IgorExodus Film GroupGrade: CJohn Cusack plays the title role in “Igor,” the story of a hunch-backed assistant to a mad scientist. In Malaria, where being evil is what life is all about, Igors are nothing more than slaves to mad scientists. But this Igor dreams of one day being a mad scientist. The Burton-esque feel of the film makes it quite visually appealing, and the star-studded cast includes Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon and Eddie Izzard. But while the characters and visuals are good, nothing can save the overdone storyline of good versus evil.   V. TOUPS- – – -Lakeview TerraceScreen GemsGrade: C+While “Lakeview Terrace” began with an interesting foray into racial tension, it devolved into a odd tale of a bitter bigot practically begging to be killed. It was odd because the film did little to push the racial envelope that it opened. It didn’t bring that element of poignance and emotion films like “Crash” did. But it wasn’t “Napoleon Dynamite” either. It entertained and at some points even provoked thought, allowing “Lakeview Terrace” to be classified as a decent movie.A. FELIX- – – -MogawiThe Hawk Is HowlingWall of SoundGrade: B”The Hawk Is Howling,” Mogwai’s sixth studio album, improves upon the epic post-rock songs that the band perfected on its last studio album, “Mr. Beast.” For “Hawk,” the album is full of beautiful instrumental pieces. Intertwining distorted guitars, bass, keyboard and pounding drums all come together to make structured, ethereal rock. All in all, “Hawk” is not as impressive as past releases such as “Mr. Beast,” but it is still a strong effort by Scotland’s premier instrumental rock band.B. LEJEUNE- – – -Cold War KidsLoyalty to LoyaltyDowntown RecordsGrade: CThe Cali quartet was all the rage in 2006 with its debut album “Robbers and Cowards.” And it is hard to tell whether their sophomore album, “Loyalty to Loyalty,” has remained true to their original sound. It’s just as indie and just as interesting. But something just isn’t quite right. The band seems to have misplaced its energy, and the songs seem to have lost their appeal. So it’s not looking like The Kids are alright.D. ZERBY- – – -NellyBrass KnucklesUniversal RecordsGrade: B+Nelly brings a smorgasboard of adored hip-hop artists onto his new album. For Nelly’s fourth record, he has grown from collaborations with Tim McGraw to Fergie, a different but pleasing change. However, too many duets leave Nelly in the background. Listeners may be left yearning for his signature sound. His three solo tracks are superb, and additional ones wouldn’t hurt. Other duets include Ashanti, LL Cool J and of course, the St. Lunatics.A. NORSWORTHY- – – -Kings of LeonOnly By The NightRCA RecordsGrade: B+Although technically they are a family band (three brothers and a cousin) from Tennessee, the Kings of Leon are no yokels. Deemed the “SouthernStrokes” or “Southern U2,” the band proved itself to critics with their third album “Because of the Times.” “Only By The Night” doesn’t quite live up to the previous album and moves more toward mainstream stadium rock, but the energetic accessibility (like the single “Sex on Fire”) is going to keep this CD playing in car stereos for a long time.L. WALCK- – – -Editor’s Pick — TV on the Radio”Dear Science,”Interscope RecordsFOR FANS OF:The Natioal Wolf Parade, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah”Dear Science,” the latest studio album from Brooklyn’s TV on the Radio, is the group’s best effort to date. Songs are filled with layers of handclaps, pounding drums and tambourines, continuing the complex sound for which the band has become known. “Dear Science,” proves TV on the Radio isn’t getting comfortable with its success, pushing the boundaries of traditional rock music with each new release.S. AYCOCK