My "Scott Pilgrim" review featured on RELEVANT

My "Scott Pilgrim vs The World" review was featured on RELEVANTMagazine.com today. Click the link below to check it out!

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/film/reviews/22539-scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world

NEW POLL: Primetime Emmys

The commercials for the 2010 Primetime Emmys hosted by Jimmy Fallon are in full force. I like Jimmy and several of my favorite shows are nominated but I'll probably DVR it so I can watch the condensed version later. What about you though? Is watching the Emmys a priority for you or just another sad example of Hollywood grandstanding? SOUND OFF!

1. YES! I never miss 'em!

2. Probably. There usually isn't anything else on Emmy night.

3. I'd rather not but I may not have a choice. (Thanks to the wife or roommate)

4. NO STINKING WAY! I'd rather go through 7th grade algebra again!

Some leftover pics from Comic-Con...

While cleaning out my cell phone media today, I ran across a few pics from Comic-Con that I never shared. So, I thought I would post them here. The more I reflect on my experience, the more of a blast I realized I had. I'm guessing I'll be returning next year. Wanna come?

Papa and I before our last day at the Con

Not bad looking, huh?

Alice in Wonderland

Papa with some of our favorite costumed fellow attendees.

Captain America's Shield

My dad accomplishing one of his dreams! (what you can't see is a sign right below that said "Don't Touch"!)

David Boreanaz

We were walking by the Fox booth and there he was. I am a big fan of everything he has done; from Buffy to Angel to Bones!

Jon Favreau and Daniel Craig

My phone couldn't take a clear picture of the stage, so this is from the screen right by us. Trust me though, they were only like 50 yards in front of us. If you don't know who these guys are, it is Jon Favreau (director of the "Iron Man" movies) and Daniel Craig (current James Bond). They were promoting their film, "Cowboys and Aliens" that comes out next summer.

Harrison Ford

'Nuff said.

These pics were just from the very last day. It's all happening so fast and its so crazy, I didn't even think about taking pictures. Next time, I will be an expert. I swear this is the end of my Comic-Con 2010 coverage. Hope you enjoyed!

REVIEW: "Salt"

One of the most overused responses to criticisms of mainstream blockbuster movies is "Can't it just be fun?" Yes, is my response, yes it can just be fun but that doesn't mean it needs to be mindless and insult the audience's intelligence. This has really become an issue for me since last summer's piece of absolute childish garbage that is more popularly known as "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." Just because you have an endless budget and make a lot of explosions, it doesn't give the studios the right to just plop something, anything, on the screen.

I say all of this because "Salt" is a perfect example of the exception to this rule. This film is fun. Period. The action is exciting, the plot is smart but not overindulgent and the movie is accessible for all audiences. I love a movie that makes me think, that challenges me, that even disturbs me but I don't always want that. I love to go to the theatre and just have fun. "Salt" provided this for me. It is a wonderfully crafted summer action flick.

This script has been circling Hollywood for a couple of years and Tom Cruise was attached to the lead role for the majority of that time. After a couple director and script changes, Cruise dropped out and director Phillip Noyce ("Patriot Games") took the helm. His first major decision was that he wanted to put Angelina Jolie as the title character. This, in hindsight, was the best move he could have made. Noyce's direction with the execution of the superb cast is what makes "Salt" work.

Evelyn Salt is a complex character who leaves the audience guessing the entire film. As the tagline to the marketing said, "Who is Salt?", and you don't get the answer to that question until the end of the film. Jolie embodies this character to perfection. She brings a humanity to a person who does horrible things without us understanding her motivation. There are also few female leads in the industry today that could pull off what this role requires, both emotional and especially physically. She pulls off some action in this film that seems comparable to the footage I've seen of the upcoming "ultimate" action flick, "The Expendables." I know that she gets a lot of flack from the public for her personal life, but as an actor, she represents the strong image of a woman very well and I don't know if she gets enough credit for that.

Rounding out the strong three leads of this cast is Liev Schreiber ("X-Men: Wolverine") as Salt's CIA partner, Ted Winter and the underrated Chiwetel Ejiofor ("American Gangster") as the man chasing her on the run. These two fine actors bring a respectable performance to their characters that could easily have been phoned in by any other actor out there today. At the film's panel at Comic-Con, Noyce raved about the only reason this film truly succeeds is because of the performance of his actors. I have to wholeheartedly agree.

The storyline has the basic outline that has been seen before with a tale of spies, the government, double agents, etc., except this has a new take and refreshing spin on what could have been a too predictable of an outcome. Its not too complicated or challenging in anyway but that allows any and everyone who watches this movie to enjoy it. You will see a few things coming here and there but that is why you just sit in your seat and have a good time.

If you just need a two hour escape from your hectic life or want a quick thrill, "Salt" will not bore you. It is not of the the Top 10 films of the year, even in a weaker year, but it is not a complete waste of time or money. In these days, that can be all we ask for sometimes.

Best Albums of 2010 (so far...) (for me...)

2010 has been an subpar year so far when it comes to music. More than any other year in recent memory, I have found myself listening to the same thing repeatedly or consuming more older stuff. So, I did some online research to remind me of what came out this year and went through my iTunes library and compiled a small list of music I have really been digging that came out this year. I know I am forgetting something, so sound off and let me know. Also tell me how wrong I am about something I chose. Hope you discover something on here. These are all worth checking out.

BROKEN BELLS - Broken Bells

While this list is not in any particular rank or order, this album from the creative minds of James Mercer (lead singer of The Shins) and Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) is easily my favorite of the year. The clear chemistry of this duo shines through as the album's atmosphere of unique independent sounds shines through.

LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

James Murphy is rumored to believe that this will be the last album he does as LCD Soundsystem because he feels like he is losing his edge. Hopefully this is not true because no matter how hard he tries to not believe, he is still near the forefront of cool.

SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS - I Learned the Hard Way

The latest sound making a comeback is the old school R&B/Motown sound and no one, absolutely no one, is doing better than Sharon Jones. Her voice is as perfectly classic as it comes and she is rumored to put on an amazing live show. I hope to see her in a couple months. Until then, this album will more than hold me over.

THE MORNING BENDERS - Big Echo

The Morning Benders is a band from Berkeley, California who released what is technically their sophomore album, "Big Echo", this year. I say "technically" because their debut album flew under the radar and while it was critically praised, I believe "Big Echo" will push it back into oblivion. The Morning Benders are one of the ultimate "indie bands" and have supported such acts as Broken Bells and Grizzly Bear. I look forward to what they will bring in the future.

THE BLACK KEYS - Brothers

The Black Keys are a brother duo made up of drums and guitar. Kind of like the Right Guard to The White Stripes' Sure deodorant. They are very consistent in the quality of music they produce and "Brothers" is no exception. Plus, its got the greatest album cover EVER.

LOCAL NATIVES - Gorilla Manor

"Gorilla Manor" is the debut album from a band that has hit the scene hard. Buzz has building about this LA-based band since last year and they have not disappointed. It hasn't maintained its strength as the year has gone on for me but when it pops up on shuffle, I quickly grow a smile.

SLEIGH BELLS - Treats

Sleigh Bells album "Treats" would be my choice for debut album of the year if it wasn't for the first and last selections on this list. This is pop/rock/indie/dance at its best. You can't help but bob your head and move to the groove when this band comes on. This is the band I am most excited and curious to see perform live.

MUMFORD & SONS - Sigh No More (note: some explicit lyrics in the video)

Coming in a close second for my favorite, most played album of the year is England's "Mumford & Sons." What's great about this band is that even though they are British, "Sigh No More" is the most Americana-sounding album in a long, long time. This is real music; talented musicians who can all play and sing beautiful harmonies while being inventive and classic at the same time. I can't be more excited about a band right now and this whole album is amazing.

NEW POLL: Concert Tickets

NEW POLL POSTED!

When you buy tickets to a concert, what is the most important factor to you?

1. Ticket Price - I have a limit, no matter the band

2. Seat Location - I want the best seats, no matter the price.

3. Venue - There are certain places in town I will see a show and certain ones I will avoid

4. None of the above - It doesn't matter if I love the band enough. I will do whatever it takes to go.

I want to hear your thoughts. With the tanking economy and ridiculous ticket prices and fees, are you still going to shows? The poll is in the column on the right side of the page. SOUND OFF!