Terminator Salvation Review

Score: B

You really can't come into this movie expecting any surprises since the plot has been referenced by its predecessors, but Terminator doesn't worry too much about being original.

This is the film that every Terminator fan has been waiting for. The fight against the machines has unraveled and it is a brutal one to say the least. 

I was extremely concerned for the franchise after the piece of shit that was T3. I had never been that disappointed in a film, until I saw Spiderman 3, so I wasn't too concerned with this film because they had no where to go but up. And how can you argue with the casting of Christian Bale as John Connor. I didn't think he could take on another larger then life character. But what really got me hooked was James Cameron giving the ok to McG on the film and Paul Haggis (Crash) polishing the script.

Christian Bale's portrayal of John Connor is definitely the best out of the major 3 actors that have taken a swing at the character. He transfers Connors distraught and confusion of this battle he has been preparing and known about his whole life. He is keen on finding his future "father" Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin) throughout most of the film and his determination is felt just as much as his anger was felt when he cussed out the production guy. His interaction with his wife Kate Connor, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, takes a back seat to his eagerness to find Reese. I do wish there was more interaction between the two, and when there was I was hoping for more passion from Bale.

The guys that steal the film are Sam Worthington, playing the don't-fuck-with-me-I-have-a-bad-past Marcus Wright and Yelchin as Reese. James Cameron personally recommended Worthington to McG for the part that was offered to James Brolin. This guy is THE next big action star. He brings so much more depth to a character that could have be written off as a sidekick. I was skeptical about casting Charlie Barlett, aka Anton Yelchin, as Kyle Reese, due to his lack of size and his unproven action abilities, but he blew me away. He brought justice to the character. 

McG took the machines look to a whole new level. They look like the ignored offspring of Megatron. They make Optimus Prime look like a Tonka Truck. The flawless interaction and scenes with the machines are brilliant.

Overall, the film reminds everyone what a pure action film should be. 

Star Trek Review

Score: A-

Even though I am a comic book and Star Wars geek, I never got into the whole Star Trek franchise. I felt that it was the geekiest of the geek genre, and I wouldn't be caught dead near it, but after seeing this film, I may question that.

I was skeptical coming into the showing because I never cared for the franchise but I am a big JJ Abrams fan and was curious to see the direction he took with this. I was bitter when finding out about Abrams taking over the Trek film because I was crossing my fingers for him to helm a new Superman flick.

First things first, if you have never been a fan of Star Trek, this movie is for you. It doesn't require any deep knowledge of the previous films and series to understand what is going on. 

Of course the film is an origin story, which seem to be the hot ticket these days with action films.

Showcasing the upbringing of Kirk and Spock didn't need too much time to show and its better that they didn't. The tone of the film is more buoyant with shades of seriousness. It's nice to see someone not trying to ride the dark theme coattail that the dark knight has created.

Chris Pine's portrayal of the laid-back hound dog James Kirk is spot on. He also brings a badass sense to the character that I think Shatner lacked. Zach Quinto was born to play Spock. Besides the fact that he looks identical to Leonard Nimoy, but the calmness and intellectual characteristics that the character has, Quinto reciprocates. In his first major film appearance, Quinto is amazing and captures the attention of the audience. 

The story is well thought out and even though it deals with time travel, is easy to follow. All the other character appearances with Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin, John Cho, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Karl Urban, and Zoe Saldana are perfect supports to the two stars. 

The film spends a short time showing Bana's villianness motive, which should have been looked into deeper.

Overall, the film takes great time expanding the relationships between the characters. Great effects and character portrayals allow this film to be an instant classic.

 

X-Men: Wolverine Review

Score: 7/10

This will be my first of many summer film reviews, and it is only fitting it starts with Wolverine, being a comic book geek and all.

This films premiere sort of got screwed over by a 20th Century Fox employee leaking an unedited version of the film on the internet weeks before the proper release. I got to work the red carpet for this film for my school's newspaper, so I found out first hand by each actor, how much dedication they put into the film.

The film follows the origin of everyones favorite x-man - Wolverine. It tells the long story of Logan/Wolverine; how his relationship with Victor Creed/Sabretooth started & more importantly, how he obtained his adamantium claws.

The character portrayals by each actor are great. Hugh Jackman just further proves that he was born to play this role. He embodies the frustration and anger that the role of Wolverine necessitates. Danny Huston does well in his role as Lt. William Stryker, previously played by Brian Cox in X-Men 2. Ryan Reynolds steals every scene he his in. He portrays the character Wade Wilson/Deadpool, who he has expressed great interest in playing for the past 5 years. Unfortunately he is only in the film for about 5 minutes. But the best character representation comes from Liev Schreiber who plays Victor Creed/Sabretooth. Schreiber brilliantly showcases the brutality that is Sabretooth. He is unrelentless in fighting for his own cause, which is never shown. 

The story does lack a little bit of heart. When the first sign of it comes, it is then snatched away without hesitation. Rather then focusing on his struggle with his past, it just seems that action wins over all, even though the action scenes are flawless, especially the final battle with the so-called "Deadpool." 'Wolverine' can be seen as one of the comic films that has been ruined by studio execs. They don't care about the story, only what is going to make their banks fatter. While the film isn't completely ruined, I do worry for the future sequels. Overall, it is a good film with action scenes that will hold your attention. Stay after all the credits to see an extra scene.

The Gaslight Anthem

So last Tuesday (21st) The Gaslight Anthem came to my town (Tempe) for a show. For my newspaper story this week, I asked my editor if I could write a story about their show. I gave some background info on the band and she agreed. I got to write about something I love, rather than another ASU art show.

My editor asked me if there's a chance I could talk to the band. I didn't really think much of it because I thought they would be too busy to sit down with some college kid, but I gave it a shot and e-mailed their manager. Surprisingly they were open to the idea and set me up with an interview with guitarist Alex Rosamilia and bassist Alex Levine.

I got to sit down with the boys and talk to them for about half n hour. I asked 'em about their recent trip to the Coachella Festival. Both agreed that it was one of their highest points of their lives.

They both spoke about their tour last fall with heavyweights Rise Against, Alkaline Trio and Thrice. Both agreed that it was a huge shock playing in big amphitheaters and that they used so much more equipment then there casual small venue that their used to.

Both of the guys were extremely nice and open to my questions. They didn't treat it as an interview, it seemed like they were just sitting down with a friend, talking about what's new.

After the interview, I caught there set which was amazing. They don't talk much in between songs which can be seen as both positive and negative. Mostly positive with them because they got to squeeze in more songs into their set. The crowd was more raucous then I thought they were going to be which made the show better.

I left with a story, a t-shirt and an experience that won't be discarded.

Heaviest Time Of My Life

So for those who do not know me, I am a 22 year old college student. 

I don't live the typical college life. While I still go out and grab a drink or two, I am not completely free like most are. I have a full time job and also a part time job. My full time job is selling shoes. I work about 38-40 hours a week and I get the typical two days off a week. My other job is writing for my schools newspaper. So while I have a couple of days off, those two days are used for doing my stories for the paper. It's all completely overwhelming and I feel like I'm 42 rather than 22. 

I should first clarify that I am completely grateful for the responsibilities that I have. I'm completely lucky that I've been blessed with these opportunities. 

Yet, I'm also not gonna ignore my desire to have the typical college experience. But I think the typical college life has been altered throughout the years.

But should I yearn to get hammered and have my "friends" draw stupid jokes on my body as if I'm a living canvas?

Do I really want to have numerous one night stands to a point where I'm dubbed the sleaziest guy on campus?

I'm gonna have to answer both of those questions with a fuck no.

So what should I do I ask myself?

Compromise.

And listen to more Against Me!

2009 MLB Predictions

Here are my predictions for this year in baseball:

AL West Champs: Angels

AL Central Champs: Twins

AL East Champs: Red Sox

Wild Card: Indians

NL West Champs: DBacks

NL Central Champs: Cubs

NL East Champs: Mets

Wild Card: Phillies

Playoffs

AL: 

Red Sox over Twins

Angels over Indians

Red Sox over Angels

NL:

DBacks over Mets

Cubs over Phillies

DBacks over Cubs

World Series:

Red Sox over DBacks

NL MVP: Ryan Braun Brewers

AL MVP: Matt Holliday A's

NL Cy Young: Dan Haren DBacks

AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay Blue Jays

FRAIL

I've been thinking lately how I don't get scars anymore. I know it is a weird thing to ponder, but back in junior high and high school, I would have a lot more scars and scabs. Now I know possessing a plethora of these isn't something to brag about, but they are cool to have.

Fact is that I don't participate in many rough activities these days. I used to play football, lacrosse, baseball, skateboarded and snowboarded, which I still participate from time to time. What really is the issue is that those activities brought happiness to my life. It kept me active and alive. Now I'm not saying I'm not "alive" but I certainly lack things that can bring a smile to my face these days.

Here are a list of things besides the obvious (movies, music, friends and family) that make me happy: photography, watching sports, and concerts which technically falls into the category of music. 

My point being is that growing up has taken a huge toll on me. I work a full time job, I part-time write for my college's newspaper and I am a full time student. I can't complain about this workload because it will only make me more prepared for what's to come, I've sort of lost sight on what makes me happy. 

SOLUTION: More me time.

Listen to NEW FOUND GLORYS newest album "Not Without A Fight"