in pursuit of the game’s secrets.

Originally a moustachioed detective, series hero Edward Carnby has been treated to a hunky Hollywood makeover in preparation for his grand return. And that’s in keeping with the slick TV-style feel of an adventure so obviously in thrall to present-day entertainment colossi like Lost and 24; so much so that the story unfolds in episodic format to suit the structured tastes of today’s discerning telly addict.

Game-wise, most positive chatter has been reserved for the inventory system, which enables creative combining of items as both a means of outside-the-box thinking your way through puzzles, and just tearing strips out of enemies and the environment in freshly satisfying ways.

With the game out on 20th June, you don’t have much longer to wait before Eurogamer delivers its verdict on one of the biggest single-player games of 2008 – which, if you believe Phil Harrison, are a dying breed. And, as former PlayStation dev boss, he should know.

Movie Review: The Incredible Hulk June 18, 2008

 

Marvel has done it again. Early this summer it was the surprise hit Iron Man that had moviegoers buzzing. The good folks over at Marvel followed up with another installment of The Incredible Hulk. A lot of people, including myself, were skeptical of this film because of the last failed attempt at this franchise. This Incredible Hulk is nothing like what we saw in Ang Lee’s Hulk.

The movie opens as Bruce Banner (Edward Norton)a fugitive on the run who is living in Brazil, hiding from who he is, and trying to find a cure. Banner is quickly spotted by General Ross (William Hurt) and is on the run again. With no cure in sight Banner returns home to find some answers.

This movie reminds me of the old TV show that I loved so much. There are only going to be a few scenes with The Hulk. It was important that whoever played Bruce Banner could carry the film. I’ve been a huge fan of Edward Norton since Primal Fear and American History X. In this film Norton does such a great job of playing someone who does not want to be the Hulk. A man who is not happy with what he’s become and wants to find answers. Because of the Hulk he has to isolate himself from other people. You get the sense that he’s not sure he can control the monster within.

One of the great performances of the movie is Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky. An old soldier who wants who is obsessed with the power the Hulk possesses. His obsession with this power only grows stronger as the movie goes on. Blonsky reminded of the steroid issues in our sports today. A person who is past their prime who will inject themselves with anything for the opportunity to “win”.

My suggestion: One of the better movies I’ve seen this summer. I don’t think this movie disappoints at all. If you are a fan of the comic book, it is a must see. I enjoyed every minute of it. Good script, great action and even a few laughs to keep the movie going. I loved what I saw out of this movie and I hope to see more. Not to mention there is a cameo at the end of the movie that had the whole theater buzzing. Can’t wait to see what Marvel does next.

Solange Knowles’ New Album is Bananas June 18, 2008

 

Okay, I’m not sure that I would want my newest album compared to fruit but I *think* it was a complement.  In speaking of Solange Knowles upcoming EP, Geffen Records chairman, Ron Fair, said the following to Billboard.com:

“Her record is totally bananas.  It’s not what people would expect from her. The music is more eclectic and international. She’s in her own lane.”

“It’s a touch of retro with beautiful R&B songs and influences of early Natalie Cole and Carole King, and she’s only 21,” he continues. “I’m crazy about the Pharrell Williams’ record that she recently finished, called ‘I Decided.’ We’re finishing the album now.”

mariah Carey E=MC2 June 18, 2008

 

Three years after ‘The Emancipation Of Mimi’, Mariah Carey returns with her 11th studio album; E=MC2.

 

The album begins with the smooth seductive ‘Migrate’ featuring T-Pain; Mariah muses about drinking pinot grigio with her girls. The vocoder trend continues. It’s about time Teddy Riley gets some royalty checks!

 

‘Touch My Body’ is first single off the album. Mariah is vocally strong and it’s no surprise it reached number 1 on the Billboard Charts.

The collaboration with Damian Marley on ‘Cruise Control’ is a lovely surprise. Jermaine Dupri does a fabulous job meshing reggae tones and R&B together. The only problem is Mariah’s Jamaican accent; it needs a lot of work!

 

‘That Chick’ is one of the best tracks on the album. It has a great vibe and wonderful potential to be the third single.

 

E=MC2 is romantic at its heart. On the track ‘Side Effects’ she talks about her ‘private hell’ marriage to Tommy Mottola. We are then treated to a series of love ballads (‘Love Story’ and ‘Ill Be Loving You)

 

‘Bye Bye’ is a dedicated to the singer’s father who died of cancer in 2002. This is the official second single. The track itself is well arranged and this is one of the few tracks where Mariah is at her best.

 

The album ends pleasantly with the gospel inspired ‘I Wish You Well’. It’s disappointing that this track is the only one where Mariah’s vocal range is in full flow.

E=MC2 is certainly a musically diverse album with the pop, gospel, reggae influence. With this album Mariah has proven her comeback wasnt a fluke.

Here I Stand Usher June 17, 2008

Like Barry White, Jodeci, and R. Kelly before him, R&B superstar Usher is the master of a very specific milieu: music for — and about — making babies. And it has certainly served him well. Since the now 29-year-old first emerged as a precocious, buttery-smooth lothario in the mid-’90s, he’s brought home five Grammys, racked up a dozen top 10 singles, and sold more than 25 million records. So what happens when one of the biggest sex symbols in the business, who last dominated the charts with 2004’s Confessions, actually settles down and makes his own? (A baby, that is.)

The newly married dad — son Usher Raymond V was born last November — is both different and entirely the same on his fifth album, Here I Stand. One moment, he’s celebrating fatherhood with ”Prayer for You” (”You carry my name/And I pray that you’re better than me”) as his little boy gurgles in the background, or he’s reciting earnest paeans to monogamy (”Before I Met You,” ”Something Special”). The next, Usher’s groin-thrusting his way through salacious bedroom grooves like ”Trading Places” and ”This Ain’t Sex.” Indeed, the already massive single ”Love in This Club” is about as libidinous as he’s ever been: ”Let’s both get undressed right here/Keep it up girl, I swear/I’ma give it to you nonstop/And I don’t care/Who’s watchin’,” he croons over producer Polow Da Don’s shuddering, sex-drenched synths. Well then, Mr. Naughty!

Amid all the back-and-forth, a certain well-known pair of newlyweds drop in — Beyoncé on the insidious, if oddly drowsy, half sequel, ”Love in This Club Part II,” and Jay-Z on the horn-laden second-chance anthem ”Best Thing” — as do Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, and will.i.am. Ultimately, though, they’re just icing. Usher is still best when on his own, especially when he’s at his most raw. The gripping slow-burn ballad ”Moving Mountains” — in which he pleads, ”Just leave me” over and over to an emotionally remote lover — is an easy pick for a second single. And the equally helpless ”His Mistakes,” about a relationship haunted by the man who came before him, vibrates with genuine hurt and anger.

The album’s title track, a well-wrought Stevie Wonderesque throwback, doesn’t come till the end, and that’s a shame, because some listeners may already be flagging by then. At nearly 70 minutes, the disc could certainly have used a stronger editing hand, and even in his newly revelatory state, Usher remains more a smooth entertainer than an astute lyricist. Still, a good portion of Stand’s tunes deserve a place in the dance-floor pantheon — and, yes, in the bedroom, too. B+

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