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Reviews & Previews
Music Review
U2 - How to Dismantle An Atomic
Bob
By
Kelly McLain, Journalism Student
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U2's
newly released album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb marks the 25th anniversary
of the band's formation. U2 includes Bono, Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton
and David "The Edge" Evans. According to Amazon.com, U2 has
sold more than 120 million records and has earned 14 Grammy Awards, seven
of which were for its last album All That You Can't Leave Behind. Recently,
U2 was inducted into the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, establishing
them as one of the world's greatest rock bands that inspire people worldwide.
U2 is known for their spiritual and political imagery that lead singer
and activist Bono is able to create. Bono is also this year's winner of
the TED prize. Listed on U2's official website (www.u2.com) are groups
they promote, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the Chernobyl
Children's Project. U2 has used benefit concerts, public campaigning,
special visits and fund-raising projects to promote a range of charities
and activist communities worldwide, according to the website. How to Dismantle
an Atomic Bomb touches subjects such as the African AIDS crisis and the
Middle East, shedding light on significant subjects and delivering hope
through music.
Many have probably heard the album's hit single "Vertigo" on
the iPod commercials, with its catchy guitar riffs and Bono's powering
vocals. For those who have grown up listening to U2 and for those who
are newly introduced, there is mixed reaction to their new album. Some
critics complain the album does not reflect the "classic" sound
of U2, although the band has been together for quite a long time and has
progressed on a musical level. "U2 aren't writing protest music.
They also aren't trying to shift musical paradigms. Instead, they're writing
pop songs for a large and expectant public (a populist step in its own
right). They've avoided the bubblegum, but they've kept the hooks and
emotion," according to Pop Matters reviewer Justin Cober-Lake. There
are other views. Shaking Through reviewer Kevin Moreau says How to Dismantle
an Atomic Bomb is a reduction of U2's most definable characteristics into
a very basic formula: impassioned vocals; guitars that chime like bells;
thick, meaty rhythm section workouts; slowly seductive hooks that build
to triumphant, emotional, endorphin-releasing choruses which all creates
a great rock album.
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, as well as other U2 albums, is available
for purchase from various local retailers and online at amazon.com.
Video Review
"The Notebook"
By Rhonda Larson, Journalism Student
The
Notebook is a story about a love that stands the test of time. James
Garner and Gena Rowlands play an older couple (Noah and Allie) living
in a nursing home. Noah has moved there for no other reason than to
be near his Allie. She has Alzheimer's and no longer recognizes him.
Despite this obstacle he courts her every day by reading from a notebook
that tells the story of how they fell in love, lost and then found one
another again.
While Noah reads, the viewer is taken on their journey through flashbacks
to the 1940's. Rachael McAdams plays the young, spirited Allie Calhoun;
Ryan Gosling the strong, determined Noah who falls in love with her
at first sight. Their portrayal of first love is a genuine performance
that helps to connect to the reality of the characters' seasoned love
in their later years.
Nick Cassavetes directs this movie in a style similar to The Bridges
of Madison County. The use of narrative to introduce the viewer to the
memory portrayed helps to tell the story from the perspective of yesterday
as well as today. The point of this is revealed in the bittersweet ending.
Viewers who have lived a lifetime with someone will empathize and those
looking forward to a lifetime of love will long for the possibility.
James Garner does a superb job of portraying a man who has loved only
one woman in his life and cannot imagine life without her. Gena Rowlands
plays Allie with dignity and grace mixed with the reality of insecurity
and confusion that Alzheimer's creates. The ebb and flow between yesterday
and today does nothing to detract from the movie but effectively shows
how love endures through time despite life's obstacles.
The Notebook is a charming movie that probably would have been better
served on the small screen as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. As noted
last year by movie reviewer James Berardinelli (movie-reviews.colossus.net),
"Fans of sudsy romances will adore The Notebook."
The story offers an affirmation for those whose life experiences mirror
the tale being told. The blending of drama and romance make it a movie
I would recommend for the young or the young at heart. The Notebook
is rated PG-13 and is available as a video rental.
TV
Review
Mark Burnett Victorious with "The Contender"
By
Brent A. Encelewski, Journalism Student
Mark
Burnett, producer of realities series Survivor and The Apprentice has
begun to conquer television once again with what Burnett himself hails
[in an interview with Jay Leno] as "my best work yet." This
new series, The Contender, appears to be a knock-out blow to network television
viewers and critics alike!
The show is comprised of several up-and-coming licensed boxing professionals
(of various ages and creeds), a competition for a million-dollar prize,
and much more important-sanctioned fights, the outcome of which affects
each promising fighter's permanent record and thus career.
Sweeten Burnett's latest media batch with boxing legend Sugar-Ray Leonard
and top with Hollywood boxing icon/actor Sylvester “sly”,
Rocky Balboa-the Italian Stallion' Stallone. Delicately apply intimate
footage of the fighters' families, faithful God-fearing girlfriends; and
sobbing, loving children. Combine with an epic five-round fight every
episode and dramatic post-production special effects. Finish with a soul-wrenching
musical score and you have got a network-television media masterpiece!
Fans of reality TV, accustomed to the petty arguments, wheeling and dealing,
and seemingly outrageous nature of the producer's classic cast away and
Trump franchises, will be delighted to find nothing but honor, sincere
drama, sweat, blood, and tears with The Contender. But all is not fun
and games - surprise challenges and rising rivalries highlight each boxer's
struggle to the top. The house is divided between two teams: East and
West. The show is structured as such: each team competes in grueling psychological
and physical challenges.
The winning team “tows the line,” "an old boxing tradition,"
as Stallone states on every episode. 'Towing the line' involves a democratically
elected [winning] team member to step forward and choose a fighter from
the opposing team to challenge in that episode's main event. Five ferocious
light-weight rounds later-a victor gains immunity from further fights
until the final competitions of the show and the loser is sent home, usually
battered and emotionally distraught.
All reality series completely film the competitions to conclusion before
airing. One fighter, Najai 'Nitro' Turpin lost his fight early in the
competition and on February 14, 2004 The Contender family learned that
Najai had 'passed away.' Some say Turpin had committed suicide. Speculation
blames this tragedy on the fighter's loss on the show. The airing of The
Contender was controversial and in question for a time. Eventually, a
settlement was reached with Turpin's family. After airing of the episode
showing Najai's defeat-Sugar Ray and Stallone appeared and expressed their
sorrow and condolences. They then announced a memorial Trust for Najai's
young toddler Anyae. Fans and well-wishers can find more information at
www.yahoo.contender.com.
Despite its controversial kick-off, the show is a crowd pleaser. This
may indeed be Mark Burnett's finest work yet and the critics and reviews
are talking Emmys! So, hang a punching bag (or your little brother), grab
a box of tissues, and check out this show if you have not already! The
Contender airs only on NBC, Sundays 8 p/m.
Car
Review
The 2005 Ford Mustang
By
Wesley Little, JPC Student
The
2005 Ford Mustang has finally arrived, and it is one of their best ever,
if I do say so myself. There are two basic models of the Mustang, each
with different options.
The first is the V6 Series which sports a cool 4.0 liter engine, and comes
with either a very nimble 5-speed manual transmission, or a more contemporary
automatic transmission. Both are very quick and fun to drive. The V6 puts
out just a little over 216 hp, more than enough to have some fun in, and
starting at a friendly $19,410 you can drive away in one today.
The second type would be the always famous and well known GT model, which
has both auto and manual transmissions . The V8 4.6L engine pushes out
a whopping 300hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. The car also comes with a price
tag of only $23, 999 its well worth it, and fun is only the beginning.
SPECS:
0 - 60 = 5.3 seconds
1/4 mi. = 13.9 seconds
Top Speed = EST. 143 mph
The car is basically designed to resemble the legendary 1967 Mustang, much like the one you all have seen in "Gone In 60 Seconds". Anyway, go on down to your nearest Ford dealer, located at the "Y" in Soldotna next to Petro Express and across from the Buckets Restaurant, and check out the new 2005 Mustangs. You won't regret it, trust me. You can also go online to www.fordvehicles.com.