THE ORB

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

2010-01-23T22:58:00.006-05:00

Director: Wes Anderson
Release Date: November 25, 2009
Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy
MPAA: Rated PG
20th Century Fox

The ORB's take: One of the best animated films I have seen in a long time.

Movie Review:
This film is hilarious, entertaining, and a must see. This is a flick that kids will like, but adults will enjoy it a lot more. "George Clooney" provides a perfect voice-over for the main character Mr. Fox. It is based on a children's book that was written in 1970 about a fox that steals chickens, geese, and alcoholic apple cider from three farmers. They get upset and work together and attempt to catch the fox, setting of a chain of events that will make you laugh and want to watch it again and again. The animation is refreshing and well done, as well as the cast of actors and actresses providing the voice-overs. This is a movie that is not only worth seeing in the theater, but a DVD that you will want to own - a movie that you will want a sequel to.

What to Watch For: Mr. Fox, Ash, Kristofferson

You Might If You Like These:
Shrek
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
The Royal Tenenbaums

Official Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) Site
IMDB

Book Of Eli (2010)

2010-01-23T22:10:00.004-05:00

Director: Albert Hughes
Release Date: January 15, 2010
Genre: Action / Adventure / Thriller
MPAA: Rated R
Warner Bros

The ORB's take: Fresh plot, great fight scenes.

Movie Review:
If you liked Denzel Washington in "Man of Fire" and "Training Day" then you will enjoy this film as well. This is a post-apocalyptic film so it is very "grey" and dull-looking most of the movie. The plot is fresh because Denzel's character "Eli" is carrying the last Bible on earth, and has a mission to place it into the hands of someone that will protect it. After the sun burnt up the Earth, the ones that lived demanded that all of the Bibles be destroyed because of the power that it held. "Eli" is protected when he carries the book, which provides some impressive fight scenes, because there are many people after him trying to steal the book and the power that the holds. This will be a great DVD watch or a worth-while matinee.

What to Watch For: Fight scenes, Cinematography

You Might If You Like These:
Mad Max
The Road

Official Book Of Eli (2010) Site
IMDB

Avatar 3D (2009)

2010-01-02T19:26:00.006-05:00

Director: James Cameron
Release Date: December 18, 2009
Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated PG-13
20th Century Fox

The ORB's take: The visual FX in this movie is amazing and is worth seeing just to experience how 3D should be done.

Movie Review:
This film's plot line follows trends - you have seen this script before over and over again. Now of course the elements are different, but you will get a very similar story line to "Titanic" - which is not a far step considering it is the same director and writer. Most of the film tells a story about a Marine who exists in an Avatar's body and gets invited to partake in the world in which the Avatars live. He learns how to fight, hunt, feel, ect....just like an Avatar - but the only reason he is doing this is to infiltrate their world to gain respect so he can ask them to move off of their "Tree" (which is their home). The Avatars live on the biggest, most valuable mineral found on this world the humans have found and they want it to take back to Earth. The longer the Marine stays and trains as an Avatar the more he falls in love with the daughter of the Avatar leader. With all of that said, it then leads up to a huge battle at the end and I am pretty sure you can fill in the rest of the plot without even seeing the movie. But that is not why you should see the movie, the reason to see this film is because it is very, very detailed, and vibrant shown in 3D. From the space-ship's HUDS to the over-grown forests, you have to see it for yourself in a theater (don't wait for the DVD) to understand and receive what this film's director has intended to give you. ------On a side note-----There is a lot of talk of political / tree hugging over-tones in this film. Is this true? Yes. Is this Hollywood? Yes. So do I go see movies to get political advice? NO. Was it necessary to explain some of the tree-hugging / all-things-are-living theme in this movie? After seeing this and thinking about it, my answer is Yes. It is needed to describe the type of world the Avatars live in, so for it to make sense and to try to get the feel what this director wanted you to feel it was probably necessary - but still is annoying at times throughout the movie. Bottom Line - Go and see it - worth the price of admission and the experience of what is hopefully a new wave of 3D films.

What to Watch For: 3D (the entire movie), Forrest scenes (visuals), Battle scene

You Might If You Like These:
Dances With Wolves
Titanic

Official Avatar (2009) Site
IMDB

Inglorious Basterds (2009)

2009-12-20T21:38:00.001-05:00

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Release Date: August 21, 2009
Genre: Drama / War
MPAA: Rated R
Universal Pictures

The ORB's take: The movie is carried by Brad Pitt's performance and Tarantino's dialog.

Movie Review:
This film has all the elements that a "Tarantino" would have - lengthy dialog, great acting, and unnecessary gore. This movie is about a fictional plot to take down Hitler and his advisers. A group of American soldiers called The Basterds want to carry out a plot to kill Hitler and as many of this followers as they can. There is also another story that takes place in this film (something that this director does a lot in his movies) that involves a Jewish girl that owns a movie theater that somehow gets a bunch of Nazi's to hold a premiere at her establishment which leads to a plot to kill them all. Both story lines are intriguing and keeps your interest throughout the film, but I will warn you that there is a ton of dialog and at times seems very unnecessary. This film is definitely worth a rental, and if you like "Brad Pitt" or "Tarantino" this flick is a must see.

What to Watch For: Bar Scene, Movie Theater

You Might If You Like These:
The Departed
Valkyrie
Reservoir Dogs

Official Inglourious Basterds (2009) Site
IMDB

Switchfoot "Hello Hurricane" (2009)

2009-11-19T18:02:00.001-05:00

Artist: Switchfoot
Label: Atlantic
Album Type: Alternative Rock
Released: November 10, 2009

The Orb's Take: The definition of a ROCK / POP album - gritty / grungy / hooky.

Album Review:
Seven might be "Switchfoot's" lucky number because this album is one of, if not the best album they have released to date. "Hello Hurricane" provides rock, pop, melody, chorus hooks, and remember-able songs. This is the type of band that can convey their live energy through their songs in an album and they do a great job of that in these twelve tracks. It is always a great indicator of a quality band when you hear their music featured on multiple commercials even before the album is released. "Hello Hurricane" will produce a good hand-full of radio singles that will stay on the charts for a healthy amount of time. If you are a fan of "Switchfoot" you will be impressed and want more, if you have only heard of this band on the radio and like this type of music then it is definitely worth the buy.

What to Listen to: "Mess of Me", "Free", "The Sound"

You Might If You Like These:
Kutless
Anberlin
The Afters

Official Switchfoot website
Switchfoot MySpace Page

Pandorum (2009)

2009-11-14T15:56:00.002-05:00

Director: Christian Alvart
Release Date: September 25, 2009
Genre: Sci-Fi / Thriller
MPAA: Rated R
Overture Films

The ORB's take: Not worth your time at all - what is reality, maybe isn't really real.

Movie Review:
This is one of those movies that provides a great trailer, but once you see the movie you ask yourself what was the trailer (meaning it looks like a promising movie, but the movie itself is absolutely horrible). "Dennis Quaid" and "Ben Foster" are the actors that you will recognize in this film but the script is so bad that well known actors can not help this movie, even from a "made from television" standpoint. The worst part about this movie is that it tries so hard to make you think something is happening, when it is really not happening. It makes you think that they are somewhere, when they are really elsewhere, and that is the experience / twist this screenwriter and director are attempting to give the audience. In the trailer the movie gives the impression that it may be scary, but that is very mis-leading and a joke. The story is about a "colony" ship carrying 5000 passengers (obviously set in the future) that is on a mission to a new planet to inhabit it because Earth, as a planet, is dying. During the trip a couple of crew members awake from "hyper-sleep" and discover that no one is around and the ship is at a standstill. The members set out to restart the ship and while doing so stumble upon what some of the 5000 crew members have become - or have they? - or do they have a disease called "Pandorum"? If that little bit is not enough to divert you from wasting your time on this movie, then I will not be able to help you out on this one. Don't wait for the DVD, and don't set your DVR - this movie landed on a different planet than Earth and it should stay there, away from all human contact.

What to Watch For: The Mutants, The Credits

You Might If You Like These:
Alien
Leviathan

Official Pandorum (2009) Site
IMDB

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

2009-11-11T21:33:00.002-05:00

Director: F.Gary Gray
Release Date: October 16, 2009
Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller
MPAA: Rated R
Overture Films

The ORB's take: If you wanted "Taken" to go to the next level, this is your type of film.

Movie Review:
If you liked the movie "Taken" then seeing this movie is a must see and you won't be disappointed. This movie takes "Taken" to the next level. "Gerard Butler" does a great job in this film, and is probably his best movie since "300". This movie is all about revenge, and hatred for the judicial system that allows murders to walk free. This flick doesn't have an elaborate plot, but does provide a few twists that will make you wonder why you didn't figure it out during the movie. Simple plot: Husband survives a robbery that his wife and child do not, and the murder testifies and only gets a minimum sentence - prosecuting attorney cares more about winning - victim turns out to be more than a simple law abiding citizen. This movie is well worth your money to see in the theater and isdefinitely a first-week-release rental.

What to Watch For: The judge's payment, Twists, Revenge

You Might If You Like These:
Payback
Taken
A Man Apart

Official Law Abiding Citizen (2009) Site
IMDB

G.I. Joe (2009)

2009-10-25T20:15:00.002-04:00

Director: Stephen Sommers
Release Date: August 7, 2009
Genre: Action / Adventure
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Paramount Pictures

The ORB's take: Nothing at all like the cartoon, just using the name to make a buck.

Movie Review:
I might be correct in saying that most of you out there probably have not seen this movie. And if this is true you may want to keep it that way, you might feel like you wasted a couple hours of your life that you want back immediately. Some of you that wanted to see this movie because as a kid you grew up watching the cartoon, and were hoping for an interesting / cool / great live depiction of what you loved as a kid. - But what you will get is you asking yourself "what is going on?" and "where did they get this from the cartoon?". The cast is pretty bad, and the script is worse. At times I had to remind myself that I am watching "G.I. Joe" and not "Power Rangers" - yes it was that bad. There is some action, and some of it is "watchable" and when I say "watchable", I mean you might want to wait for the DVD and have this film on in the background while you are doing something else somewhat productive so you don't get angry after it is over. What is actually wrong with them movie? - the cast, the acting, the script, and the idea - add that all up and you should not have made this film. This film was delayed from coming out in the spring because the test audiences didn't like it very well - I would have hated to seen the movie before they fixed it - or maybe they didn't!?! Wait for TNT to run this one and lower your expectations so you can get through the whole movie.

What to Watch For: Weapons, bad acting.

You Might If You Like These:
Transformers
Street Fighter

Official G.I. Joe (2009) Site
IMDB

Surrogates (2009)

2009-10-24T22:21:00.002-04:00

Director: Johanthan Mostow
Release Date: September 25, 2009
Genre: SciFi / Action / Thriller
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Touchstone

The ORB's take: A promising plot doesn't deliver.

Movie Review:
This won't surprise you - "Bruce Willis" is a down on his luck cop with family problems. A role that he plays well - if you haven't seen any of the "Die Hard" films then maybe you have seen "16 Blocks" or "The Last Boy Scout" or maybe "Mercury Rising". Don't get me wrong, I believe in actors playing what they play best - but stay away from bad scripts. This is like an "iRobot" going from what was already bad to something a lot worse. The film is entertaining at times, but will remind of a film that FX or TNT could have produced. It attempts to give us twists throughout this flick, but they are so thin you can see right through them. The idea of this movie is that that most of the world operates their everyday lives through their "Surrogate" - their personal / look alike robot. They (the human) never leaves their house, and in most cases never leave their room. They control their "robot" through a machine by mind control - so since they never leave their homes, crime rates and murder rates have all been reduced toalmost zero. There is a small group of outcasts that don't believe in the "Surrogate" world and revolt against it at any cost, if the "Surrogates" enter their towns.Someone comes along and develops a weapon that can kill the human through their "Surrogate". This is what brings "Bruce Willis" out from behind his "Surrogate" to chase down this criminal the old fashion way (No Robot). This movie is not worth seeing in the theater, it would be an at best second DVD choice, and it is probably better if you'd just wait until cable ran it or a friend rented it and had you over to watch it.

What to Watch For: Plot twists

You Might If You Like These:
I Robot
Minority Report

Official Surrogates (2009) Site
IMDB

Zombieland (2009)

2009-10-13T21:56:00.008-04:00

Director: Ruben Fleishcher
Release Date: October 2, 2009
Genre: Action / Comedy / Horror
MPAA: Rated R
Sony Pictures

The ORB's take: Woody Harrelson is hilarious and Jesse Eisenburg makes this movie.

Movie Review:
This movie really doesn't have much of an elaborate, never-seen-before plot: See Zombies! - Run from Zombies! - Kill Zombies!, but that doesn't mean that this movie is not a must see. "Zombieland" is very entertaining, combining comedy, adventure, and some horror-gore. There is one thing that sets this movie apart from some of its others in this genre - throughout the flick "Eisenburg's" character (Columbus) keeps relaying "Zombie Rules" that he lives by that keep him alive - these rules are very amusing and portrayed throughout the film. "Woody Harrelson" gives a great performance with his ruthless zombie-killing character (Tallahassee) who is always looking for a twinkie to eat but can never find one. There are only four main human characters throughout the entire movie and each are named after the destination they are headed for (each one thinks that the location they are headed is not infected by zombie disease). This movie is well done - very funny, entertaining, not too long, not too in-depth - the kind of movie you feel like you got your money's worth when you leave the theater. Enjoy!

What to Watch For: Fasten your seat belts, Twinkies, Bill Murray, and Zombies.

You Might If You Like These:
Shaun Of The Dead

Official Zombieland (2009) Site
IMDB

AFI "Crash Love" (2009)

2009-10-13T21:45:00.002-04:00

Artist: AFI
Label: Interscope
Album Type: Alternative Rock
Released: September 29, 2009

The Orb's Take: Solid album all the way through, worth a listen.

Album Review:
This is AFI's seventh studio album over eighteen years of being a band. They have consistently released a new album every three years, and they put together a solid one with "Crash Love". Solid vocals, and a good mix gives us hooky lyrics with rocking guitars. Catchy choruses makes this an album worth listening to and it will have you humming them in your head. AFi has a distinct vocal sound that sets them apart from other bands. AFI would be considered as more of an "underground band" - this is a band that you will not be hearing on your local radio station getting steady air-play. Again, worth your time to check it out.

What to Listen to: "Medicate", "Torch Song", "It Was Mine"

You Might If You Like These:
My Chemical Romance

Official AFI website
AFI MySpace Page

State of Play (2009)

2009-09-28T21:59:00.006-04:00

Director: Kevin Macdonald
Release Date: April 17, 2009
Genre: Crime / Drama
MPAA: Rated PG13
Universal

The ORB's take: A good drama, nothing too intense, nothing unexpected.

Movie Review:
This movie is better than television mini-series drama, so it it worth a rental. "Russell Crowe" puts in his usual performance; good acting, and he will draw you in even if it doesn't seem interesting. gives a decent performance, and plays his character well; a lying congressman caught in a web of deceit and murder - painting the same picture of what we already think Washington congressmen are. "Rachel McAdams" probably gives the best performance in this movie of top actors and actresses. She gives us smart dialog and handles her character very well, making you want her and "Crowe" on the screen at the same time throughout the movie. The movie's plot is simple; Congressmen gets caught in lies, journalists ("Crowe, McAdams") have to come up with what they are permitted to publish without having all the witnesses, and a murder interweaved in the middle of it all. That is all I can let you in on, there is a small twist, but it is predictable. This movie is worth a rental only because of the actors that are in it. Pop some corn and enjoy.

What to Watch For: Rachel McAdams, Russell Crowe

You Might If You Like These:
Lions for Lambs
Hollywood Land
The Sum of All Fears

Official State of Play (2009) Site
IMDB

Gamer (2009)

2009-09-23T21:39:00.007-04:00

Director: Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor
Release Date: September 4, 2009
Genre: Action / Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated R
Lionsgate

The ORB's take: I have seen and wasted my time on a lot worse movies than this - it's about mind control, what did I expect.

Movie Review:
This is a sad attempt at a modern rehash of the 1987 "The Running Man". On paper the plot line and concept sounds like it could be interesting, but some things are better left on paper or in someone's head. The expectations of great graphics in this film was assumed as well, but instead ends up producing mostly grainy, choppy images. "Gerald Butler" seems to be in every movie coming out this year - three of them in 2009 - hopefully his next film due out in a few weeks will be worth our time. This movie is about a television show that a smart computer programmer came up with after developing a mind control system that allows you to control humans. The game involves convicts that are on death row and places them in suburban war type scenarios. They are controlled by gamers that move them around the different stages and get them through the adrenaline, wanna-be "live" video-game levels to live for another stage. The goal for the convict is to survive an impossible amount of stages and he will be set free of his death row sentence. A modern day remake of "The Running Man" would, could, and should work, but the attempt here involves stupid one-liners, and boring virtual-world concepts. Wait for the TNT movie special or when it shows up on HBO. If you enjoy the "Crank" franchise you will probably enjoy this flick as well.

What to Watch For: The credits.

You Might If You Like These:
The Running Man
Crank

Official Gamer (2009) Site
IMDB

Muse "The Resistance" (2009)

2009-09-22T20:49:00.009-04:00

Artist: Muse
Label: Warner Bros.
Album Type: Alternative Rock
Released: September 15, 2009

The Orb's Take: Scratch the last 3 tracks and you have a great album.

Album Review:
First I'll start off with the simple facts: If you are a "Muse" fan you will / or should have already had purchased this album and you are not / will not be disappointed. Second : If you have never heard of the English band that calls themselves "Muse", this is a solid album, but not the best album to start with. Their third album "Absolution" would be the best album to start listening too one of the most creative, talented bands out there in the industry today. Now with that out of the way, their fifth studio album "The Resistance" has eight solid tracks out of eleven. The last three tracks on the album might as well be instrumental tracks, and would have been better off being on a bonus disk rather than the full length album. I would have rather have had three more great songs, instead of musical symphonies without any point, not that they are talented, well put together tracks; they just don't fit in with the rest album. Just like their last album "Black Holes and Revelations", "Muse" defiantly gives us a different sound on this album, adding a different style to their own unique sound. You can close your eyes multiple times while listening to this album and hear the influences of "Queen" and "David Bowie". While I thought the last album introduced more of a pop sound to some of their songs, I think this album throttles back a bit on the pop sound and gets back to more of the classical sound that "Absolution" gave us. I have had the opportunity to see this great band live, twice, and they are the only band that I would actually travel a long distance to go and see - one of the best live bands I have ever seen. This album will translate very well in their live show; if they are ever in a city near you, don't hesitate, go and see them - I promise you will not be disappointed and you will become a long-life fan.

What to Listen to: "Resistance", "MK Ultra", "Uprising"

You Might If You Like These:
Queen
The Verve
Radiohead

Official Muse website
Muse MySpace Page

The Used "Artwork" (2009)

2009-09-12T22:45:00.002-04:00

Artist: The Used
Label: Reprise Records
Album Type: Alternative Rock
Released: September 1, 2009

The Orb's Take: Take note, this lead singer knows how to convey passion throughout an album.

Album Review:
If you like "The Used" then picking up this album should be an purchase that has already happened. This album is very well mixed, and the track listing is very strong. Great writing, solid drumming, and intense guitar sounds is what "Artwork" is all about. Bert McCracken's intensity and passion he omits in his vocals is what puts "The Used" on a different level when it comes to this type of music. After listening to this album it made me more aware of the "K-Mart" shop-toy-bands that are putting music out today that you hear every time you turn on the radio because it can't stack up to a band like this. "Artwork" is the fourth studio album and the first album that new drummer Dan Whitesides has been featured on. McCracken refers to their sound on this album as "Gross Pop" - calling it nosier and messier. If you have heard "The Used" and you like them, you will not be disappointed at all in this album. Future artists and lead singers take note of how to convey intensity, passion, and quality throughout an album by listening to "Artwork" before you put out something just to put it out.

What to Listen to: "Blood On My Hands", "Men Are All The Same", "Meant To Die"

You Might If You Like These:
My Chemical Romance
Story Of The Year

Official The Used website
The Used MySpace Page

I Love You Man (2009)

2009-08-21T16:05:00.004-04:00

Director: John Hamburg
Release Date: March 20, 2009
Genre: Comedy / Romance
MPAA: Rated R
DreamWorks Pictures

The ORB's take: Typical, predictable, but funny.

Movie Review:
Paul Rudd was made for these type of movies, but with that being said this movie had its moments when it just seemed to drag out parts that should have been cut from the film. Don't get me wrong, I laughed hysterically in parts of this flick, but that didn't make up for the lull in parts that made you feel awkward for almost wasting your time. The movie was predictable and would remind you of a romantic girl flick, but that was made for a guy. I know that sounds weird, but that is definitely what they tried to do with this film. The guy (Paul Rudd's character) asks his girlfriend (Rashida Jones - "The Office") to marry him. He is the perfect guy, but he has no man friends at all, and this becomes a concern for his girlfriend and her friends. So he starts to go out on "man dates" (I know that sounds weird, because it is) and it will make you laugh, but only because his brother ("Andy Sandburg") is who helps him out - you have to see the movie to understand why. Predictable, he finds a friend and they start to hang out all the time, which then makes his girlfriend jealous, so she wants him to stop hanging out - ect. ect. ect. This is for sure a DVD rental, maybe even a TNT or FX movie. Almost a waste of time, but there is just enough to keep if from being complete trash.

What to Watch For: Walking the dog, Billboards, and Poker night.

You Might If You Like These:
Role Models
Knocked Up
Anchorman

Official I Love You Man (2009) Site
IMDB

District 9 (2009)

2009-08-17T18:53:00.004-04:00

Director: Neil Blomkamp
Release Date: August 14, 2009
Genre: Action / Drama / Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated R
Sony Pictures

The ORB's take: Completely refreshing script, different, exciting; when is District 10 coming out.....?

Movie Review:
When I first saw the trailer for this movie back in early spring, I honestly thought it did not look exciting nor very entertaining. But I am very thankful that I was wrong, WOW this movie was a surprise that lived up to the hype. For only the last couple of weeks have they started to push the trailer on television and start the anticipation that this was a really good must see movie. Even from the trailers it is hard to determine exactly what this flick is really about, which adds to the freshness this movie brings the first time you watch it. I will not give anything away, or much of the background of the movie. When the movie starts out it will remind you of how "Cloverfield" was shot, but a lot more professionally done, so for you that got sick watching "Cloverfield" you will be fine in this one and it is not done that way the entire flick. It takes on sort of a documentary feeling at first, describing the aliens, when they came down, how they came down, how we came in contact with them, how District 9 was formed, and what District 9 has become. The story is intriguing so you don't mind the information and the introduction to District 9. After that, the action / thriller part begins and does not end until the credits start rolling. I have read some reviews that people were saying the ending is sad, and I would have to disagree, I think it is brilliant and makes you want more. The way the aliens were depicted is another great part of this film, it showed a different type of alien that you might be used to seeing on most other alien/sci-fi films. My recommendation is to go see the movie if you like these type of films. My warning: it is rated R for the violence/gore and language. It is worth your money, even if you see it at full price at an evening showing and that is rare.

What to Watch For: Alien weaponry, The Mech Robot

You Might If You Like These:
Cloverfield
iRobot
The Day The Earth Stood Still

Official District 9 (2009) Site
IMDB

Public Enemies (2009)

2009-08-10T22:12:00.002-04:00

Director: Michael Mann
Release Date: July 1, 2009
Genre: Crime / Drama
MPAA: Rated R
Universal

The ORB's take: Wait for the DVD, I had higher expectations, even if it was based on a true story.

Movie Review:
My first thought when I watched this movie was that it seemed to move to slow. There were the occasional bank heist and shoot outs, but it seemed like those scenes were not the focus of the film, it was the "attempted" development of the Johnny Depp's character ("John Dillinger") so that by the end of the movie you feel for bad for him. The movie is designed to make you believe that "Dillinger" is doing the right thing by robbing banks and killing people that get in his way. The best part of this movie is when he gets caught, wondering how he is going to escape. The other big part in this flick is the love story it also attempts to develop (it never goes deep enough into Johnny Depp's character for the audience to appreciate it). Bottom line, good actors, skimpy script, could have been better, but you still should rent it when the DVD comes out - but you've been warned that it is nothing spectacular.

What to Watch For: John Dillinger's tyrants

You Might If You Like These:
Goodfellas
The Untouchables
Donnie Brasco

Official Public Enemies (2009) Site
IMDB

The Soloist (2009)

2009-08-05T21:08:00.001-04:00

Director: Joe Wright
Release Date: April 24, 2009
Genre: Drama
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Universal

The ORB's take: Worth a DVD rental! It will make you think.

Movie Review:
Jamie Fox and Robert Downey Jr. can act and they do a great job in this dramatic film. Nothing over the top, and nothing award worthy, but great acting. The script was one of those scripts that worked and kept pulling you into the characters and their emotions. Jamie Fox is a mentally ill, talented musician (Cello and Violinist), who is homeless on the streets of LA. Downey Jr. is a writer for the LA Times that can't find an interesting story for his column until he stumbles upon Jamie Fox playing a violin with only 2 strings on it. Downey Jr. continues to run into Foxx and finds him intriguing and asks to write about him. While writing Foxx's story he feels compelled to get him some help and see him play music again. That is where the story begins and has a great ending with your typical ups and downs that always occur in this type of a film. If you enjoy either one or both of these actors you will like this film and agree that it is worth a rental.

What to Watch For: The Result

You Might If You Like These:
Seven Pounds
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Official The Soloist (2009) Site
IMDB

Project 86 - "Picket Fence Cartel" (2009)

2009-08-03T21:17:00.000-04:00

Artist: Project 86
Label: Tooth and Nail
Album Type: Rock
Released: July 14, 2009

The Orb's Take: Good Vox, Good mix, Good Rock n Roll.

Album Review:
Project 86 returns with "Picket Fence Cartel" and they don't disappoint at all. With their 7th full length studio album they prove that they should be getting regular ready play on any rock station out there. Very catchy tunes, so catchy that it catches you off guard sometimes and you find yourself listening to the album 2 or 3 times before you realize you have already heard one of the songs twice. Incredible guitar tones with very unique lead vocals defiantly sets this band apart from all the others out there trying to rock in their own category. If you have never heard of Project 86, no worries because I think this is their best album to date, so now is a great time to discover this veteran rock band.

What to Listen to: "The Butcher", "Destroyer", "Dark Angel Dragnet"

You Might If You Like These:
POD
He Is Legend
Avenged Sevenfold

Official Project 86 website
Project 86 MySpace Page
Tooth and Nail Records website

He Is Legend - "It Hates You" (2009)

2009-08-01T21:27:00.006-04:00

Artist: He Is Legend
Label: Tragic Hero Records
Album Type: Hard Alternative Rock
Released: July 21, 2009

The Orb's Take: Solid album all the way through. Worth your time, money, and the repeat option on your Ipod.

Album Review:
It is always great when a band comes out and gives you an album that you were not expecting to be one of the best albums of 2009. "He Is Legend" gives us just that and more with "It Hates You" - their 4th studio album. This is their first album on "Tragic Hero Records" a label out of North Carolina, they used to be on "Solid State / Tooth and Nail" records. This is a solid 12 song album that is mixed incredibly well - the drums and guitars hit hard making you want to crank up your car stereo or Ipod to the next level. The vocals cut through and complement the hard hitting tracks which is very refreshing with the lack of good albums today. The whole album is extremely catchy, with great consistent writing, and with hard very hard grinding guitars (listen to "Thats Nasty"). I can't say anything bad about this album, pick it up, buy it, and enjoy.

What to Listen to: "Thats Nasty", "Dicephalous", "Decisions Decisions Decisions"

You Might If You Like These:
Dead Poetic
Showbread
Chevelle

He is Legend My Space Page
Tragic Hero Records Website

Land of the Lost (2009)

2009-07-30T22:05:00.003-04:00

Director: Brad Silberling
Release Date: June 5, 2009
Genre: Adventure / Comedy
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Universal

The ORB's take: You'll laugh, just not a lot.

Movie Review:
I will have to say that I have never seen any of the old television episodes but I don't think that would have helped - it might have made things worst (I viewed some clips on YouTube and they were bad). For a Will Ferrell movie I expected to laugh a lot more than I did, and the times that I did laugh it usually was not because of Will Ferrell. The adventure was fun, and the monkey "Chaka" was stupidly funny, but I found the flm at times very boring. The movie took a horrible turn when the aliens showed up and they looked like something out of a low budget alien horror flick. Danny McBride ("Eastbound and Down", "Tropic Thunder") was the best part about this movie, he is hilarious and stupid, but in a way that will make you laugh. Will Ferrell showed us with this movie that he is starting to take the path that Adam Sandler did with his movies - the first couple of films make you laugh and are enjoyable, but after that they seem to repeat themselves, and are just not as funny. Wait for this one until HBO, or ABC airs it, not quite worth it to waste your money on a DVD rental.

What to Watch For: Danny McBride stealing the show from Will Ferrell in this movie.

You Might If You Like These:
Drillbit Taylor
Semi-Pro

Official Land of the Lost (2009) Site
IMDB

The Taking Of Pelham (2009)

2009-07-08T21:23:00.004-04:00

Director: Tony Scott
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Crime / Drama
MPAA: Rated R
Columbia Pictures

The ORB's take: Two great actors = a decent flick - even for a re-make.

Movie Review:
This is a remake from the 1974 original film, with a couple of new spins and concepts thrown in. A great cast of actors including "Denzel Washington", "John Travolta", "John Turturro", and "James Gandolfini" makes this movie a must rent when it comes out on DVD. Washington provides a typical great performance like he usually does in most of his films, but Travolta seems to go over-the-top at times in this movie. He is his typical actor self (like in the films "Face Off" & "Swordfish") but when he gets crazy and starts to ramble it seems to get comical at times - I found myself telling him to chill because it didn't fit the part. With that being said the movie, storyline, and great cast of actors make it worth your time. I don't want to reveal any of the twists in this plot, so I will stop here.

What to Watch For: Two actors battle it out on the screen, which creates a great finally

You Might If You Like These:
Hostage
Ransom

Official The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009) Site
IMDB

Year One (2009)

2009-07-06T21:43:00.001-04:00

Director: Harold Ramis
Release Date: June 19, 2009
Genre: Comedy / Adventure
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Sony Pictures

The ORB's take: Funny at times, what you see in the trailer are the great laughs.

Movie Review:
When I saw this movie I expected to have already seen most of all the funny parts in the thousands of previews that were shown on t.v. - so I was not disappointed. Michael Cera's dry humor is what makes this movie funny. Jack Black is his usual goofy self, sometimes annoying, sometimes over-the-top, sometimes funny, but solid actor. The only problem that I had with this film was I felt that they were really going out of their way to poke fun of and mock biblical history. If you are religious you will cringe when you see the Cain and Abel scene, as well as the Abraham and Issac scene, I felt that they could have approached some of these topics in a different way that may not have been so offensive. With that aside the movie will produce some laughs, but I would wait for the DVD or even HBO - or catch it at a drive-in where you can see it for a two for one special.

What to Watch For: The Palace scene, Micheal Cera's humor.

You Might If You Like These:
Superbad
School Of Rock

Official Year One (2009) Site
IMDB

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

2009-06-24T23:20:00.004-04:00

Director: Michael Bay
Release Date: June 24, 2009
Genre: Action / Adventure
MPAA: Rated PG-13
DreamWorks

The ORB's take: Better than the first - Action from start to finish.

Movie Review:
Unbelievable! When I saw the first one two years ago, I walked out of the theater thinking that it would be hard to top this movie with it's sequel - well "Michael Bay" did it. Non-stop action from start to finish, same flavor of humor that was in the first movie that will make you laugh, and more Transformers to add to the cast. This installment is two-and-a-half hours long, but you will want more. If you enjoyed the first "Transformers" movie, please do not listen to most of the reviews that are out there saying this movie is horrible. It is far from that, I think that it is better than the first one and it is one of those movies that is worthy of a second and third trip to the theater to watch it again and again. The storyline for this movie was well put together, reminding me of some of the cartoon episodes where "Optimus Prime" would get beat and the "Autobots" would retreat, regroup and "Optimus Prime" would rise up and defeat the "Decepticons". Some of the reviews that I read said that the battles and camera angles were hard to focus on what is going on, that also is far from the truth, it only adds to the great effects that are in this film. The main cast members from the last film return to this film including "John Turturro", in which he is better in this movie than he was in the first. Most of the Transformers cast returns as well, including "Megatron". Go see this movie in a theater, don't wait for the DVD, it is worth your time and money - this movie is the definition of what movie "entertainment" was meant to be. I thank you "Michael Bay" for bringing my child-hood memories to the big screen once again, and hope in another two more years I can say the same. Well Done!

What to Watch For: Devastator, Alice, Bumblebee battling the Leopard.

You Might If You Like These:
Transformers

Official Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) Site
IMDB

Transformers - Revenge Of The Fallen Soundtrack (2009)

2009-06-20T15:56:00.010-04:00

Artist: Various
Label: Reprise Records
Album Type: Soundtrack
Released: June 23, 2009

The Orb's Take: Decent soundtrack, not worth it for 2 new releases.

Album Review:
With this soundtrack you get new songs from "Linkin Park", "The Used", and "Cavo" as well as songs from "Green Day", "Staind", "The Fray", "Taking Back Sunday", and "Avenged Sevenfold". It was refreshing to hear a great new track from "Linkin Park", solid through and through, hopefully giving us a taste of what is to come on their new album that might be released in late 2009. The most surprising track on this soundtrack was "The Used" covering the "Talking Heads" ("Burning Down The House") that was a completely different sound from the original, but in a good way. The other artist put out great tracks as well, but they are all songs you have heard if you have all of their latest albums. My advice to you would be to download the singles on itunes instead of buying the whole soundtrack. This is just something that produced a couple of new songs to get you amped up for what looks to be a great movie. It would have been a better soundtrack if it would have produced brand new tracks from all the bands.

What to Listen to: "Burning Down The House", "New Divide"
You Might If You Like These:
LInkin Park
The Used

Official Transformers - Revenge Of The Fallen website
Transformers - Revenge Of The Fallen Amazon Page

Night At The Museum 2 (2009)

2009-06-20T10:57:00.008-04:00

Director: Shawn Levy
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Comedy / Adventure
MPAA: Rated PG
20th Century-Fox

The ORB's take: Same as the first, watch it with the kids.

Movie Review:
This movie was nothing less than expected, it is just like the first, just in a different location. The movie works if you enjoyed the first installment, "Ben Stiller" and the rest of the cast have good chemistry so the dialog is not awkward, but there are parts in the movie where you will get bored. This is a very kid friendly movie, with very, very, very mild language; if any at all, there is no sex, and there are not really any sexual dialog or references either (I have seen a lot worse on an eight-o-clock sitcom). This film introduces new characters to the "Night Of The Museum" line up such as Stiller's character's side-kick "Amelia Earhart" and a new funny man, "Bill Hader's" (Saturday Night Live) character ("General Custer") as well as, "Owen Wilson" reprising his original role as "Jedediah Smith". The story line is simple, "Ben Stiller" finds fame in a business he created so he leaves the Museum, which leads to some of the exhibits getting removed and shipped storage at the Smithsonian. "Ben Stiller" realizes his friends are in trouble and then begins the adventure of him getting them all back home to the Museum they belong in. Not a bad movie, but wait for the DVD, and rent the movie first before you buy it to make sure it is worth a second watch in your household.

What to Watch For: The bobble Einsteins

You Might If You Like These:
Night At The Museum
Jumanji

Official Night At The Museum 2 (2009) Site
IMDB

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

2009-06-18T22:40:00.007-04:00

Director: Sam Raimi
Release Date: May 29, 2009
Genre: Horror / Thriller
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Summit Entertainment

The ORB's take: Entertaining, surprisingly funny in spots.

Movie Review:
This movie was definitely better than I had anticipated it to be. It reminded me of the movie "Cabin Fever" because of the satire it used along with the horror to make it not just a typical horror flick. Will you jump in your seat watching this movie? Yes. Will you be able to predict when you will jump? Yes. But that is o.k. in this film because it is entertaining. The storyline of this film is nothing complex - girl makes an old woman (who looks possessed) upset because she would not give her an extension on her mortgage, woman then places a curse on her, girl tries many different ways to get rid of it, when that does not work, desperate measures begin to take place to rid herself of the curse. Good cast, good director, and good plot for a horror film. An interesting side note, The "Mac / Apple" guy actually has an Iphone as a cell phone in the movie which they made a very marketable shot of the phone (I wonder if that is a contract thing). Wait for the DVD and enjoy the rental.

What to Watch For: The car fight scene scene

You Might If You Like These:
Cabin Fever
The Ring

Official Drag Me To Hell (2009) Site
IMDB

Push (2009)

2009-06-02T21:12:00.005-04:00

Director: Paul McGuigan
Release Date: Feb. 6, 2009
Genre: Action / Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Summit Entertainment

The ORB's take: Interesting concept, not quite the best cast.

Movie Review:
I hoped it would have been better. With that being said, I have to say that I think my problem was the cast and the location this was shot. Most of the time, I don't think the location matters to me a lot but I thought it made this movie seem confined - That may make more sense after watching this film. This is a movie where "agents" are after "subjects" that have different inherited powers, so there are a lot of foot chases and running so they don't get captured, repeat, then repeat again. Half way through this flick I was wanted them to just get to the end fight and get it over with. Throughout the movie you learn about the powers that these people have, and the agency has that been trying to develop a super-serum to enhance their powers so that the government can use them in war- type situations. Some of them have powers to push (movers), predict the future (watchers), shadow people so they can't be found (shadows), scream until your head explodes (bleeders), sniffers (yes, they can sniff something and see the past of that object - and they seem like they will sniff anything), and so on and so on. The push (mover) power is probably the best power in the film, it is the power of telekinesis, and is the power most focused upon throughout this film. The cast does have some people you will recognize like Djimon Hounsou ("Gladiator"), Chris Evans ("Fantastic Four"), Camilla Belle ("10,000 B.C."), and Dakota Fanning ("Man on Fire"), but there is not very good chemistry. One thing that was hard to believe was hearing fifteen year old Dakota Fanning trying to sound believable when she was swearing. Rent the DVD, when you have seen everything else. It could have definitely worked, but somehow didn't.

What to Watch For: The end fight scene.

You Might If You Like These:
Jumper

Official Push (2009) Site
IMDB

X-Men Origins Wolverine (2009)

2009-05-26T21:24:00.009-04:00

Director: Gavin Hood
Release Date: May 1, 2009
Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated PG-13
20th Century Fox

The ORB's take: The best X-Men movie to date, if the other X-men movie's were an 7 out of 10 - this is a 12!

Movie Review:
Compared to this year's biggest summer blockbusters, "Star Trek, Terminator Salvation", this movie is the summer's best so far. There is non-stop action, great story line, great characters, and very cool special effects; which makes this movie an entertaining, satisfying watch. This movie does a great job of explaining how Wolverine becomes the character we have seen in the previous "X-Men" movies. The movie is put together so well that the other X-Men characters that they introduce in this film makes you want more than just Wolverine (they are in talks of a Deadpool / Wade Wilson movie set for 2012). It explains its story-line while giving you a ton of action and special effects, so the story does not get boring, or drag on, it is entertaining. I have heard that true "X-Men" comic book fans will probably be disappointed because it somehow does not stay completely true to the comic, but I am not a comic book nerd - so it was a great, great, summer blockbuster film. If you haven't seen this one yet, take the time, it is well worth it.

What to Watch For: Fight scenes, Agent Zero, Gambit, and great special effects.

You Might If You Like These:
X-Men
Spiderman
Fantastic Four

Official X-Men Origins Wolverine (2009) Site
IMDB

Enimem: Relapse (2009)

2009-05-25T15:40:00.012-04:00

Artist: Enimem
Label: Shady / Aftermath / Interscope
Album Type: Rap
Released: May 19, 2009

The Orb's Take: He is back and he is making up for some lost time.

Album Review:
The first word that comes out of my mouth is WOW! The next word that comes out of my mouth is intelligent. Now that doesn't mean that I endorse Eminem's thoughts and lyrics, but he does know how to make a good rap album with intelligent beats and mind-blowing rhymes. After listening to the first track on this album you can tell that Eminem has been gone for way to long (4 years since his last album) because his lyrics in the first song are more explicit than anything he has ever done before. He spits out all the pent up frustration and anger he has been meddling over while sitting at home popping sleeping pills and watching Hollywood actors and actresses he loves to write about, but didn't have an outlet to do it. I think every song on this album is pretty solid compared to his last album, but if I had to say something negative (about the structure of the album) it would be that some of the concepts in the songs seem to repeat themselves. Rap fans won't be disappointed and Eminem fans will be happy that one of the most intelligent rap artists (meaning the artist knows how to make a great album through and through) has returned. Take a listen get ready to be offended and parents keep this album away from your household.

What to Listen to: "3am", "Old Times Sake", "Bagpipes From Baghdad"

You Might If You Like These:
Dr. Dre
50 Cent

Official Eminem website
Eminem MySpace Page

Terminator Salvation (2009)

2009-05-25T11:48:00.009-04:00

Director: McG
Release Date: May 21, 2009
Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Warner Bros

The ORB's take: We get to see the future we have imagined 25 years ago when we saw the 1st Terminator.

Movie Review:
I have seen that this movie is getting mixed reviews mostly on the negative side. I read some before I went and saw this film, with the idea of seeing if they really know what they are talking about, or they just want to come up with negative comments about a sequel / prequel like most other sequel's are deserving of. Well, after seeing this film I have to completely disagree with most of all the reviews I have read - One comment that still resonates in my head is that "the movie was only o.k. because all the characters seemed dirty, and solemn throughout the whole film" - I laughed at this because this reviewer makes them-self sound like they have never seen any of the other films and has no clue what this movie is depicting....IT is the end of the world that is being destroyed by machines, if you walk out in the open a machine would either kill you or take you captive for the purpose of harvesting your body and organs for experimentation - I don't think many people would be throwing parties and having smiles on their faces. This movie works! It unfolds the imaginary world that we have created since seeing the first "Terminator" back in 1984, and brings it to life on the big screen. Twenty-five years later we get to see what the future in "Terminator" is suppose to look like. Christian Bale and the rest of the cast do a great job not taking away from what this movie is suppose to be - action and the feeling of little hope for mankind. If you are a fan of any of the "Terminator's" even if you have only seen one of the previous 3, this film is a must see, and hopefully not the last.

What to Watch For: Special effects, Skynet's other creations other than the 3 terminators seen in the previous installments.

You Might If You Like These:
Terminator

Official Terminator Salvation (2009) Site
IMDB

12 Rounds (2009)

2009-05-19T21:49:00.005-04:00

Director: Renny Harlin
Release Date: March 27, 2009
Genre: Action / Thriller
MPAA: Rated PG-13
20th Century Fox

The ORB's take: This WWE action figure should not act.

Movie Review:
In honor of this movie's title here are 12 reasons this movie fails - Reason 1: The plot really revolves around 12 rounds of demands from the villain. Reason 2: The main actor is from the WWE (all muscle, no skills). Reason 3: A script written for someone that can't act. Reason 4: The action scenes are done poorly and reflect similar movie types. Reason 5: The villain can't act either. Reason 6: Predictable. Reason 7: Reminded me of a "Die Hard 3" film but shot with your friend's video camera and his etche-sketch script. Reason 8: The pretty girlfriend who got captured thinks she is witty by throwing out "one liners" throughout this film. Reason 9: Police officer gets uncatchable suspect, suspects girlfriend accidentally gets killed, suspect breaks out of prison and wants revenge, suspect steals girlfriend, suspect really wants money, blah, blah, blah. Reason 10: Did I say WWE? Reason 11: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and even The Rock know that to be an action star you can be successful without a lot of dialog. Reason 12: Hulk Hogan couldn't act, why do you think John Cena can. - If your bored, have seen everything else out, and are a John Cena (WWE) enthusiast then have a watch, if not......don't waste your time.

What to Watch For: A bad plot, a bad actor, and re-done action scenes you've seen before in better movies.

You Might If You Like These:
The Rundown
The Marine

Official 12 Rounds (2009) Site
IMDB

Fanboys (2009)

2009-05-17T21:22:00.008-04:00

Director: Kyle Newman
Release Date: Feb. 6, 2009
Genre: Comedy / Adventure
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Weinstein Company

The ORB's take: Funny, thoughtless, comedic adventure.

Movie Review:
This movie takes place several months before "Star Wars - Episode 1" is suppose to be released. Fanboys is about five dedicated "Star Wars" fans in their twenties that have had a plan since grade school, that if George Lucas would ever release another "Star Wars" film they would break into the Skywalker Ranch (George Lucas's estate) and steal / preview the rough cut of the movie. This flick takes you on a hilarious adventure of these friends being geeky and making fun of anything "Star Trek". This movie will make you ask yourself.......Am I a "Star Wars" geek? - and if I am I would have loved to have done the same thing. Watching this flick will make you laugh, you may cry, but only because you will be laughing too hard. I will warn you, this is stupid humor, but is there any other kind of humor? Rent the DVD and enjoy.

What to Watch For: All the Star Wars nerds, and nerdy comments - get ready to laugh.

You Might If You Like These:
Superbad
Role Models

Official Fanboys (2009) Site
IMDB

Star Trek (2009)

2009-05-10T21:56:00.006-04:00

Director: JJ Abrams
Release Date: May 8, 2009
Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Paramount Pictures

The ORB's take: The 1st GREAT Star Trek movie!

Movie Review:
Great cast, great plot, great visual effects, great concept (restarting the franchise from the beginning), great director, makes it a great movie. JJ Abrams, who is best known for his work on "Alias", "Cloverfield", "Lost", and "Fringe" has in my opinion directed the best Star Trek to date. The cast if very entertaining without giving you a made-from-a-tv cheesy feel, this is what makes this movie a success. While watching this film you never get a pre-conceived idea of how the character acts like you did in the previous Star Treks, if that didn't make sense, I am trying to say that this flick didn't seem like a 2 hour television special on the big screen. There was just enough character development that gave you just enough information without getting too boring and taking away from the action. And for a non-Trekkie like myself, there was some get information given about the characters that I never knew about. Great action from start to finish, great plot that keeps you involved throughout the movie. If I had anything wrong to say about the movie it would be the lack of character development on the villain, but with everything else going on in the movie it still worked. If you are a Star Trek purist then you may not like this film, or you might find a lot wrong with it, saying it is a "kid" version of the old Star Treks - but I say it only took 10 tries until someone made an entertaining Star Trek from start to finish, and when you finish the film it makes you ask what year is the sequel coming out? Worth your money, worth your time, and you don't need to be Star Trek fan or have seen any of the previous movies to enjoy this entertaining film.

What to Watch For: Action, and great cast - Watch the 1st of many great films in this newly revived franchise.

You Might If You Like These:
Star Trek

Official Star Trek (2009) Site
IMDB

JCVD (2009) DVD

2009-05-06T22:26:00.008-04:00

Director: Mabrouk El Mechri
Release Date: April 28, 2009
Genre: Crime / Drama / Comedy
MPAA: Rated R
Peace Arch Home Entertainment

The ORB's take: A new role for an old action star.

Movie Review:
Yes, you are reading this correctly, JCVD does stand for Jean Claude Van Damme. This is a movie that was filmed in French with English subtitles, but the DVD does have an English version that is dubbed over. Warning, it does make it a little bit cheesy, but it is better than reading the entire movie (and you have to get passed the fact that JCVD does not do his own English voice over). Putting that aside this movie is not all that bad for a DVD rental and watching an old action star talk and make satire remarks about his Hollywood career. In JVCD, Van Damme plays himself, a Hollywood actor in a downward spiral of realizing his career is coming to an end. His ex-wife is filing for full custody for their daughter and he has no money. While trying to get some money from a bank he walks right into the middle of a robbery and then gets mistaken for the one robbing the bank. Throughout the movie he has to use his skills that he has acquired through his acting career to get him and the hostages out safely. I would categorize this film as an artistic drama with a small bit of action and some comedy thrown in here and there. If you grew up watching some JCVD you won't be disappointed in this rental.

What to Watch For: The pure dialog, it is believed that he was told to improve a lot of the scenes.

You Might If You Like These:
The Wrestler
Taken

Official JCVD Site
IMDB

Yes Man (2008)

2009-04-30T21:57:00.008-04:00

Director: Peyton Reed
Release Date: December 17, 2008
Genre: Comedy / Romance
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Warner Bros.

The ORB's take: Jim Carrey being Jim Carrey

Movie Review:
Yes, I did watch this film. Yes, I got what I expected. Yes, Jim Carrey is just like he is in most of is other comedies. Yes, I did laugh a few times. Yes, Jim Carrey can pull this type of movie off very well. Yes, if you are annoyed by Carrey you will be in this movie as well. Yes, most of the funny parts you see in the previews are the only funny parts in the movie. Yes, this is in between a DVD rental and a wait for it on t.v. type of movie. Yes, it will entertain you. Yes, the movie starts out with a man always saying no to everything, and a friend invites him to a meeting. Yes, the meeting was a meeting that teaches you how to say YES to everything. Yes, Carrey thinks that he is cursed and he can no longer say NO to anything. Yes, this movie is predictable, but likeable if you are a Carrey fan. Yes, I am done saying yes. No I wouldn't waste my time on this movie watching it a second time.

What to Watch For: Liar Liar with a different title.

You Might If You Like These:
Liar Liar
Bruce Almighty

Official Yes Man Site
IMDB

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

2009-04-26T19:10:00.007-04:00

Director: Ken Kwapis
Release Date: February 6, 2009
Genre: Comedy / Drama / Romance
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Warner Bros. (New Line)

The ORB's take: Should have remained a book and only a book.

Movie Review:
Based on a line of bestselling books that were featured in an episode of "Sex and the City" with the same title, this should have been an indication of how bad this movie was going to be. The movie provides a notable cast with Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Johansson and Ben Affleck, which you would have thought that this movie would have given you at least a couple of laughs or even be a slight bit entertaining, but what you get is just the opposite. Justin Long (that nerd from the Mac vs. PC commercials) stars in this movie as well; to give you an example of how NOT funny this movie was, I was actually hoping that in some point in this film that the "PC Guy" would have jumped out and said some pointless commercial comment to humor me (and we can all agree that the commercial is not funny). This movie could have ran the closing credits after 5 minutes and you would have seen everything there was to see in this flick and would have been happy that you didn't waste 2 hours of your time watching it. I expected more from the director of a successful funny show "The Office" but I received an equivilant to an ABC After School Special. To all you ladies out there wondering if it just because I am a guy that I thought this movie was horrible, the comment "That movie was stupid!" came from my wife seconds after the movie was over and she loves these types of movies. When this comes out on video, rent something you have already seen, before you rent this movie.

What to Watch For: The end credits!

You Might If You Like These:
What Happens In Vegas
27 Dresses

Official He's Just Not That Into You Site
IMDB

Mirrors (2008)

2009-04-22T21:38:00.007-04:00

Director: Alexander Aja
Release Date: August 15, 2008
Genre: Horror / Mystery / Thriller
MPAA: Rated R
20th Century Fox

The ORB's take: Surprisingly decent, worth a dvd rental.

Movie Review:
A remake of a 2003 Korean horror film Geoul Sokeuro, this flick is actually somewhat entertaining. Kiefer Sutherland, aka Jack Bauer plays an ex-cop who has marital problems and lives with his sister. He takes a job as a night watchman at an adandoned downtown retail store. While walking throughout the store on his shift he finds out there is something mysterious in the building and it uses the mirrors to haunt its victims. Unlike most typical horror films this one actually has a plot and allows you to stay focused throughout the movie, instead of just waiting for the next victim to get hacked. This movie will make you jump, and you will definately make you think twice about looking in the mirror at night right before you go to bed. Its worth a rental and a watch!

What to Watch For: What you see in the mirror isn't always what the mirror wants you to see.

You Might If You Like These:
The Sixth Sense
Constantine

Official Mirrors Site
IMDB

Comatose Tour 2009

2009-04-18T10:07:00.012-04:00

Tour: Comatose Tour 2009
Artist: Skillet • Disciple • Decyfer Down
Concert Type: Rock
Tour Date: April 17, 2009

The Orb's Take: Pure Rock from the opening band to the final power chord!!

Concert Review:
First things FIRST! Whenever I go to a concert my first thought after the concert was it worth my money. And the answer is YES, YES, and YES! A band out of North Carolina that goes by the name Decypher Down opened up the show with heavy rock guitars and melodic vocals. TJ Harris's (Decypher Down) vocals reminded me of Sebastian Bach, with loud, smooth rock sounding vox. Down's original line-up consists of four members, so I was taken back when I saw five members on stage; after looking closer I realized it was Kevin (Lead vocalist) of Disciple playing bass proving he can still run around stage and get the crowd into it. The band Disciple was second in the line-up proving they are more than worthy to be opening up for a very notable band such as Skillet. High energy, hard rocking guitar tones, complex guitar solos, heavy drums, and a melodic / rap / scream / intensity that is all his own vocal style of Kevin Young, brought the house down and prepared the crowd for Skillet. Closing the night, Skillet came on the stage to rocking strings from a violinst they brought with them for the tour. If you have never seen a violinist live with a rock band before it is something you need to witness. It enhanced their already great live show to another level. Skillet brings with them a great light show and gives you a great Rock n Roll show. Interweaving samples, electronic sounds, harmonizing vocals, and intense guitar sounds throughout the live show there is never a time you want to take your eyes off the stage. An added bonus to Skillet's band is a female drummer that hits harder than most dudes I have seen. Check out the tour dates on Skillet's MySpace page, if they are coming close to you, do yourself a favor and check them out......you will not be dissapointed.

What to Watch for: Disciple's high energy show, Skillet's violinist and drummer, Decypher Down's special guest bassist and power lead vocals.

You Might If You Like These:
Nine Inch Nails
Motley Crue
Evanescence

Official Skillet website
Skillet MySpace Page
Disciple MySpace Page
Decypher Down MySpace Page

Knowing (2009)

2009-04-13T21:27:00.009-04:00

Director: Alex Proyas
Release Date: March 20, 2009
Genre: Mystery / Action / Thriller
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Escape Artists

The ORB's take: Knowing what I know now about Knowing they should have paid me for watching this trash.

Movie Review:
I knew that before the end of this film it was going to be hard to give it one star let alone a half. Believe it or not this is not Nicolas Cage's fault, it was the script. This movie tries to turn this sci-fi wanna be into a scary on-the-edge of your seat type of movie, but fails miserably. Lack of suspense, and lack of disasters is what this flick needed to improve its worth to be called a theatrical film and not a made-for-tv movie. The first 5 minutes shows promise, but then quickly makes you want to run out of the theater and sneak into Hannah Montana. SPOILER ALERT!!! (more like I am saving you from wasting your time alert) - Don't read if you really want to watch this film. The movie starts when a time capsule from an elementary school is dug up 50 years later at Nicholas Cage's son's school. His son's class gets to see the many drawings inside of the capsule and the one his son gets is a page filled with random numbers on it. Nicholas Cage looks at the drawing and figures out it is a pattern that tells the dates and locations of disasters that have taken place and that are going to take place. As he runs around trying to warn people about some disaster that is going to happen, we find out there are aliens whispering into his son's ear. They tell him what is going to happen and they were the ones whispering the numbers into the ear of the young elementary student that wrote the numbers down that predict the future 50 years earlier. If that's not enough to prove to you this flick is a waste of time, the aliens take the kids (from multiple places all over the earth) and drop them off on some planet to start over, because the earth gets burnt up by a solar flare from the sun. Remember when you waited to see the movie The Core until TNT or TBS aired it, and even then you changed the channel.......I'd advise you to do the same with Knowing as well.

What to Watch For: The only exciting thing in this movie, the disasters / crashes.

You Might If You Like These:
The Number 23
War of the Worlds
The Day After Tomorrow

Official Knowing Site
IMDB

Fast and Furious (2009)

2009-04-04T22:15:00.008-04:00

Director: Justin Lin
Release Date: April 3, 2009
Genre: Action
MPAA: Rated PG-13
Universal

The ORB's take: What I wanted and expected.

Movie Review:
Original cast plus New cars equals a "The Fast and the Furious" sequel that should have been. This movie is as good as, if not better than, the first installment. Of course you get what you expect in this type of movie; shallow plot line, fast cars, bad acting, and lots of action. This is not a movie you go to and expect to walk out feeling like you saw a thought provoking experience, this is a movie you walk out of and you want to jump into your car and drive fast. They definitely stepped up the action in this film compared to the first one. They added more muscle cars and less focus on the street racing cars you witnessed in the first "The Fast and the Furious". The return of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker made this movie the true sequel that the second and third installments of "The Fast And The Furious" didn't give us. Brian Spooner (Paul Walker) is back in the FBI where he is suppose to be, chasing down a drug lord and racing and working side by side with Dom (Vin Diesel). Of course this movie still proves that Paul Walker can't act, but that's not why you watch this flick. From the opening scene to the closing scene, this movie is filled with non-stop action. If you liked the first "The Fast And The Furious" you will not be disappointed.

What to Watch For: New cars, Original cast

You Might If You Like These:
The Fast and the Furious
Miami Vice
Torque

Official Fast and Furious Site
IMDB

Phil Wing: To Find You (EP)

2009-04-01T09:41:00.012-04:00

Artist: Phil Wing
Label: Indie
Album Type: Acoustic Worship
Released: February 2009

The Orb's Take: When you listen you feel like your in the room with him praising the One that gave him the talents.

Album Review:
An acoustic worship album done correctly, are the first words that came out of my mouth after listening to this EP. The artist / writer really recognized the importance of a true worship album isn't just creating great music, but taking your listener to the throne room of God. You will not be able to listen to a tune without singing along by song's end. Phil's vocals convey passion and truth that draws you into all seven songs; making you want to hit repeat on the song you just listened to again and again before going on the next. I say to the artist, "Well done!", but in the same breath I also say "We need more than seven songs". To top off the great delivery accomplished with this album, every cent goes to bringing home his family's newly adopted child home from Ethiopia. Warning! If you listen to this album in your car, be aware that you may not be able to contain yourself from raising you hands and praising God. Do yourself a favor and find a place where you can get this album, you will be pleased, encouraged, and blessed.

What to Listen to: "You Do Great Things", "You Say"
Howie Day
David Crowder Band
Phil Whickham

Official Phil Wing website
Phil Wing MySpace Page

Halo Wars (XBOX 360)

2009-03-30T21:42:00.009-04:00

Developer: Ensemble Studios
Release Date: March 2009
Genre: RTS
ESRB: Rated T
Game Console: XBOX 360 (exclusive)

The ORB's Take: RENT it! - Make sure its your type of game.

Game Review:
Halo Wars is a real time strategy built exclusively for the XBOX 360 that actually works on a console. This game boasts great graphics and is fresh new edition to the Halo series. Play through a campaign or play online. You can play a match were you partner up with your friends against the a.i., or play against your friends; as well as co-oping through the campaign online with a friend. The object of the game is to build up your fortresses by collecting supplies so that you can build up your army to destroy your enemies. You have the choice to play as the army of the UNSC (the Spartan side) or play as the Convenant army (Grunts, Elites, Ghosts, Banshees, etc.) Usually real time stategies need to be played on a PC because there are a lot controls and hotkeys that you need a keyboard for to play it effectively, but the developer made it very easy to control with an XBOX controller. I'd advise you to rent the game before buying it, this game will not be everyone's forte - even for a die-hard Halo player.

What To Expect: Great graphics, fun online play.

You Might If You Like These:
Command & Conquer

Official Halo Wars site

Quantum of Solace (2008)

2009-03-30T09:23:00.006-04:00

Director: Marc Foster
Release Date: November 14, 2008
Genre: Action / Adventure / Thriller
MPAA: Rated PG-13
MGM

The ORB's take: I had to watch it twice to appreciate it.

Movie Review:
I have to be honest with you, I am not a huge fan of the new Bond. It will probably take me another Daniel Craig Bond movie to win me over to this new type of "Bond". I have always thought that Bond's attributes of charm, showing us new gadgets, introducing us to new flashy cars, getting any girl he wants, and taking out anyone in his way to get the answers he is after are what make 007. Don't get me wrong, this movie is filled with boat chases, car chases, foot chases, and lots of action. If it wasn't a Bond movie I would have loved this film, but I was hoping for the old James and I got a ruthless, kill everything in site Bond - and again that is just not James Bond. This movie picks up where Casino Royale left off. It finishes the story of where James becomes a "00", allowing you to see a completely different side to James Bond than you have been used to in the past. Good movie? Yes. Good Bond? Getting there. Worth a DVD rental? Yes. If you don't like it the first time you watch it, watch it again; it worked for me.

What to Watch For: Chase scenes, 007 becoming a new type of Bond.

You Might If You Like These:
Casino Royale
The Bourne Identity

Official Quantum of Solace Site
IMDB

Red: Innocence & Instinct

2009-03-27T19:41:00.004-04:00

Artist: Red
Label: Essential Records
Album Type: Rock
Released: Feb 10, 2009

The Orb's Take: Rock! Fresh! Rock! Tight! Rock! Worth a Listen!

Album Review:
This band's sophomore album debuted at #15 on the US Billboard 200 Chart and sold an impressive 40,000 copies in its first week. They made Radio and Record history when their single "Fight Inside" debuted at #1, being the first Christian rock band to ever do so. This album blew me away with its production. Having been in the Christian industry as an artist, I have always felt that Christian rock bands lack the strong production mainstream artists always capture. It is great to listen to band that understands how important great guitar tones, heavy drum sounds, solid bass lines, melodic vocals, with a touch of modern rock scream really is. Fresh electronic / digital tracks fill and add a lot to this bands sound, putting them on stage with any rock band out there today. In "Death of Me" they express the struggles of running from old addictions and giving them to God before they take you over again. Throughout the album songs like "Out From Under" combine hard hitting guitar and drum tracks with string and synth sounds making rock what rock should be. If you like the tightness of Korn combined with the vocals of Staind and Evanecense mixed, you won't be disappointed with "Innocence & Instinct". Get ready to break something!

What to Listen to: "Death of Me", "Fight Inside", "Ordinary World"

You Might If You Like These:
Staind
Disciple
Evanescence

Official Red website
Red MySpace Page

Papa Roach: Metamorphosis

2009-03-24T22:08:00.012-04:00

Artist: Papa Roach
Label: Geffen Records
Album Type: Rock
Released: March 24, 2009

The Orb's Take: Just in time for summer, Turn up the volume & roll down the windows!

Album Review:
This California quartet's 5th studio delivers like a true rock-n-roll album should. Pure rock guitar riffs and solid vocals drive this album just like their previous contributions. Lead singer Jacoby Shaddix continues to show that he has great rock vocals that portrays strong emotion throughout Metamorphosis. Shaddix takes you through his journeys and addictions in the each track and proves that he has matured through is struggles. Tracks like "Change or Die" and "I Almost Told You that I Loved You" will make you want to roll down your car window and turn up the volume. "Carry Me", "Lifeline", and "March Out of Darkness" show a lighter, but versatile side to Papa Roach. Overall this is a great rock album; although I don't believe it is their best album they have ever released, it demonstrates how tight this band really is. Catch them this summer on tour, you won't be disappointed - they are one of the tighest live bands on the road today.

What to Listen to: "Change or Die", "Lifeline", "Live This Down"

You Might If You Like These:
Linkin Park
Hed Pe
Rage Against the Machine

Official Papa Roach website
Papa Roach MySpace Page

Viva La Hova (2008)

2009-03-18T21:11:00.007-04:00

Artists: Coldplay & JayZ
Produced By: Mick Boogie & Terry Urban
Album Type: Mix Tape / Rock / Pop / Rap
Released: October 2008

The ORB's Take: An UNBELIEVABLE mix of 2 great artists!

Album Review:
Viva La Hova will not be found in any store, but if you are lucky you might be able to find it online somewhere and download it. This mixtape mash-up album was put together by Mick Boogie (a well known DJ from NYC) & Terry Urban (a well known DJ from Cleveland, OH.) and it is very, very professionally done. If you are a fan of either of these two artist you will enjoy listening to the great chemistry they have created in this mixtape. Listening to the song "Know My Place" really enhances just how talented Jay Z rally is. Mixing songs like Coldplay's "We Never Change" and Jay Z's "Never Change" to make the track "Never Changing" seems like it was suppose to be an original song they were meant to write and record together. "Lost Part 1" which is an original on Coldplay's latest album Viva La Vida and was also released on an EP that they just recently put out, showcases Jay Z and elevates the song to a different level. Being a fan of both of these artists the track "X-Y-Z" makes you want to listen to this album again and again to hear the talent from all the parties involved in this project. Even if you aren't familiar with either of these artists, or you are just a fan of one them, it is worth a listen; especially since it is free.

What to Listen to: "X-Y-Z", "Public Speeding", "Miss Trouble", "Never Changing"

You Might If You Like These:
Coldplay
Jay Z
The Grey Album

Viva La Hova My Space Page
Download Here

de Blob

2009-03-15T23:35:00.007-04:00

Developer: Blue Tongue
Release Date: September 2008
Genre: 3D Platformer
ESRB: Rated Everyone
Game Console: Wii (exclusive)

The ORB's Take: BUY it! - Endless hours of mindless fun.

Game Review:
De Blob is a game that turns your 30 minutes of Wii play a day into endless hours of non-stop play. I can't stop playing this game! The game uses both the nunchuck and Wii remote to move your character (de Blob) around the screen. In the game, the evil INKT Corporation has drained all the color out of the Chroma City. You are de Blob and you have joined the resistance movement to help restore color to the city. As de Blob you paint the cities by acquiring paint by smashing the INKT's robots that have drained the color from the buildings, trees, sidewalks, walls, and many other structures they stole color from. The goal is to paint each city before your time limit runs out. There are many side missions within each part of the city that reward you with extra time. As the game progresses it gets more challenging and the cities get bigger and brighter. You will find yourself finishing a level only wanting to see what the next one holds. De Blob has great graphics and easy gameplay, which is great for someone who doesn't have hours to get into a game. This is a game you can pick up and play for 30 minutes or 3 hours, and you can play it without any thinking. This game is what you expect from a Wii game; just lots of mindless, endless fun.

What To Expect: A surprisingly fun game and losing track of time.

You Might If You Like These:
Super Mario Galaxy

Official de Blob site

Taken (2009)

2009-03-13T00:04:00.008-04:00

Director: Pierre Morel
Release Date: January 30, 2009
Genre: Action / Crime / Drama / Thriller
MPAA: Rated PG-13
20th Century Fox

The ORB's take: Before this film is over, you will want a sequel.

Movie Review:
This film was actually released in 2008 in France about a year before, but didn't get released in the USA until 2009. I am very glad this got released, and is well-deserving of theaters. Taken reminds us what a great action / thriller is suppose to be. Liam Neeson (Bryan) is a former secret service agent/spy that retired to spend time with his daughter (Kim) in California. The plot begins when his ex-wife convinces him to let their teenage daughter go on a trip with her best friend to Paris without any adult supervision because they need his parental consent to go. After reluctantly allowing her to go, he tells her she must call and check in with him multiple times when arrives in Paris. When he can’t get in touch with her after her plane lands, he calls relentlessly until she finally answers. When they are talking on the phone she sees her best friend in the other room get abducted by people who broke into the house they are staying in. This is when Bryan shifts into secret service mode and he tells his daughter she is about to be taken, stay calm, get under the bed, leave the phone, and shout out everything you see about them when they grab you. The kidnapper picks up the phone she left on the ground and Bryan tells him that if he doesn’t let her go he will use the skills that he has acquired over his career to find him and kill him. After that the action is non-stop and a great thrill ride. The acting in this movie is very bearable for an action flick and is very worth paying for to see on the big screen. A movie that you don't have to think while your watching it; you just get to sit back and enjoy the a great movie.

What to Watch For: The unexpected, and wanting everyone involved to get what they deserve.

You Might If You Like These:
Ransom
Live Free or Die Hard
Wanted

Official Taken Site
IMDB

The Watchmen (2009)

2009-03-11T20:49:00.000-04:00

Director: Zach Snyder
Release Date: March 9, 2009
Genre: Comic Book Action / Drama
MPAA: Rated R
Warner Bros. Pictures

The ORB's take: Wait, Wait, Wait, and Wait, did I say Wait? - until the DVD comes out or until FX airs it on t.v.

Movie Review:
The anticipation for this movie was extremely high which is probably why I believe my disappointment in the outcome is so great. Zach Snyder proved he can direct when we directed 300, but this film falls way short of an entertaining film. I have to be honest, I have never read any of the Watchmen comic books so I went into this movie a blind virgin to the Watchmen background. So the disappointment began when I find out that the only Crime Fighter that has powers walks around completely naked 99 percent of the time you see him in the movie. Most of the movie is dialog explaining the history of the Watchmen society, which is good, but the funny costumes make it comical. The plot and small twist kept me from leaving the theater and using the restroom, but also ruins the only great part of the movie. There is one exception to the bore-fest I sat through and his name is Rorsach. Not only is his character the best of the Watchmen clan, his story line and fighting scenes make you want more of the Rorsach. The 20 minutes of extremely cool fighting that is throughout this 2hr 30 min. plus movie should have been substituted for all the times I was forced to watched the naked man walking around then this movie would have had positive outcome and a happy paying patron. This movie puts the X-Men franchise on an untouchable level when it comes to comic book movies. The R-Rating was pleasant surprise for a comic book movie, but was a let-down when only 5 percent of that was for a jail-break fight scene and the other 95 percent of that was for a blue naked guy walking around showing us his world we'd rather not explore.

What To Watch For: Rorsach, The Jail scene.

You Might If You Like These:
Xmen
Batman
Spiderman

Official Watchmen Site
IMDB