“All About Steve“Fox 2000 Pictures
D-
“All About Steve” was supposed to be a witty chick flick about an eccentric crossword puzzle writer stalking a blind date for love, but this film falls flat. Mary becomes convinced Steve is her soulmate and follows the TV news cameraman across the country, but she was too quirky to even be considered comedic. After their recent performances in “The Proposal” and “The Hangover,” audiences expected more out of Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper, but they were severely disappointed by the boring, desperately unfunny film. This movie is easily the lowest hole in Bullock’s career.
C. Vogels
Phish“Joy”Jemp Records
A-
Phish comes back to the music scene after a four-year absence with its newest album “Joy.” The 25-year-old touring phenomenon is sure to please its huge and devoted fanbase with this gem of an album. Phish sticks to its breezy country-rock sound it’s well known for, especially in tracks like “Joy,” “Sugar Shack” and “Kill Devil Falls.” But “Joy” isn’t just easy-listening track. Trey Anastasio, guitarist and vocalist, is credited with writing most of the tracks, some of which deal with his drug addiction during the band’s absence. “Time Turns Elastic” and “Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan” are highlights.E. Slack
Yo La Tengo“Popular Songs”MatadorA-
In a time when band popularity lasts only a few short months, Yo La Tengo has managed to stay relevant for 25 years. Releasing its 12th studio album “Popular Songs” the band proves yet again why so many bands try to emulate its sound. Yo La Tengo stays true and produces a varied list of songs that shifts from trippy, shoe-gaze space rock to more light-hearted pop tunes. The great vocals and daring music of “Popular Songs” prove Yo La Tengo won’t fade away any time soon.
J. Clapp
“Gamer“Lionsgate, Lakeshore International
D+
“Gamer” lies where reality meets fantasy. Gerard Butler plays Kable, a death row inmate who is controlled during war games by a teenager. This review would mention more of the story’s plot if there were anymore to it. However, after five minutes of character building, the movie contains nothing but random explosions, lacerations and other acts of violence. Great acting was wasted on an awful plot. Even if viewers are only looking for intense action scenes, most of this movie’s violence is jumbled and seizure-inducing.
L. Nunez
“Extract”Miramax Films
B+
In his first major release since the God-awful “Idiocracy,” director and producer Mike Judge is back with an office comedy about the hazards of running a small business. Great performances from Ben Affleck and Gene Simmons of all people keep this movie going despite a somewhat uneven and slow plot. Judge always has a knack for creating great characters, and this is no exception. Great jokes about very believable office situations are accompanied by an awesome delivery from the actors. Although it’s not as funny as Judge’s cult classic “Office Space,” “Extract” is a great social satire featuring an dynamic cast.B. BourgeoisBoys Like Girls“Love Drunk”Sony
B-
Boys Like Girls’ sophomore effort, “Love Drunk,” shows it is at the forefront of the alternative pop genre after significant success with its self-titled 2007 debut. While the newest serving of high-energy songs about love and heartbreak will keep you dancing and singing, the album will not stand out in your mind for long. Tracks like the catchy and fierce “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” and the title-cut “Love Drunk” set themselves apart, but the rest of the album sounds generic and nothing different from the plethora of alternative pop bands out there today.A. White