“H1Z1” disappoints with boring, confusing gameplay
“H1Z1” by SOE (Sony Online Entertainment) has distinguished itself in less than a week as one of the worst games ever released on the Steam market. […]
review
Mikkey Ekko’s solo debut lacks musical cohesion
In “Time,” singer Mikkey Ekko demonstrates promising vocal performance but fails to impress listeners with mediocre production and bland songs. Despite a few moderately enjoyable tracks, the album is weak overall as it suffers from both monotonous beats and unfitting instrumentals.
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Death Grips’ “Fashion Week” struts down the runway
“Fashion Week” is a major departure from Death Grips’ normal style as the group experiments with new electronic genres and live instruments with no vocals for a unique soundtrack experience.
Following their breakup last year, punk-rap trio drummer Zach Hill, producer Andy Morin and singer MC Ride of Death Grips promised to release the second half of their two-part album, “Jenny Death,” by the end of 2014. After the new year began with no album to show for it, fans wondered if the final half would ever be released.
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Talented cast excels in “The Matchmaker”
Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” is definitely a play one should avoid, unless it is performed by Mira Costa students, that is. […]
“Super Smash Bros” brings endless, silly fun
Under the guidance of series director Masahiro Sakurai, “Super Smash Bros for the Wii U” contains everything that has come to be expected of the series: ridiculous gameplay with considerable respect toward the many games that are incorporated within it. The plethora of new ways to play a game that is, at its core, so much fun, makes the newest “Smash” a mastery of everything that has made the series one of the best in the industry.
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Wu-Tang Clan reunites, underwhelms
“A Better Tomorrow” showcases a few standout songs that reflect the Wu-Tang’s old school roots. However, as a whole, the album is a combination of producer/member RZA overpowering the group’s classic, beloved style with a new, overworked sound. Any loyal listener of Wu-Tang will still enjoy the traces of traditional, raw talent found in the album, but ultimately the aftertaste is disappointing.
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“Mockingjay Part 1” astounds
Directed by Francis Lawrence, “Mockingjay Part 1” showcases all of the greatest aspects of the novel “Mockingjay,” by Suzanne Collins, with intense emotions, a dark atmosphere and a powerful protagonist. In addition, the movie improves upon the book by removing plot holes and increasing action. The actors also make the film become more of a reality through displaying genuine feelings and reactions to the gruesome events throughout the film.
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Akin’s debut novel, “Loop,” enchants with charming setting, characters
Time travel may be a common conflict in fiction, but if Karen Akin’s debut novel “Loop” is any indication of where the genre is heading, here is hoping it never goes away.
The novel’s captivating premise serves as a suitable backdrop for the relatable cast of characters, while the fantastical world delights readers with an imagination. […]
“Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms” proves insightful
In his first book, titled “Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms,” former diplomat Gerard Russell provides a fascinating, though at times poorly written, view of these various faiths. His first-hand experiences with native peoples are remarkable, but they are diluted by needless anecdotes and other extraneous information. […]
Ten years later, “Saw” still frightens
Being rereleased for the Halloween season, “Saw” still proves to be as scary as when it was first released. The film’s sadistic tone, coupled with its suspenseful and unexpected plot twists, results in a film that stands as one of the genre’s bests.
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