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Brian Kerin A & E Editor MUSIC The Good: Huge props go to any band that has the balls to actually take a stance on the war on Iraq and the current political climate in the United States. Pearl Jam not only released one of the best albums of their career this year, but it was also packed full of anti-war and anti-Bush sentiments. As well, it seems as if System of a Down has taken over where Rage Against the Machine left off, being one of the most politically outspoken bands out there today. The band's lead singer Serj Tankian even hosts a website with Tom Morello, formerly of Rage, called www.axisofjustice.org, where the guys give fans and activist a forum to protest and educate themselves on many important issues. The Bad: I was browsing through a rack of magazines and couldn't help but notice a picture of Avril Lavigne standing in front of a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier holding a Gibson SG guitar. Yah, I know you don't know what a Dual Rectifier is, and the words Gibson SG means about as much to you as calculus or physics do to me; but to see this poser-punk girl in front of my ideal guitar/amp setup was distressing. Ms. Lavigne is the farthest thing from punk and she doesn't even play a guitar, she's just Britney Spears with a good PR person. The Ugly: And, if props go to any band that takes a stance on the impending war; the opposite goes to all the "stars" and "musicians" that had planned to speak out at the Grammy's with anti-war sentiments, then didn't when they were told from their record labels and network execs that it would be bad for their image. Ironically, Fred Durst of the "Bizkit" was the only person who actually said anything, but his attempt at an anti-war statement was plagued by bad grammar and the use of words that don't exist (aggreance). MOVIES The Good: Recently I was treated to two rarities from the film industry. A non-cliché horror film and a comedy that was actually funny. "Identity" is a new thriller by James Mangold (Copland, Girl Interrupted) starring John Cusack and Ray Liotta, the movie tells the tale of ten travelers that are forced to check into the same motel because of a storm. When people start dying the thrills ensue, but the who-done-it premise is kept from going stale with a completely original plot twist at the end. Also, "Old School" has got to be one of the funniest movies in a long time. Will Ferrel proves that he is much more than just SNL's golden boy, Vince Vaughn is hilarious, and the lesser known Wilson Luke proves to the kind of charisma that gives longevity in Hollywood. The Bad: I wish movie companies would not let out information about upcoming movies. I first heard rumors almost a year ago that the sequels to the "Matrix" were to be released sometime in 2003. All that time I have tried to put it in the back of my mind so as not to drive myself crazy with anticipation. The same thing happened when I found out that all three movies for the "Lord of the Rings" were done but were going to be released in year long intervals. Please, movie people don't let rumors and hype take away the anticipation and lessen the importance of movies that we all have high hopes for. If anything, remember what happened with "Star Wars: Episode I." The Ugly: I haven't really done too much name dropping in this piece; I think it's about time I change that. Huh, "Biker Boys," that was good, really. Vin Deisel, please for the sake of all things good, please stop making movies. I just wanted to point out that "Kangaroo Jack" is just more evidence that any movie set in Australia is destined to be crap. How about "Cradle to the Grave," "Shanghai Knights," and all the other buddy movies with one Asian martial artist and either a rapper or one of the Wilson brothers; nah, that idea isn't getting worn out at all. And "National Security," I can't believe Martin Lawrence was even allowed to make a movie after "Black Knights!" TELEVISION The Good: With all the negative aspects of television there are some positives that can take away the guilty feeling of watching societies biggest addiction since caffeine. Animated shows are in my eyes a valid art form and therefore can be separated from the rest of the crap that fills the airways. "Adult Swim" is an animated show that runs late Saturday night. It is so full of trippy animation, weird humor, and general insanity that you don't even have to be on drugs to enjoy it. Some other choice animated shows are the neo-stoner classic "Spongebob Squarepants," the always witty "Invader Zim," and if you can handle it, "The Power Puff Girls" is just weird enough to be cool. Just remember, cartoons were invented by stoners, for stoners, to watch -yah you guessed it- stoned. The Bad: The worst thing about television comes in the form of the mainstream news media. If only these people had balls they would actually report news the way it is not the way our government and their employers wanted it to be reported. Only too often have I found information that is completely contrairy to nationally reported news. For the most part these "journalists" are just trying to keep their very lucrative jobs, but they have duties, and to report news that is inaccurate, biased, and full of propaganda is wrong. The key to solving the majority of the world's problems lies in breaking the connection between the governments, big business, and the mainstream media. The Ugly: I thought it might be good to finish on a lighter note, so I researched a few of the reality shows that will be airing soon. First, "Hillbilly," the show about a poor family trying to make it in the rather affluent city of Beverly Hills, oh how we will love to mock those accents and "hillbilly" tendencies. Also, "The Player" a show that follows around a smarmy ladies-man and a limousine full of vivacious ladies for him to prey on. "The Player" decides who gets to stay in the limo and the last lady left gets the privilege of staying with "The Player." The last and most absurd reality based show to come out in the sometime future is called "The Surreal Life." This show puts seven "fallen stars" in a house to see what will happen. In the house are MC Hammer, Motley Crue frontman Vince Niel, Emmanuel Lewis from "Webster," "Baywatch" star Brande Roderick and a few others not worth mentioning. This one ought to be interesting. © 2003 Shoreline Community College™ |
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