MorningwoodDiamonds & StudsSelf-release
Morningwood may have left its label, but the music is still going to the “Nth degree” as is evident on “Diamonds & Studs.” Chantal and Pedro get the album off to a kickin’ start with the in-your-face “Best of Me,” a track that will definitely excite old and new fans alike with its dance invoking chorus. The New York duo excels at maintaining a seductive sound with tracks like the erotic and catchy “How You Know It’s Love,” and the electro-rock jam “Sugarbaby.” The album slows and dulls at the end, but the final result is still some kick ass rock ‘n’ roll.A+B. BourgeoisCreedFull CircleWind-Up RecordsAs soon as I loaded Creed’s newest spawn into my iTunes, my computer threw up. And as any good friend would do, I held back its hair. Not realizing the travesty my computer was trying to warn me of, I began to listen. I soon found myself face down in the toilet. “Full Circle” doesn’t even sound like old Creed, which is not a good thing, but still manages to carry over the same unimaginative song writing and shallow lyrics they used eight years ago. When discussion of a Creed reunion began, did anyone just say “No, the world just has too many troubles already?”FJ. ClappWolfmotherCosmic EggModular RecordingsWolfmother first blasted onto the music scene in 2006 with a surprisingly fresh take on the ’70s hard rock genre. But its sophomore album “Cosmic Egg” is somewhat underhatched, as the band has lost a little of the edge and energy its self-titled debut had. The album moves away from the band’s heavy reliance on intense and edgy guitar riffs, which leads to a more mature but less exciting sound. Wolfmother still has obvious influence from Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, making for an album that is easy to listen to but leaves fans wanting more.BE. SlackCirque du Freak: The Vampire’s AsisstantColumbia PicturesLike the Harry Potter and Twilight sagas, “Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” is based on a paranormal youth book series. Unlike the two previously mentioned franchises, “Assistant” cannot entrance its victims. The film starts out strong by providing an imaginative and refreshing twist on the ins and outs of vampirism, but this freak show only amounts to a bore fest. The director, Paul Weitz, was obviously unsure of what type of audience at which to aim. The characterization and plot are best suited for prepubescent boys, but the blood spilling fight scenes are meant for an older crowd.CL. Nunez
Michael Jackson’s This Is ItColumbia PicturesMichael Jackson isn’t just the King of Pop — he’s perhaps the greatest performer of this century. Using rehearsal footage from Michael’s comeback tour, this documentary demonstrates his mastery of the live performance. The film doesn’t promise to be anything it’s not — it offers no commentary on his death or his health during rehearsals — but it certainly captures the essence of Michael as both a performer and a person. And this is the closest you’ll get to seeing the tour’s impressive choeography and interactive visuals for yourself.BA. WhiteAmeliaFox Searchlight PicturesFor an aviation story about hope and inspiration, this movie falls out of the sky. “Amelia” is a biopic about the famous female aviator, Amelia Earhart, who makes an attempt to fly around the world. This movie is too tame, and often boring, for a story about a risk-taking woman. Audiences expect more with stars like Hilary Swank and Richard Gere, but this film acts like a high school history class: all facts, no pizzazz. “Amelia” misses its opportunity to show valor, rather like the aviator who missed her return to America.C+C. Vogels