JonsiGoXL
Sigur Ros frontman Jonsi Birgisson embarks on yet another side venture, this time with a solo record that streamlines the spacey sound of the band without neutering it. “Go” is teeming with beauty from the first moment and contains a more jaunty bounce than Sigur Ros’ signature glacial balladry. Jonsi sings in English on this album — as opposed to his native Icelandic — but his distinctive voice carries the songs. While “Go” comes on strong during a few tracks, Jonsi has still pared down his main band’s sound without losing its charm or impact.
C. Abshire — B+
QuadronQuadronPlug Research
Hip-hop producer Robin Hannibal and singer Coco’s first album combines beautiful melodies and rich beats to create a jazzy, laid-back lounge sound. Hailing from Copenhagen, the duo combines soul and electronica, two seemingly disparate musical styles. The effect is like a trip to the ’60s, with interesting rhythms and layered instrumentation along the way. Quadron’s self-titled release is a strong debut – Coco’s crisp, emotional vocals are both incredibly moving and irresistibly catchy.
E. Clausen — B
She & HimVolume TwoMerge Records
Singer-actress Zooey Deschanel joins forces again with indie-rock golden child M. Ward for She & Him’s second album, appropriately titled “Volume Two.” The duo continues to capitalize on its signature soft retro-pop sound, but it’s Deschanel’s smooth ’50s-sounding voice and Ward’s sophisticated musical styles that make She & Him impressive. The pair sounds blissful together, although here Deschanel’s efforts often overshadow Ward’s. “Two” neglects to offer anything “Volume One” didn’t, but the album offers a pleasantly listenable array of bouncy sunshine-pop songs echoing sentiments of love.
M. Jacobs — B
The Bounty HunterColumbia Pictures
“The Bounty Hunter” plays out like an awkward Saturday Night Live skit, only it lasts nearly two hours. Nicole (Jennifer Aniston) and Milo (Gerard Butler) are a divorced couple reunited in a laughably absurd plot line, as they dodge gambling bookies and hit up Atlantic City. The chemistry between Aniston and Butler is rarely believable, while the characters’ backgrounds and former relationship is never explained to the viewers. “The Bounty Hunter” is not just formulaic and forgettable, it is contrived in the worst way.
C. Abshire — D
Repo MenRelativity Media/Stuber Pictures
This futuristic statement featuring a company that brutally retrieves its artificial organs from payment-defaulting patients couldn’t be a more perfectly timed call for universal health care. Repo men Remy (Jude Law) and Jake (Forest Whitaker) are addicted to chasing down past-due organs for parent company The Union and carving up debtors for quick removal and big money. But after a bizarre defibrilliator malfunction, Remy receives his own metallic heart and becomes the prey to his own game when he can’t foot the note. And the cold, gray scenery, a battered Law and a collage of raw, vicious organ procurement make the film hard to watch at times. The excessive violence is at times so ludicrous, spontaneous confusion is bound to occur — confusion about whether to laugh or be horrified. Yet, that’s no doubt what director Miguel Sapochnik intended. The film shares its plot with 2008 small-scale film “Repo! The Genetic Opera,” directed by “Saw II” and “III’s” Darren Lynn Bousman. There’s no lack of plot, it’s not engaging and chemistry is missing throughout. A feeble-looking Law was clearly not the optimum choice for the muscly lead. There’s also a twist, but it’s too little, too late. Yet despite the transparent political commentary and lackluster execution, the film’s got perks. An odd scene with ex-Wu Tang Clansman RZA is a highlight. Maybe it’s because of the last-minute, albeit haphazard twist. Maybe it’s because of Law’s and Alice Braga’s sexy, bloody self-surgeries. For better or worse, you’ll think about this film after it’s done. S. Lawson
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