The Skylanders SWAP Force title is an immersive one, blending together elements of the pocket monsters genre with hints of RPGs, party games, and platformers. Taken together, the game is something that players young and old will be able to appreciate. The graphics are cartoony but they are fulfilling – players will feel as if they are in this otherworldly land as they are exploring the world, taking on a…
The latest from mocumentary king Christopher Guest (This is Spinal Tap, Best in Show) is his first foray into TV and the results are mixed. The show is slow going for the first few episodes, but is worth it for those who stick with it to the end. Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd) plays Tom Chadwick, an Englishman who inherits an old box of family heirlooms from…
The third season of Petticoat Junction was the first to be aired in color; this change made it possible for viewers of the show to gain an entirely new perspective about the show’s setting and costuming. By this 1965-1966 run, Petticoat Junction had created a solid cast of characters and new situations for Bobbie Jo (Lori Saunders), Billie Jo (Gunilla Hutton), and Betty Jo (Linda Kaye Henning) and their…
Ever run into those people who have whacky theories about the hidden meaning of cult movies? You ain’t heard nothing yet. This documentary from novice movie director Rodney Ascher compiles a number of divergent theories from fans of Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic The Shinning. Among the theories that are exhaustively argued (and allegedly supported by close ups and stills from the movie) are claims that the film is about…
Unless you lived in LA between 2002 and 2007 you’ve likely never heard of the Kiss or Kill music scene. That doesn’t make the documentary on the movement, In Heaven There Is No Beer, any less fascinating. The film, by first-time director Dave Palamaro, chronicles the music scene comprised of a mix of rock and punk-influenced bands like The Dollyrots and Bang Sugar Bang. The scene was started by…
Vitamin packs have been the building block of a great many fitness fans at all levels. The idea has been modified into stacks and narrow-band vitamin supplements, but the Vita Freak pack is a set of pills that will ensure the best possible health, muscle, and mind function for those that supplement with them. Each Vita Freak packet comes with eight pills to take; one is provided a full complement…
Usana has just released a line of protein snacks – Choco Chip, Peanutty Bliss, and Fudge Delite – that will provide a solid boost top one’s energy and drive for those long days or immediately preceding or following a particularly vigorous workout. The bars can also be used in those weight loss programs; make sure to replace a donut or afternoon candy bar with an Usana Protein…
Canada punks The Flatliners have been all over the place musically with their albums in the past, and that’s far from a bad thing. At times focused on aggressive ska, other times rocking a Reggae-vibe (a ’la late era Clash), with Dead Language, the guys opt for straight-ahead punk rock. As a result, they have turned in their most consistently solid release to date. Ignoring overdubs and studio gimmicks, the…
The Return to Ravnica block has just finished up with the release of Dragon’s Maze in May. Theros, a Greek and Roman-styled block, began on September 27th when the titular set (249 cards) was released. Theros is a set about Gods, heroes, and monsters. The Gods (Heliod, Thassa, Erebos, Purphoros, and Nylea) are very powerful Legendary Enchantment Creatures with the God subtype. Thassa, God of the Sea is an enchantment…
Every Time We Talk is a track that plays on classical music while providing listeners with a current and contemporary feel. The ability of Gouzonis to provide a strong narrative to this instrumental arrangement ensures that listeners will stick with the title long after it begins. Joy of My Heart showcases the many different styles of Gouzonis; there are hints of more eastern musical traditions that are present here.…
