Tuesday, February 19, 2013

FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE: TOP TEN LISTS

Javeon Butler - Top 10 Hip Hop Albums of 2012

2012 was a good year not only for rap, but for a  plethora of young, up and coming artists that don’t have the major labels backing them like a Jay-Z or a Kanye West. With the ability to share their music all over the world via the web, artist like Soulja Boy and Kendrick Lamar have been able to make the transition from small time rappers to hip hop  icons. With so much new music being circulated, it’s nearly impossible to comment on them all, so with that being said, this list is comprised of rap albums and mix tapes released in 2012 that I could turn on from the first song and listen all the way through.

1.  Kendrick Lamar – Good Kiid Maad City: This album tells a story that takes you through a night with Kendrick Lamar and his friends. From home invasions to keeping the peace, this album is full of surprises.

2. Nas – Life is Good:  In his first solo album since his collaboration with Damien Marley, Nas easily upholds his title as one of the best lyricist to grace the game.

3. The Game – Jesus Piece: This project was a complete turnaround from The Game’s previous projects. With a new flow, and a controversial album cover, Jesus Piece is a refreshingly different sound for The Game.

4.  Big Sean – Detroit: Looking to bounce back from his debut album which did well in sales but did not go over so well with his fans, Big Sean brings along a lot of friends to help him tell his story about Detroit. His fans say this is the Big Sean they’ve been waiting for.

5.   Rick Ross – God Forgives, I Don’t: This was a great album with strong instrumentals and even better collaborations with names like Andre 3000, Drake and Ne Yo.

6.    Ab-Soul – Control System: Calling himself soul brother number 2 (number one being James Brown), California rapper Ab-Soul uses soulful samples and complex lyrical concepts, making Control System great brain food to keep you thinking.

7.   Schoolboy Q – Habits and Contradiction: With a gangster rap mentality, and profound lyrics, Schoolboy Q, along with label mates Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul, represents a new breed of rappers.

8.   2 Chainz – Based on a TRU Story : 2 Chainz’s debut album Based on a TRU Story is packed with big name collaborations. With music to dance to, along with bass heavy songs with more of a gangster influence, this album gives you everything you want.

9.    Lupe Fiasco – Food and Liquor II: For all of Lupe’s Kick Push fans, this album was exactly what they were looking for, with conscious rap that has a message and sounds amazing.

10.  French Montana – Mac and Cheese III: The surprise album of the year would have to be French Montana’s Mac and Cheese III album, which was a more upbeat project that anyone could have anticipated. With its chill music and party vibe, its sound is new and refreshing.


Gregg Ensminger - Top Ten Worst Oscar Winners Since 1970

Despite the high amount of reverence that the movie industry gives the Academy Awards, the Oscars aren't infallible.  Sometimes an undeserving nominee wins on the strength of the actor's reputation, or due to industry bias in favor of some movie genres but not others, or simply because the Academy voters have a habit of falling for Oscar bait.  These are some of the worst offenses by the Academy from the past four decades:

10.  Ellen Burstyn, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974; Best Actress)
This one wasn’t Burstyn’s fault. But another nominee, Gena Rowlands, should have won for one of the greatest film performances ever in A Woman Under the Influence.

9.  Eminem, "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile (2002; Best Original Song)
A song about once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?  Unoriginal.  Slim Shady’s rhymes?  Corny as usual.  Oscar-worthy material?  You must be trippin’.

8.  Martin Scorsese, The Departed (2006; Best Director)
Scorsese was the Tarantino of his day [in other words, the Academy's darling by virtue of commercially or critically popular Oscar-bait (Raging Bull, GoodFellas, Gangs of New York, etc.)]. So Hollywood must have been desperate to honor him, since he won his first Oscar for this mediocre, generic cop movie. 

7.   Cuba Gooding, Jr., Jerry Maguire (1996 Best Supporting Actor)
Considering that the same actor gave us Daddy Day Camp and Boat Trip, people must be rightfully wondering how he ever won an Oscar.

6.    Cher, Moonstruck (1987; Best Actress)
She didn’t have a long, productive, or memorable movie career, and there’s a reason why.  Overact much? (Also see: Burlesque, Mask)

5.    Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady (2011; Best Actress)
In a year with so many worthy nominees in this category alone (Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, Glenn Close, Rooney Mara), they reward Streep for hamming it up as Margaret Thatcher?

4.    The Hurt Locker (2009; Best Picture)
True, Kathryn Bigelow was technically brilliant directing this, and it's important to boost female directors.  But we all knew at the time that Avatar was the better picture.

3.     Helen Hunt, As Good As It Gets (1997; Best Actress)
Although Kate Winslet eventually won her own Oscar, it still rubs some people the wrong way that, on Titanic’s big night, she lost to Helen Hunt.

2.     Charlize Theron, Monster (2003; Best Actress)
If this were truly Oscar-worthy, then Eddie Murphy would have the most Oscars ever for all the times that costume and makeup changed his look.

1.     Diablo Cody, Juno (2007; Best Original Screenplay)
Have you actually seen this movie?  “Cautionary whale?”  Really?  Cody’s writing is so cheesy that soap opera actors would be embarrassed to read it.


Matt Esaena – Top 10 Gangster Films

Gangster films have been a popular genre of movies for decades. People like to watch characters that live exciting lives and experience things that they will never be able to do. Audiences are easily hooked on mob stories. It’s human nature for an audience to cheer and sympathize for the “bad guy.” 
Here is a look at some of the most notable Gangster Films Ever Made:

10. Public Enemies (Director: Michael Mann, 2009)-  FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) tries to take down legendary bank-robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp). Took audiences back to the 1930’s, a time when gangsters had a much easier time avoiding the Feds. An engrossing historical drama.

9. Godfather Part III (Director: Francis Ford Coppola, 1990) - The final part in the Godfather saga takes place in 1971 in New York City, as Mobster Michael Corleone tries to clear his family name.    Die-hard Godfather fans might say this film does not belong on this list, but let’s remember, it was nominated for seven Academy Awards for a reason.

8. Carlito’s Way (Director: Brian De Palma, 1993) - The audience follows Carlito Brigante (Pacino) as he is released from jail and tries to remain out of mob business. Once a hitman, always a hitman it is hard for Carlito to avoid the life style he is known for.  One of Pacinio’s most brilliant performances.

7.  Scarface (Directors: Howard Hawks, Richard Rossen, 1932) - Loosely based on the career of Al Capone, Scarface helped paved the way for all subsequent Gangster Films. This film had many scenes that were considered violent and sexual back in the day, but it is because of this movie and a few other early gangster films that directors were able to envision films for today’s audience.

6. Casino (Director: Martin Scorsese, 1995) - This film follows gangsters Sam Rothstein (Robert De Niro) A.K.A “Ace” and Anthony Spilotro (Joe Pesci) as they are sent to Las Vegas to run a casino for the mob back east. This movie explains in a Hollywood fashion, for the story’s sake, how casinos were owned and operated by mob families before big corporations were able to step into the strip and take over the money making scenes of Las Vegas.

5. A Bronx Tale (Director: Robert De Niro, 1993)- Young Calogero “C” Anello must choose between the life of a hard-working honest man that his father lives or the life style of cracking heads like all his neighborhood friends want. De Niro proves he’s as good at directing gangster films as he is at starring in them.

4. Scarface (Director: Brian De Palma 1983) - Based on the hit 1932 Gangster Flick, Pacino portrays Tony Montana, a Cuban man who comes to America and builds a drug empire. Montana finds conflict between business and personal decisions when his best friend and business partner is accused of falling in love with Montana’s sister. Unusual for its focus on non-Italians, this is one of the best Gangster Films of all-time.

3. Goodfellas (Director: Martin Scorsese, 1990) - Scorsese once again makes another mob hit (no pun intended) with De Niro and Pesci. This film uniquely shows how mob bosses get rich and powerful because of the lower-ranked members that make their money for them. Extreme violence keeps the audience hooked throughout.

2. Godfather Part II (Director: Francis Ford Coppola, 1974) - There is little to no argument that this film is the greatest sequel ever made, the only sequel to win Best Picture. We move between  Michael Corleone trying to run his mob empire and flashbacks of the young Vito Corleone’s origins and attempts make a name for his family. Coppola wisely kept writer Puzo on for the sequel. 

1. The Godfather (Director: Francis Ford Coppola, 1972) - Everything worked for this movie: The lighting, the editing, the writing, and the directing. But what makes this movie is the great acting. Every actor portrays their character perfectly: Cann, Duval, Pacino, and who could forget Marlon Brando’s Academy Award for Best Actor? The film, of course, also won Best Picture. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece might be the greatest movie ever made.


Sierra Gadberry - Top 10 Books turned to Movies

Books are ways to get the brain thinking, imagining, and creating. Readers can imagine the characters and plots on their own. Turning books into movies allows readers to see interpretations of their favorite books on screen, not always skillfully done. Here's a list of films that are not only great to watch, but are also a great read.

1. Harry Potter Series ( Author: J.K. Rowling; Multiple Directors) – A wicked movie series for all you Hogwarts prodigies, who wanted to see your favorite books transform to life with all their  great plot points  intact, thanks to awesome digital effects.

2. Water for Elephants (Author: Sara Gruen; Director: Francis Lawrence)- Set in the 20’s the film heartbreakingly portrays the inhumane treatment of an elephant in a traveling circus while an  affecting romance between Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson unfolds

3. Lord of the Rings (Author: J.R.R. Tolkien; Director: Peter Jackson)- Tolkien’s books were a hit to read so there is no surprise that the film trilogy  is equally good, with faithful plot details and great CGI.

4. The Devil Wears Prada (Author: Lauren Weisberger; Director: David Frankel)- Meryl Streep’s performance as a high fashion editor who reigns down on an intern is classic. Watch Anne Hathaway prevail through the tasks Streep sets.

5. The Help (Author: Kathryn Stockett; Director: Tate Taylor)- An eye-opening  film depicting the struggles of black women working in rich white households during the ‘60s.

6.  Holes (Author: Louis Sachar; Director: Scott Plank)- Shia Labouf’s debut film shoots him to stardom with his likeable charm shines as he plays a young man digging holes out in the desert. From the Newberry Prize winning children’s book.

7.  Marley and Me (Author: John Grogan; Director: David Frankel)- Need a feel good movie? A struggling journalist writes a column about his trouble-maker puppy, Marley. Based on a true story.

8. The Hobbit (Author: J.R.R. Tolkien; Director: Peter Jackson)- The breath taking 3D is amazing! Peter Jackson lets the fans of the fantasy classic see stone goblins, dragons, and Gollum in a whole new way.

9. The Notebook (Author: Nicholas Sparks; Director: Nick Cassavetes)- An all-time favorite romantic drama following an old couples past and how they go to where they are now, lovingly brought to the big screen.

10. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Author: Hunter S. Thompson; Director: Terry Gilliam)- Weird, wild and mind blowing adaptation of the gonzo classic following journalist Raoul Duke’s acid trip in 60s Vegas.

Sean Ryan – Top Ten Television Series of the 21st century.

HBO set the stage for today’s great series in the late 1990s with long form shows allowing for the proliferation of the format in the new century. HBO’s lack of reliance on advertisers allowed for the use of sensitive subject matter, creating gripping shows not found on basic cable shows. This reason is why HBO dominates my top ten list. The influence of HBO’s style is reflected in great shows on other networks such as Battlestar Galactica and Breaking Bad, with longer story arcs and deeper character development. 

10.  Deadwood - HBO (2004-2006). Based on the blood, beer, and mud of gold rush era South Dakota, Deadwood makes a truly memorable first season. Falling short in the second season is the only reason it falls to the 10th place.

9.  Avatar - Nickelodeon (2005-2008). Cartoons are not only for kids. Who wouldn't love a flying monk that will rule the world? The storyline and animation keep audiences of all ages hooked.

8 Game of Thrones -HBO (2011- ). Winter is coming and fear of white walkers taking your head makes you feel engrossed by this HBO series. Falling short of the books, Game of Thrones comes in 8th place.

7 Breaking Bad - AMC (2008 - )
A cancer stricken high school science teacher that decides to cook high quality meth. This compelling series makes us question how far we would go for family and wealth.

6 Doctor Who - BBC (2005- ). Trust the Doctor. This campy British series makes you laugh across the galaxy and regenerates the old series for the 21stcentury. 

5 Battlestar Galactica - Syfy (2004-2009). A cult classic of epic proportions. Cylons, starships and sex makes for a great science fiction series. If you don't like Battlestar Galactica you can go frak yourself.

4 Band of Brothers - HBO (2001). Gripping WWII series following the Greatest Generation, leaving no doubt in the mind of the viewer, that they were the greatest generation.

3 Firefly - FOX (2002- 2003). 500 hundred years later, prostitution is glamorous and our main character looks like he walked out of the Wild West.  With such a devoted fan base the short lived series Firefly was followed by the film Serenity.

 2 Sherlock - BBC (2010- ). Modern and inventive portrayal of Sherlock Holmes makes you crave for another 3 episode season. The innovative use of text messaging and updated characters fills out the second best spot.

1 The Wire - HBO (2002- 2008). The gritty street crime drama makes you jones for the next episode. The fact that there hasn't been a new one since 2008 is a crime in itself. This suspenseful show about inter-city violence wins the top spot every time. 


Chance St George - 10 Best “Bad” 80's movies

These movies aren't bad because one should avoid seeing them, quite the opposite in fact. Some of the movies on this list rank amongst our most watched and most cherished. We call them “bad” movies because they represent everything that made the 80's “bad”. Each and every one of these movies is chalk full of comical montages, corny one liners, and gratuitous fight scenes.  Transport yourself back in time to one of our more laughable decades with a “bad 80s” marathon!.

10. Ghostbusters (1984, Directed by Ivan Reitman).  When three psychology professors are fired from their University, they team up and begin to offer their services as a poltergeist removal service.

Best 80's moment: “Back off man, I'm a scientist”-Bill Murray

9. The Toxic Avenger (1984, Directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman). Melvin the janitor is a loser who doesn't fit in, that is until he is mutated into hometown superhero, the Toxic Avenger.

Best 80's moment: The Taco Stand hold up is so full of bad music, bad acting, and one liners that it sums up all that is the 80's.

8. The Thing (1982, Directed by John Carpenter). When a team of Antarctic researchers, including Kurt Russell, discovers a dark force form another planet, they learn that they can either trust no one, or die.

Best 80's moment: The Thing trying to transform into a dog in the cage. 

7. Top Gun (1986, Directed by Tony Scott). Fighter Pilot, Tom Cruise, must overcome his dark past and prove that he is the best of the best when it comes to flying jets.

Best 80's moment: Two words, beach volleyball.

6. Rocky IV (1985, Directed by Sylvester Stallone). This time Rocky finds himself fighting a Soviet Boxer, to avenge Apollo Creeds death. This one is Rocky's toughest fight yet.

Best 80's moment. Rocky's Russian training montage is one of the best of  all time.

5. Escape from New York (1981, Directed by John Carpenter). In the future, when the president crashes into an anarchist New York, a convict must be sent in to rescue him.

Best 80's Moment: It's hard to get more 80's than Kurt Russell with an eye patch, (though Captain Ron didn't quite make the list).

4. Tequila Sunrise (1988, Directed by Robert Towne). Kurt Russell and Mel Gibson star as old friends whose lives are changed when one, a cop, must investigate his drug dealing friend.

Best 80's moment: The cast includes Kurt Russell and Mel Gibson, you can't get more 80's.  Great dialogue throughout.

3. Lethal Weapon (1987, Directed by Richard Donner. An unlikely pair of cops, veteran Murtaugh and reckless rookie Riggs, find a way to work together and stop a violent drug gang.

Best 80's moment: Riggs and Murtaugh's fight that ends with “I'm hungry, I'm going to get something to eat.”

2. Big Trouble in Little China (1988, Directed by John Carpenter). Jack Burton finds himself battling ancient Chinese evils after getting involved with gangs in San Francisco's China Town.

Best 80's moment: Every line by Kurt Russell, especially when his gun jams in the middle of a karate showdown.

1. They Live (1988, Directed by John Carpenter). With four films on the 'bad' 80s list, this one is director Carpenter's finest achievement. Aliens have taken over the world, and are controlling humans with subliminal messaging.  Only "Rowdy" Roddy Piper can stop them with the help of his special glasses.

Best 80's moment: Every time Roddy Piper takes his sunglasses off.  

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