John MayerBattle StudiesSony Music EntertainmentBE. SlackThe guitarist everyone loves to hate is back with more love-lorn crooning on his latest album, “Battle Studies.” John Mayer’s latest release proves he’s certainly no slouch at the guitar and still has the ability to churn out a few catchy tunes, like the bluesy “Crossroads” and the single “Who Says.” Unfortunately, “Battle Studies” seems to lack the spark he had on the albums “Room For Squares” and “Heavier Things.” Mayer’s virtuosity on the guitar keeps this album afloat, though he should pick up the tone in the future.—-2012Columbia PicturesD-J. ClappAvoid “2012.” The only thing that could top how depressing this movie was is if the world actually exploded — and even then it would probably be because of this movie. When this movie was made, I sincerely believe the directors, producers and cast sat down to watch every disaster movie ever made, took notes and proceeded to hack away at what potentially could have been a serious movie.In the end, the film is just a perfected form of the formula movie, cliché upon cliché and cheesy dialogue upon cheesy dialogue. I hope this is the end-of-the-world flick to end all end-of-the-world flicks.—-Assassin’s Creed II (PS3)UbisoftB+A. WhiteThe Assassin’s Creed franchise returns with a vengeance with this beautifully made sequel that is sure to get players’ mouths watering. The graphics and overall quality of the images are beyond superb, creating as crystal clear and realistic of a world as one could imagine. Another plus is the game’s focus on a true high-definition game experience allowing the game to be played on glorious 1080p. While the story mode is drawn out early on and tedious at times, the pace allows gamers to properly settle into the journey that is Assassin’s Creed II.  —-Them Crooked VulturesThem Crooked VulturesInterscope RecordsA
B. BourgeoisThem Crooked Vultures brings together Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones to create some of the most rocking and strangest music out today. This album mostly resembles a jam session, which isn’t surprising considering it was released just over three months after the supergroup first appeared onstage. They take a bunch of turns throughout the album, resembling something from a Queens album to jamming riffs off Led Zeppelin II. The songwriting isn’t incredibly ambitious, but it doesn’t have to be — these guys have proven they can rock, and Them Crooked Vultures is no exception.—-DareGigantic PicturesCL. NunezWhile in their last semester of high school, the characters of “Dare” discover themselves through sexual experimentation and end up in a complicated love triangle. “Dare” includes the typical coming-of-age high school stereotypes but tries to reach further than the norm with its satirical perspective. This film goes for the shock factor with awkward but honest sex scenes. The love theatrics became a bit dramatized, but the film still manages to give a fresh look to the social cliques classically associated with high school microcosms.—-Pirate RadioUniversal PicturesBC. VogelsWhile “Pirate Radio” shouldn’t be a Golden Globe winner for cinematography or development, it is a fantastic party with a phenomenal play list. This film features a cast of disc jockeys broadcasting rock ‘n’ roll 24 hours a day across England over a pirate radio station from a decrepit ship. Stuffed with stars like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bill Nighy, the cast brings impeccable flavor and humor to the screen. “Pirate Radio” is one of the best rock movies since “Almost Famous.” Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me!—-Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainment staff at [email protected]