It’s been over a week since we stopped by the Bootleg in LA, and we’re still reveling in the funk/rock/blues/dance glory of Austin’s Bright Light Social Hour. They absolutely killed it.

The foursome put out their self-titled debut album in 2011, and have been gaining traction in the indie scene with support of their loyal fans. SXSW was a total win for them, and we’re so glad to have caught them again on this tour. Not only does Bright Light Social Hour belt out some furious riffs and sexy lyrics …(The day that I met you, Workin’ side by side, At that moment I knew I’d work for you, ‘Til the day I died.”-Detroit)…they also have an ease about them that immediately gets the crowd dancing & clapping along. Take a listen to “Back and Forth” … yeah, try not to chant along.

“Back & Forth”

You can always tell when a group gets off on jamming for an audience, and the guys seemed to really enjoy the night. Like their 60’s & 70’s influences, you need to experience Bright Light Social Hour live…partly because a large percentage of their set-list wasn’t off the album. Yet it was just great, if not better.

Our favorite songs of the night were “Detroit” and “Maybe I Do”

Ladies, aside from the fact that the guys are insanely talented musicians, they’re decked with long locks we know you love and some swoon-worthy facial hair. They’re a rare combo of genuine raw talent and powerful stage presence. And hey, they’re still on tour! So check them out for yourself. Dates are here.

Check out their site  or their facebook.

SOUNDCLOUD

“Shanty”

By Alicia Haberman

Saturday, June 5, 2010 marked the 18th Annual KROQ Weenie Roast, if you live in Los Angeles and listen to rock music, hopefully you’ve heard of the KROQ Weenie Roast. It’s an all-day outdoor music festival that combines the grilling of hot dogs, shady picnic areas, the need for sunscreen and the best of today and yesteryear’s rock n’ roll music.

Atmosphere is essential to a concert going experience, Live Nation and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater provided nothing but a smooth and relaxing environment for all Weenie Roasters. Their ability to provide a tight-ship production attracted show goers of every walk of life, some even traveled lone-solider. While standing in line, a 42 year old man struck up conversation with us, informing us he had been a loyal attendee for over seven years and always came alone, this was his spiritual time — he shared tales of his family and professional life as we peacefully stood in the LONG line to enter the rock playground.

While atmosphere is important, music is the real reason everyone lathers themselves in sunscreen and stuffs joints in their girlfriends bras, plus this year the lineup was phenomenal. It was as if eras collided, covering sounds spanning the 70s’ into the present with nary break from the musical grounds that be KROQ’s Weenie Roast. You ask, “Awesome line up?” We retort, “Absolutely. Of course, no disappointments here.” After all, the concert went from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM and KROQ is one of the leading rock stations in Los Angeles.

This is a lad to watch, if he keeps up the hard work someday his voice will beckon the world - just as Anthony Followill of Kings of Leons has. Dougy Mandagi vocals definitely have a unique tone to them but they carry an equal passion and projection to that of Anthony's. It might come out in a different tone, doesn't mean it attracts you any less. Photo by Scratched Diamond

The Temper Trap was the perfect band to kick-off the start of another sunny Saturday music festival. Their playful atmospheric sounds started promptly at 2:00pm, resounding ambition and inspiration throughout the crowd. These Aussies really brought their game face and usually the first time slot gets shorted an audience, killer sound and acquiring new fans but due to the quality production put on by KROQ the band was not shorted any aspect of playing a major music festival. The bands rhythmic, pop, indie rock sound was the blend needed to set the picnic in full motion.

The man with anything but a pitiful passion is Michael Angelakos. Again another, vocalist with an exciting screech. His high pitch voice is something similar to that of Ghostland Observatories, Aaron Behrens. Yet, this group uses no Mac Book to project their sound. Photo by Scratched Diamond

I first discovered Passion Pit on Hype Machine two years ago, instantly their sound was infectious. Their pop-electronic sound is enlightening and friendly, plus their quality use of the synth effects and energetic stage presence have you wanting to dance even more than the album version. The youngsters played tunes from both, “Chunk of Change” and “Manners,” all of which had fans singing along and bodies jumping. They were the perfect band to follow up, Temper Trap and to prevent the sun from zapping your energy early on.

Don't be jealous, just stuff your face! Photo by Scratched Diamond

VIP invitee’s were provided with a full fledge BBQ buffet that included everything from corn on the cob, BBQ chicken, weenies and for those animal lovers they provided top-shelf, homemade veggie burgers. Of course, all got cookies, lemonade and other concert delicacies. We were privileged enough to unknowingly sit down with a video game entrepreneur and Blizzard employee along with his proudly bumming sidekick. The lax environment created at the ground had all open, chatting and exuding friendliness to all those sitting on the lawn nearby, at the tree or simply in the bleachers next to them, the conversations definitely enhanced the overall experience. Back to the music.

Pete Loeffler's unique singing style has made Chevelle an instant favorite since their first single in 2002. Eight years later, they still sound just as good as they did at the first show I was so lucky to attend. Photo by Scratched Diamond

Chevelle melted faces – and not simply because it was blistering hot outside – with, “Send the Pain Below” and “The Red” bringing us way, way back to the past, and they ended the set with “The Clincher.” Their quality rock-n-roll has never eluded KROQ play, but they are rarely seen live in Southern California, making this appearance a very special treat for hardcore fans of the band.

Chino Moreno has been dedicated to deafening the public since 1989 and he gave the public the same lively performance during KROQ's 2010 Weenie Fest as I am sure he did, way back when. Photo by Scratched Diamond.

Legendary rockers, the Deftones, capped off the first part of the Weenie Roast. Organizers set it up the event, so that the first half of the day was spent at Stage 2 and then the remainder of the evening was spent in the Verizon Amphitheater. Every time I watch a legend perform, I know how they garnered the respectful title of ‘legendary’ and the Deftones were no different. They had sound problems all over the place but the band just plowed on with one of the most lively and growling performances of the day. Since there were so many Deftones devotees there, I don’t think anyone minded Moreno’s mic going out – they knew the majority of the lyrics – and his projection is outstanding. However, no joke, it was by far the loudest set of the day, so much so that I had ear plugs in and it was still overbearingly loud. However, showgoers did not seem effected in this same manner.

Bitt Daniels of Spoon shoveled out more than a bite of rock n' roll it was a full on dinner. Photo by Scratched Diamond

Spoon was not a band that I permitted to really rock my iPod, especially after catching them at Street Scene in San Diego a few years back and then after seeing their vastly improved performance and on point musicianship the respect has turned the table. They weren’t the greatest highlight or change of opinion about my preference of music that took place during the day.

Brian Aubert of Silversun Pickups is not female at all (see side notes). They get extra points for being local and still grasping the attention of over 10,000 fans. It really proves that there are just a few exceptional bands that are in existence and still growing that fans can never get enough of. Photo by Scratched Diamond

If you have even a tiny interest in the music Silversun Pickups puts out, you would’ve enjoyed this set. They were the catalyst of the night with hard hitting rock that reved the crowd up for what was to come. The set transcended from “Panic Switch” into “Lazy Eye” which was a seriously magical combination. The only problem with this set is that it was too short, but hey, that gives us purpose to catch them the next time they roll trough town. Gotta keep the fans wanting more. Psych’s truthful side note: I’ll have to take a moment to admit that I had no idea the lead singer was a male. Scratched Diamonds side note: Clearly Psych does not spend enough time perusing the home of music – MySpace.

Honestly, if there was no Nikki Monninger, I don't think Silversun Pickups would have half the crowd charming abilities they do. Photo by Scratched Diamond

Seriously, after seeing that excited face enter the stage, you know you are in for a good time. Photo by Scratched Diamond

How do you beat Silversun Pickups? Well, with Paramore. If you’ve read the BTH review of, Brand New Eyes, you know the mixed feelings about the band. Or should we say, once mixed feelings about the band? It’s time to admit, “if ever in my life I knew I had been wrong about something, this is it.” The adorable Hayley Williams not only brought the energy of a rabbit on speed, but they sounded really, really good. So good, in fact, that I take back everything bad I’ve ever said about Paramore. They know how to work their audience and have a well-developed honed sound and despite their youthful age are all seasoned musicians. I mean during the set Hayley announced that the drummer, Jeremy Davis, had just turned 20 the day before. Are you joking me? You know when you are not even permitted to drink a beer yet but are already playing to audiences over 10,000 you were always meant to drum.

Mark Mothersbaugh, 58 year old bad ass and front man of Devo for an astounding 36 years. Photo by Scratched Diamond

Honestly, neither of us expected much from these ‘old timers.’ I thought I wouldn’t even have to write anything more. Devo is amazing. Not only did they have costumes, choreographed dancing to their songs, and energy that 60 year old men just shouldn’t have, they had a video show behind them that was beyond hilarious. At some point there were dancing panties with cat’s eyes crying, like a sexy Hello Kitty and that was only a portion of the artistic social commentary the group offered. Bottom line, the crowd loved Devo, and now we love Devo. There’s not a word I can say that’s bad about them. They were definitely a band that stunned, shocked and excited all. I mean who is not inspired by men who are nearly 30 years older than you and can dance better, longer and just classier than you? Kudos men, KUDOS!

How can you not Love this doll? She is everything rock should be, determined, honest, wild and raw. Photo By Scratched Diamond

Hole has been a band of controversy since long before the death of rocks beloved Kurt Cobain and Courtney has always powered through the gossip, rumor and drug use and came out on top of all the grunge. Her dynamic and iconic voice was not the only thing she had under control this night, she suckered the Love of all. As the crowd cheered, “Courtney we LOVE You!” She proudly responded with a “Fuck You! Now tell me Fuck You!” Not only that, Courtney was the only lead singer to demand the crowd respect the musicians she was blessed to have work with her.

Go ahead, sing with her! This is a safe place to proudly give her your true Love! She will hold your whole wide world in her hands, it's true. Photo by Scratched Diamond

I always knew that C.Love would come back to the stage like a phoenix free from the ashes and she did just that but don’t get it twisted this not-so-skinny little bitch is “Fucking OLD.” While on stage Courtney boasted of her successes and flaws alike, truly expressing her gratitude for the whole world: KROQ for always playing her songs, even the ones that sucked, fans for talking shit about her when they’d never even spent a moment with her, men for sleeping with her and especially to those that were still cheering for her. She bitched about the audiences request to hear, Doll Parts, stating, “You guys know that song is only 3 chords and I wrote in a bathroom, right?” Despite her dislike of our choice she still belted it out for us. Also, her new bandmates not only have mastered the classic Hole material but the familiar sound of “Nobody’s Daughter” still embodies all that is Hole and proves that Courtney was always the true ear behind her maestros. She has picked yet another, top-knotch crew of musicians to perform alongside her. She ended the set with a classic Courtney moment, where she let us all know she did not give a blowjob to Scott Weiland, he did not need one to perform.

There is something that has to be appreciated about a man who doesn't use voice modulators, but chooses to sing through a bullhorn into his microphone. Photo by Julianna Young

Stone Temple Pilots are another group of grunge legends who performed. Their set list was impeccably picked, starting with power songs from Core, and only singing three song from their self-titled latest release, “Stone Temple Pilots.” Weiland seems to have lost that gut-wailing prowess that his voice once resonated. Whether his voice was never as powerful live as on CD or if it’s just changed from the aging process, it is definitely not as expected. If you’ve heard the song, “Between the Lines,” you know how Weiland sounds today and it’s just not the same. That being said, it is still Stone Temple Pilots, and everything else was absolutely perfect.

At this moment I’d like to advise our audience that we did not stay to see Sublime with Rome, and there’s a very good reason for this. Neither Scratched Diamond nor myself believe that there can be a Sublime without Bradley Nowell. While Stone Temple Pilots might sound different vocally, it’s still Scott Weiland behind the lyrical wheels. With Rome…well, the concept disturbs our moral sensibilities. They are icons, and it’s just not the same. Of course, even as we were leaving, we could hear the crowd singing along with every word in the background, and I’m sure a good time was had by all.

I’ve been to a few KROQ concert festivals before, and this definitely rated as one of the best. The transitions between all of the bands were smoother than silk. The lineup was impressive, powerful and iconic, so much so that I can’t imagine a better way that we could’ve spent Saturday night.

Like shooting fish in a wheel chair.

Practical joke shows are a hoot. Hell, just lying in general is fun. Which really, when you think about it, is all a practical joke is: a group of people coming together for the sole purpose of deceiving someone into believing something that they had no reason to doubt. Ultimately shattering their mark’s belief in the goodness of others, and making it impossible for them to ever trust another human being again, all for their own sick amusement and entertainment. And really, what’s more fun than that?

But prank shows have been fraught with tragedy throughout the years. Ed McMahon: dead. Dick Clark: might as well be. Even Ashton Kutcher it seems was unable to correctly answer the hobgoblin’s insidious riddles, forcing him to marry it. I believe this all to be even-handed retribution for their sins.

With the premier of Reality Hell on the Entertainment Exclamation Point channel we are presented with a Top Modelesque set up and introduced to an empty headed aspiring mannequin who wants so desperately to be a reality TV star, while seemingly having no concept of how these shows generally work. The reality format has been around for a couple years now, and since she auditioned for what she thought was a reality show, it would stand to reason that she had probably at one time seen one and would therefore understand that they customarily have more than four people competing in them.

All of which seems to indicate that this show, based entirely on lying to its contestant may also be lying to it’s viewers. For us to believe that SHE believes that this poorly set up scenario is a real reality show is a pretty tall glass of “reality” to choke down. Unless of course at some point I auditioned to be an audience member for a reality show not knowing that I was applying to be lied to, in which case, well played Punctuation Station.

Finally, we end (as all new practical joke shows do) with the clumsy awkwardness that is always the most entertaining moment of the program for me, as the host announces to their “star” that they have fallen victim to the diabolical cleverness of the evil geniuses of “Bingo and Stu’s Morning Zoo Crew”. Of course, with it being a brand new show that no one will have ever heard of before it doesn’t matter how loudly and excitedly you yell the name of the REAL show it’s not going to make someone who’s never heard of it understand any better. Especially when in the case of this show, it’s hidden within a fucking riddle.

“You have put me through hell, you have put my show through hell, and Kelly, you know what? We just put you through Reality Hell.”

“… I know, right?”

We all understand what’s going on, there’s no need to be cute, just come right out with it.

“We’ve just wasted thousands of dollars lying to you for no good reason on our brand new, soon to be canceled lie show: Reality Shmiality!”

“Oh… you guys are dicks.”

And we can all go home and get on with our lives.

Now, while I’m all for mocking people who want to be famous for no good reason, (I believe literally that’s all I’m for, that seems to be all I’m doing lately) when at the end of your show I feel more sorry for those involved with making the show than the jerk they’ve been screwing with, well, that’s when we as a species all lose. For realsies.

Funny People is comedy’s golden child’s, Judd Apatow, third feature film writing and directing. It stars everyone that has been in his previous movies plus Adam Sandler and Jason Schwartzman. That makes it so new and exciting right? Well, I’m going to say no although I appreciated the idea of changing it up.

The holy trinity that could save comedy?

Adam Sandler plays George Simmons, a comedian who has had a similar path to Adam. He was funny then, made really bad movies, and is now washed up. He finds out he is dying so in a last stitched effort he takes on Ira, (Seth Rogen) a young comedian, to write jokes for him as he does what will be his last tour. Simmons learns a lot about life and he makes amends with all the people in his life.

Then he gets better. With a new lease on life he begins to pursue the only girl he has every really loved, Laura (Leslie Mann). She has all kinds of mixed feelings and guilt that makes her throw her self at George. She tries to justify it by saying her husband is just like George even the cheating aspect, so why not get back with George. Then when it comes time to tell her husband she chickens out. Out of rage George takes it out on Ira by firing him. The film ends with Ira and George writing jokes over coffee. Apatow should not do open endings.

I do feel like that acting is really good. Sandler and even Rogen steps it up for a much darker film. My problem is that it wasn’t really a Judd Apatow movie. The dick jokes are all there and brace yourself there are a lot of them. I just feel like Rogen has out grown the underdog roll or I have grown tired of him acting like an idiot. Sandler and Manns relationship is really great in the beginning but takes a weird turn. Mann gets back with her husband. This is a plot device known as the false ending. If the false ending is sad the real ending is happy.

At least they had fun making it. You won't watching it.

The false ending is sad but also really forced. I know people will argue it is part of Mann’s character to feel scared and too afraid to make any giant changes to her life. I just feel like this break up could have been less cliche and more Apatow. Through out the film I didn’t laugh and that’s bad when it’s made by these people. I was waiting for the big moment. The Steve Carrell getting waxed or the crazy trip to Vegas with Paul Rudd and Rogen. It lacked big laughs for the sake of overplayed melodrama. That’s why it opened to the lowest opening by an Adam Sandler movie. It was lower than Spanglish people.

Bottom line this is a rental, a cheap theater viewing, or wait for network TV to show it.

I like to think I’m a pretty good friend. And while there aren’t many to corroborate that hypothesis, I’m pretty certain that those you could find would back me up on that. So with that in mind, let’s get hypothetical.

Let’s say my very bestest friend that there is in the whole wide worldy, were laying in his death bed, wracked with pain, writhing in agony, only moment from the end of his tragically short life. And let’s further postulate that he were to ask me in a shaky, fragile whisper, as a final dieing request, that I do nothing more than simply sit at his bed side for an hour and watch with him home movies of the trip he took to Yosimestone National Tree Yard and Gift Shop with his family last Summer. And after making this oh so tiny request of me, his attending doctor leans over to tell me that by simply watching this video with my dearly beloved, nearly dead friend, it would somehow miraculously restore his vitality and grant him another sixty years of pain free, vibrant existence. With all of that hypothetically said I would of course, without hesitation, simply shake my head solemnly at the injustice of it all and gently hold my bosomest pal’s hand in mine, cursing that there was simply nothing that could be done differently, as the last wisps of life quietly slipped past his lips.

Great American Road Trip, hosted by Reno "Hey, aren't you Andy Richter" Collier

Which brings me to NBC‘s Great American Road Trip. There’s nothing good about someone else’s vacation slides. Even if you try to tell me it’s a “reality competition” program for fabulous cash prizes and fire engine rides over the Mississippi river. It’s still motor homes full of people who aren’t me being recorded for no good reason and shared with the world for even less.

Great American Road Trip takes all of the best things about shows like Amazing Race, packs them neatly into a suit case and absentmindedly leaves it sitting on the roof of the car as it pulls out of the drive way, sending it sliding off the back and left laying in the middle of the road, unnoticed until someone goes looking for a bag of ratings or a bottle of viewer interest only to finally realize their tragic mistake. So rather than contestants with any sort of inspiring or interesting story or reason for being on your television screen, Great American Road Trip simply pulls seven stereotypes from a hat, stuffs them into a fleet of RVs and sets them loose on middle America.

Watch as the little Puerto Rican kids scream and whine over who gets the last gummy worm. Marvel at the hilarious regional differences as the family from Yonkers debates the Arkansas rednecks over the proper mispronunciation for referencing multiple people: “y’all” or “yous”. Be astounded by the ridiculously convoluted games based loosely around the American Presidential electoral system and debasing national landmarks like the St. Louis Gateway Arch, by treating it like a giant croquet wicket in the most painfully boring competitions ever conceived.

So ultimately the Great American Road Trip ends up being exactly like the Amazing Race. Except without the exotic foreign locales, or the compelling character stories and well thought out region specific challenges, or the Amazingness. Oh, and it’s not a race either. But other than that though, just like Amazing Race.

Well, I can finally check off another item in my dream journal y’all! This would be the one after grape flavored Twizzlers and just above monkeys that can control robots with their minds. That’s right, my wish for an episode of House as written by Diablo Cody has finally been fully realized in the form of USA Network Royal Pains.

Put some shoes on Doctor Casual Friday!

With Royal Pains, we meet a hip young doctor (played by Mark Feuerstein) who bucks the system and plays by his own rules. That is, until he is fired for letting an important money soaked VIP die while he is busy bucking the system and playing by his own rules. This loose cannon had the unmitigated gall to leave the VIP in stable condition, surrounded by (one would assume) competent, trained professional doctors, only to find him dead hours later when Dr. Maverick was miles away. Devastated by being fired and subsequently black balled from every hospital in New York for something that seems to me had to be someone else’s fault, Dr. Pouty slips into a Springer fueled depression, driving away his gold-digging fiancé who is infuriated with him for ruining her perfect life. Enter the “comic” relief: the brother. Wearing his coat of many negative Jewish stereotypes, he is here to save his down trodden brother with the power of cute little pithy dialogue and a dream vacation. And where else would a broke, disgraced, bleeding heart doctor go to unwind? Why, the Hamptons of course.

Upon their arrival, thoughtful brother Shecky manages to weasel them into a big money party – just dripping in G-rated debauchery – with the power of his indomitable smarm. Dr. Can’t be Bothered then proceeds to cock block himself like a pro, thwarting the unrelenting advances of a half dozen lady people who are helpless against the raw, animal magnetism of the most boringly ethical man in the world. Eventually he stumbles upon an apparent OD and proceeds to show up the local concierge doctor because he’s a super genius and rich people are bad and lazy.

The next morning, since we’re told “word travels fast in the Hamptons”, our Super Genius, Uber Scrupulous, Doctor Jesus, finds that he has overnight become the man to call for unscrupulous medical care in spite of his burning love of scruples. Dr. Messiah then spends the remainder of the episode flitting to and fro, saving a hemophiliac budget Justin Long and a leathery old socialite with a leaky boobie, all with the power of his whiny self-righteousness and carefully placed referential wit. Then, as the eternally grateful billio-twats try to reward the doctor’s efforts with blank checks, model airplane play dates and a literal bar of gold, he simply can’t object enough, because you see, he’s so much better than that. He wants nothing more than to go home and run away from all of this dirty money and stupid dumb gratitude. That is until a plucky young doctress at the local hospital strokes his ego and shows a little interest and for no good reason that’s enough to convince him to stay.

And with that I am one step closer to having all of my fondest dreams fulfilled. Now if someone would just invent a self propelled, fully automatic, pizza roll cannon, I could finally move on to page two.

Michael Westen sets out on his first assignment from Strickler, the man that could get him back in the spy business. The job itself is simple, take some pictures of an arms deal going down. This job tears what seems to be a permanent rift between Michael and Fiona.

The real gig, like in all episodes, is about someone completely random. So who is it this week? Barry, Michael’s out there money launderer. Apparently Barry’s new girlfriend conned him and took his little black book. It is where Barry is his ledger with all the names and amounts of the illegal accounts he opened for his connected clients. I guess the network wanted more Barry.

After dealing with the girlfriend Michael and Sam head to a house where the man in charge of the ledger sale is hiding out. Meanwhile Madeline watches the man Strickler wants photos of from a bingo hall. This plot line just fizzles out due to the whole Barry debacle. It was a great chance for Madeline to continue to grow as a character as she has done a lot this season. I guess interrogation is more fun.

Michael and Sam don’t find anything but luckily the mastermind Serbian operative, Milovan, and the Realtor hostage, Natalie,  return home just in time. They are taken to Sam’s vacation villa for interrogation. The weird thing about the whole storyline is that Michael does his, “I’m a spy I need to change my voice to act the part.” Sam does not and it just seems awkward.

They find out that Natalie has a son and Milovan is holding him hostage until the sale is made. Fiona plays best friend to Natalie and gets little out of her. Sam and Mike go find the third member of the team and discover they had it all wrong. Natalie is the one running the show and Milovan has his kids kidnapped. Which made me think that the woman who played Natalie is really good at this complex character.

The boys make it back to Fiona right as Natalie was uncuffed to go to the bathroom. Michael strikes Fiona shockingly to keep up appearances. This no doubt leads to the end of the episode where Fiona leaves Michael for good because of his trust of Strickler. They fake an escape for Natalie and tail her right to the ledger and nab it. Natalie gets away by hiding in a group of kids.

When will you ever learn Barry?

Fiona is the main focus of this episode eventhough she gets little screen time. Her gradual transformation towards this idea of Michael getting back in has come to ahead finally. The writers handled it very well. I think Fiona should have done this a few episodes ago. The poor coverage of Strikler mission was the biggest downside. Michael’s first mission on his way back and they brush it off. I know it was boring and tedious but I feel like they need to get more screen time for these missions.

Next week the season finale!

Next Monday Xbox will be releasing an update to their Xbox 360 Dashboard that will allow users to download most 360 games as well as Xbox original games without having to go to the store. The 360 games won’t be out the same day as they are in stores. All this begs the question, “How is the largest used game buyer and seller going to survive when all the game discs are gone?”

Those little avatars could harm a fly let alone take down the might Game Stop.

As of now you get pretty much cheated on trading your games to Game Stop and EB Games because they need to make a profit. The new updates to the Xbox Dashboard might just be the first step in changing the gaming landscape. If this goes well maybe Sony and Nintendo will expand their online arcades to Microsoft‘s extent. You can’t return purchases made on Xbox Live so if you really want a return on your investment buying the physical game will still be the way to go.

Xbox is making it more attractive however by allowing you to play the game off of their server. You don’t have to have a massive hard drive to store all your games. They will instead be attached to your profile and your console. I for one, am over joyed at the thought of more Xbox original games being made available. Also a warning to Blockbuster. Netfilx users who have Xbox 360s now can browse from their console. Before you had to search for movies on your computer then you could watch it on your console.

Dinosaur? Or safe for now?

But can all this destroy Game Stop? No. At least it won’t destroy Game Stop on Monday. Down the road when everything can be streamed in through the serious of tubes Game Stop will be one of the first to go. For now Game Stop still sells the same titles from the Live Arcade for cheaper and with that trade in possibility. This isn’t a perfect end all be all upgrade. It will make you more lazy and more antisocial. If Microsoft was smart this would be coming out in May at the beginning of the summer instead of at the end.

Game Stop should take head of this development and begin figuring out what Game Fly has already done. Trade ins through the mail. It is a sad state of affairs when people only want to do business in their boxers at home, but that is where the money is.I think that it depends on how quickly Microsoft can get the new titles up on Live. If too much time goes by then retailers will have nothing to worry about. Game Stop  you have been warned.

Death Trance, (2005) directed by Yuji Shimomura, is a crazy over the top story about a coffin and it’s magical powers that it can grant your wildest dreams. I really don’t know how they came up with this but, I thank God they did.

Just give me back my coffin and I won't kill you.

In the alternate reality that is Death Trance, there are bunch of monks protecting a mysterious coffin. They turn away all who come to claim it by turning them into stone figures. The film opens with an unknown warrior (Tak Sakaguchi) attacking the monastery and he kicks some serious monk ass. He destroys all comers and steals the coffin, which is chained up by a thousand chains, without even unsheathing his sword.

A young in experienced monk named, Sid (Kenatro Seagal) must now set out and find this warrior and reclaim the coffin. Why you ask? Well because what everyone believes is that the coffin will grant you any wish your heart desires. In reality, the monks know that the coffin houses the Goddess of Destruction, (Yoko Fujit)who will destroy the world if let loose in the magically forest to the east. Two more contenders enter the mix both trying to capture the coffin for their own gain but our warrior disposes of them. He then opens the coffin and craps his pants when he realizes what he has done. Then the warrior and the Goddess of Destruction have a crazy trippy rose pedal fight in a vacuum. The film ends open ended because the filmmaker knew how badass his movie was.

Is that a rocket launcher? What? When does this take place? Nice hair.

The first thing you notice about this film, besides the crazy action that rivals any kung fu film and the metal music accompanying the fights, is the fact that you don’t know when this takes place. Everyone uses swords and dresses in traditional clothes but there are guns, giant Final Fantasy size swords, and motorcycles. I don’t even think the characters know. Most of the film you will be scratching your head trying to figure out what the subtitles aren’t telling you. The acting is bizarre and at times you can’t read the characters thoughts so well. But if you look past the lack of information given to you it is a great film.

Visually it is stunning. The style and look of the film draws you in because it is so different from the Crouching Tigers of the world. The journey that the audience and the characters go on is something out of a comic book. The craziest moments in the film come from enemies and weapons in the film. There are spider people who are real people who just use rope as their web. The unknown warrior doesn’t have a sword, he has a gun in a sword’s sheath. How cool is that? He also triple wields weapons in one fight, two guns and one sword. If that doesn’t scream awesome I don’t know what does.

Overall the film is solid but only because it is so new and different. There are better films out there in the genre. The hair styles should have won some award. They are out of this world.

Cannibal The Musical is Matt Stone‘s and Trey Parker‘s first film from way back when they were college boys. It started with a trailer then enough people convinced them that making this a real movie was a great idea. I’m glad they did. I noticed that it is on Netflix finally.

Back before Parker and Stone lost to Phil Collins at the Oscars, they were lost in the wild west.

Our story begins like all musicals, in the woods as a cannibal rips his party apart limb from limb. Alfred Packer (Parker) is wrongfully accused of committing those crimes. He tells a court reporter, Polly Pry (Todd Walters), how he got into this predicament.

Packer leads a party of miners across the Colorado Territory to Brekenridge. Along the way Packer looses his best friend and horse to a bunch of trappers. Packer diverts the party south to follow the trappers and win back his horse. They face river crossings, bear traps, lack of supplies, and even a cyclops. All the good stuff from Oregon Trail but with songs. Soon frost bite sets in and the party gets really lost. Packer goes looking for help and when he returns all but one of his party is dead. After an amusing fight with his crazed murderous comrade, Packer makes his way to the nearby town. The sheriff heads out looking for Packer’s missing party and they find the mangled bodies. I won’t ruin the ending but it has a big finish like all musicals.

This is probably the only film that really displays the amazing talent that Trey Parker has at writing music of any style for any situation. You will watch this film over and over again just for the songs. They are really damn catchy like real musicals. The instrumentals sound kind of like they came out of a video game made in 1991. It is weird at first but after a while it really fits in with the whole idea of the movie. The sound in the film is an issue at some points. I blame it on the ultra low budget but it can be distracting when it gets really echoy.

Now that's a DVD cover.

The comedic acting is pretty good for the budget. You really can see where Stone and Parker got a lot of their ideas for their later projects. Matt Stone’s hat and crazy red hair can be directly linked to Kyle’s hair and hat on South Park. Also the main theme of the film is played at the end of every South Park episode. The little tone played along with the Braniff airplane is the song “The Sky is Blue”. It’s really interesting to see the roots of these two comedy giants. The main thing that you think when the film is done is, “why don’t these guys make films more often?” I wish they did they certainly have the talent to make musicals until they die.

South Park fans, Team America fans, Basketball fans, Orgasmo fans, and musical fans will enjoy this movie more than they should. I mean, it is a student film.