Movies based on videogames do not have a terribly good reputation.  While it is possible to make a successful and popular film based on a game, more often than not, the audience is left with a terribly disappointing movie, one which only diehard fans (and sometimes not even them) seem to enjoy.  Exactly why so few good films are made based on videogames is difficult to say, and Street Fighter:  The Legend of Chun-Li is certainly not one of the better adaptations....more

So how long does it take for hell to freeze over? According to The Eagles about fourteen years. The animosity was so great within the group in 1980 that Don Henley stated, “Hell would have to freeze over before The Eagles would play together again.” The individual members of the group had gone on to modest solo careers and so in 1994 they re-grouped. It proved that in this case the streets of hell were paved with gold. The re-formed Eagles would be as popular as ever with their concerts consistently selling out despite charging exorbitant prices....more

While the final season of Stargate Atlantis may have come to a conclusion, the final story has not been written for the crew of Earth’s most famous and mythical city, Atlantis. Having reached the all-important fifth season where the show can reach its full syndication potential, it can now be spun off into films released on DVD as to take advantage of a fanbase now forced to pay for something that they once received for free. The Sci-Fi Channel, which originally aired the series, has always been known for cutting shows too soon, but after watching the final season, they may have done it just at the right time....more

Let’s pretend for a moment that the original Inspector Clouseau/Pink Panther films never existed. Sure, it’s a bit hard to imagine – it’s almost as painful to think about for me as is envisioning a world without Maruchan chicken-flavored ramen. But, remember, we’re only pretending, kids. Now, if you can picture a motion picture industry completely devoid of Peter Sellers and his subtle performance of the world’s clumsiest detective (and that is a very big “if,” I know), than Steve Martin does a pretty damn good job interpreting Inspector Jacques Clouseau....more

With over 65 years of work in modern dance, Merce Cunningham has largely been shaped by four discoveries: video/film, DanceForms computer software, the separation of music and the dance, and the use of chance operations. It is the latter that formulates the basis for Split Sides. Capturing the modernist choreographer’s most sweeping application of chance operations to date, Split Sides gives the viewer the opportunity to get in on the action and “roll the dice” in terms of what performance he or she will partake in....more

When I first learned very early on this year that Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Bob Dylan among others would be putting out new albums, I was so excited that I jumped the gun a bit and began making early plans for my "best albums of 2009" list. When Springsteen and U2 didn't quite deliver the records I'd hoped for -- and even Dylan's album, though quite good, wasn't exactly Modern Times great -- my optimism, however, soon turned to worry. With their new album, Wilco are making me breathe quite a bit easier....more

The New Miles Davis Quintet was formed in 1955 and featured pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. In addition, Miles brought in a little known saxophone player named John Coltrane. This was the first of the many legendary groups Miles would put together over the course of his unprecedented career. As such, their legacy is secure in the annals of Jazz. Although their impact may not be remembered quite as heroically as some of his later combos, the six albums they recorded together are still mighty impressive....more

Before his album even came out, Brad Paisley's first single off the album “Then” was in the Top 25 Most Played on my iPod. And I have a feeling, now that I own the rest of his album, a couple more of Brad’s newest songs will be in my Top 25 as well. That’s just it about Brad -- no matter what he sings -- he always produces a great album. American Saturday Night reminds country music fans why Brad is constantly recognized at all the country music awards shows....more

In 1995, one popular song and video on the airwaves was "I Kissed A Girl" by up-and-coming singer/songwriter Jill Sobule. Sobule's ability to address difficult or controversial topics with wit and irony became her trademark, but by the end of the '90s, the tide had turned and the American pop music ear was no longer interested in the female singer/songwriters that had, for a brief while, dominated the pop charts. Two major labels and two now-defunct independent labels later, Sobule is still writing and performing music, and rather than trying to go down the record label route again, she enlisted the aid of her fans to produce, distribute, and promote her new album, California Years....more

Exploring the theme of being who you are, rather than trying to shape yourself for others, Disney’s Princess Protection Program is a fun and enjoyable movie for the entire family. Starring Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place) as Carter, the average ordinary tomgirl and Demi Lovato (Sonny with a Chance) as Rosalinda “Rosie,” the beloved Princess of a small country who is sent uncover for protection, Princess Protection Program shows that true friendship can transcend all barriers....more