Beverly Hills ChihuahuaWalt Disney PicturesThe original trailer left many wondering whether Disney was cracking a really bad joke or worse — seriously trying to sell a movie about singing, dancing Chihuahuas. Awful trailer aside, the actual movie is cute, funny and genuinely entertaining. Sure, it has some terrible CGI moments and a few jokes that will elicit an eyeroll from anyone over 12, but it’s a fun flick whether audiences laugh with it, laugh at it or just enjoy seeing tiny dogs dressed in adorable outfits.J. GUTIERREZ- – – -ReligulousThousand Words”Religulous” is not a movie for the conservative or the devout. But those with a taste for irreverent humor will find it enlightening and funny. Bill Maher travels the world interviewing Christians, Jews and Muslims, challenging the religious convictions of all of the groups. Director Larry Charles’ offensive humor was a hit in “Borat,” and the team of Charles and Maher take it even further in “Religulous.” But “Religulous” is a documentary about religion in the same way “Borat” was a documentary about American culture: satirically. V. TOUPS- – – -Nick and Nora’s Infinite PlaylistSony Pictures Entertainment”Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” was cute. It was funny. And if audiences have seen any of Michael Cera’s work, it was utterly expected. Watching this film will make them wonder if Cera can be anything besides that slightly awkward yet incredibly cool teenage heartthrob he has been in every on-screen role since he lost his big-screen virginity. But once you get past that, this film is exactly what audiences should expect: a funny teen-aged romance story with love for music as the defining motif, and nothing more.A. FELIX- – – -How to Lose Friends and Alienate PeopleMGMSidney Young, portrayed by Simon Pegg, is a celebrity journalist who is awkward and clumsy. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Toby Young. Although witty and charming, it fails to draw many laughs. Pegg is more suited to being a funny best friend than a comedian. The scene with a nude transvestite is worth a gander, but other than that, all the really funny moments were in the previews.A. NORSWORTHY- – – -Jolie Hollandthe Living and the DeadAnti-RecordsThis Texas-born songstress stays close to her roots with her fourth album. Usually a bluesy folk singer, Holland ventures into country rock territory. Having been compared to Billie Holiday and Lucinda Williams, her voice warbles like a songbird, but in songs like “Mexico City” the warbling goes a bit overboard. She collaborated with artists M.Ward and Mark Ribot for more up-tempo tracks, but in the end, her voice is better suited for gently plucked guitar strings. The highlights of the album are the softer, cryin’-in-your-beer ballads like “Sweet Loving Man.”L. WALCK- – – -OasisDig Out Your SoulBig Brother RecordingsThe Brit band has turned out another hit with their seventh studio album, “Dig Out Your Soul.” It has been 17 years since the Gallaghers and company graced us with their presence, and their sound is still not getting old. But their shout-outs may be. Their album once again pays homage to The Beatles and several other music legends, such as The Doors and The Rolling Stones. But then again, it’s pretty hard to hate on the guys that gave us “Wonderwall.”D. ZERBY- – – -EDITOR’S PICK: DeerhoofOffend MaggieKill Rock StarsFor Fans Of: Animan Collective, Xiu Xiu, Blonde Redhead”Offend Maggie,” the 10th studio album from the San Francisco group Deerhoof, follows closely to the structure of previous releases. Lead singer Satomi Matsuzaki’s vocals in both Japanese and English are backed by offbeat percussion and unconventional melodies. The tracks range from sad to sugary sweet, and the album, while not showcasing much musical growth, doesn’t lack in quality. While Deerhoof’s experimental sound might not be for everyone, fans of the group will not be disappointed by its latest offering.S. AYCOCK- – – -Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainment staff at [email protected]
Reveille Ranks
October 7, 2008