"Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day" Movie Review

The original cult classic "Boondock Saints," was released directly to video before most fans had the notion to go and see it. But eventually, on one random night a friend would suggest watching this strange, violent movie about twin brothers from Ireland, living in Boston, with a serious gun fetish, Catholic compulsion and Latin tattoos covering their bodies.

After a night of drinking and bar-fights, the MacManus brothers, find themselves in a jam. Murphy MacManus, played by Norman Reedus and Connor MacManus, played by Sean Patrick Flanery, are blue-collar Irishmen who receive a message from "God" and decide to rid the world of evil. They'd had enough of the immorality on the streets and began getting ride of them out in various ways.

The MacManus brother's tale continues ten years later. The Saints are in Ireland with II Duce, aka their father, played by Billy Connolly, when word spreads that someone in Boston killed a priest they knew. As twisted as it may sound the Saints have a moral code against killing good people and when the mysterious murderer tried to make it look like the Saints did it. Watch out. The Saints don't hold back.

The brothers shed their woolly sweaters, their shaggy hair and overgrown beards and return to Boston. The MacManus brother's recruit a new Saint along the way, Romeo, played by Clifton Collins Jr., a Hispanic guy apart of a Mexican mob in Boston. The new FBI agent on the case is Eunice Bloom, played by Julie Benz, a polished and intelligent Southern woman who wears heels to murder scenes and has her gun holster buckled precisely around her waist like an over-priced belt.

"The Boondock Saints II" offers more guns, more politically incorrect jokes and more mob showdowns, basically, just more of everything. The original "Boondock Saints" was a dark comedy - remember the cat incident?

While the brothers would never turn down a drink or a fight for that matter and were generally quite happy to fulfill their role and act like bad boys; this time around, the brothers had a mission and were determined to finish it.

The dialogue was funny but not as strong as the first, the mobsters are dumber, but the brothers pulled through like champs. Overall, "Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day," was good, but I because of its limited release; I recommend waiting until it's released on DVD.

"Backspacer" the Newest from Pearl Jam

One of the most anticipated albums of this year was released this month. "Backspacer," the latest from Pearl Jam, is a great combination of the band's traditional sound, but with a much more mature sound. Pearl Jam did not re-sign with J Records this year, but released the album through its own label Monkeywrench Records in the United States and internationally through Universal Music Group.

Known for their alternative sound, Pearl Jam's ninth album is no different, and then what you would expect to hear from them. The record's modest songs don't have the group's usual depressing angst or undertones- even the gloomy song "Speed of Sound" starts off slow but ends on a high note. The collection of songs on "Backspacer" is the perfect combination of the bands past and what they are transforming into.

Throughout the years, Pearl Jam has collaborated with several different labels, writers and producers- but for this year's "Backspacer," the group teamed up with Brendan O'Brien. This is the first time O'Brien has produced one of Pearl Jam's albums since "Yield."

"Yield," was the 1998 Grammy award-winning album that defined the mature alternative-rock sound, the group is known for producing. "Yield" also, represented a group effort between all members of the band. Both "Yield" and "Backspacer," utilizes the classic-rock quality with a punk-rock charge.

"Backspacer," differs a little from the group’s past albums, not just in sound but in length. Pearl Jam is known for their long- running songs- but "Backspacer" wraps up in 37 minutes, a personal record for the group. The album was exclusively released through the band's official website, independent record stores, online retailers and iTunes, but now is sold in stores everywhere.

The fans that purchased the CD or iTunes version of the album have access to 11 concerts the band has put on from 2005 through 2008. Combined with the release of "Backspacer," the entire album has been made downloadable for the video game "Rock Band."

In addition, this is Pearl Jam's first album that has reached number one in the US since "No Code," in 1996. "Backspacer," sold 189,000 copies in its first week and debuted as number one on the Billboard 200.

The first single released from "Backspacer," sets the pace for the rest of the album. "The Fixer," introduces the audience to the blood-pumping and stimulating songs that fill the record. Out of all the songs on "Backspacer," "The Fixer" is my personal favorite.

Fans of Pearl Jam will understand the difference between the past albums and "Backspacer." The more you listen, the more it just sounds like the group is living it up and doing what they do best- creating music. After a few rough years, Pearl Jam is over the ominous, silent-suffering their music used to exemplify.
The group has been through a lot over the years, but the fact that nine albums later, numerous appearances and countless concerts- the group is still true to who they are, says a lot about their standards and character.

"I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" Movie Review

Based on the book by Tucker Max, "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," depicts the real- life events of three law students and the crazy mess-ups they get themselves into.

The film was moderately funny compared to the high expectations that many reviewers had for it. Critics said that it was going to be the next "Hangover," but with a younger cast, unfortunately it was not quite up to par. "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" tells the outrageous, shocking and amusing night, three friends lived through.

The spontaneous bachelor party, that had gone horribly wrong thanks to a series of unfortunate and unplanned events; including bar fights, a run in with a bachelorette party and an unexpected dancer.

A determined and charming novelty seeker, Tucker, played by Matt Czuchry, and tricks his best friend Dan, played by Geoff Stults, into an unorthodox night. They end up lying to Dan's fiancée Kristy, played by Keri Lynn Pratt, so they can go to a famous club, three hours away.

Along the way, Tucker pressures their antisocial friend Drew, played by Jesse Bradford, to come along for the ride. Before they know it Tucker's chase of a specific and outrageous interest- lands Dan in jail and in serious trouble with both the law and his future wife.

After the crazy night Tucker shows his true colors and ends up uninvited to Dan's wedding and ankle deep in a mess of his own creation-literally. If Tucker wants his invite back to the wedding and the lives of his best friends, he'll have to find a way to balance his friendships along with his own selfishness and narcissism.

All three friends take something away from that night-Dan had an excessively destructive public intoxication arrest, Drew got over his ex- girlfriend and Tucker fulfilled his unwavering ego.
"I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," had some funny moments, but raunchy and graphic scenes overshadowed these parts. While the understated and antisocial friend facilitated most of the comedic scenes, Drew; otherwise this would have been an overly graphic film with little to no comedic release.

While in comparison, "The Hangover" had a stronger and more experience comedic cast. The young, wild and crude cast of "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," showed a lack of comedic familiarity that a expert comedian has.

"I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," is definitely not a date movie or a movie to see in the theatres. Personally, I would wait until it comes out on DVD. The movie had potential, and I wouldn't say it's a waste to see-just not worth paying $7 to 10.

"Love Happens" Movie Review

Funny and endearing, "Love Happens" shows the lives of two people confused about their life choices. Aaron Eckhart plays Burke, a best-selling therapist and grief counselor, who shares his own life tragedy with Eloise, played by Jennifer Aniston.

Burke's novels brings him to Seattle, where he teaches, a sold-out, self- help seminar and he unexpectedly meets someone who may actually be more screwed up then he is, but might be the one person who will be able to help him help himself.

In "Love Happens" Burke's takes his seriously, he is motivated to help others, but by being so focused on other people's problems he is hiding from his own, until he meets Eloise. The two characters are dealing with issues and life obstacles that they feel compelled to share with each other.

Burke opens up to Eloise about the fatal car accident involving his wife and we see Burke finally deal with the pain and loss. While, Eloise can deal with her fear of a commitment and accepts her failed attempts and mistakes she has made in the past.

"Love Happens," has its funny moments but is filled with romantic drama. The emotional aspect of the film was hazy, because it's about getting in touch with what is holding you back, but the lines are blurry as to how the two lead characters take their attraction and faith to make their connection, while leaving the rest up to fate.

Aniston and Eckhart had great chemistry and did a good job making the connection between the two, tragically misread characters seem believable. They made the audience feel for both characters and you couldn't help but hope there would be a happy ending.

Although, Aniston and Eckhart had strong performances, it was Judy Greer's character, Marty and Dan Fogler's character, Lane that held the comedic end throughout the film. Both characters cut through the emotional tension with just the right amount of humor and sympathy. Marty and Lane hang around for moral support as Burke and Eloise figure out their lives.

You could definitely classify this movie as a "chick- flick," so I would recommend seeing it on a girls night out.

Overall, I would give it a 3 ½ out of 5 and I would recommend seeing it in theatres, but like I said it's a "chick- flick," so ladies go see it with your girlfriends and leave your boyfriends at home.

"Sunshine Cleaners" cleans up well in the box office

Critics are in agreement claiming "Sunshine Cleaning" as the "Little Miss Sunshine" of this year. Sure, both films are lined with memorable one-liners, mental pictures that you'll never forget and an on screen camaraderie that challenges some of the best in movie history. But "Sunshine Cleaners" has more to offer the audience then what appears on the surface.

"Sunshine Cleaning" gives a new take on the expression "the dynamic duo." The unexpected turn of events for Norah, played by Emily Blunt, and Rose, played by Amy Adams, gives a new appreciation for unexpected friendships and the bonds that tie those friendships together.

Rose finds herself as a single mother attempting to support her son and her unreliable sister Norah, working monotonous job after job. Once the head cheerleader in school with countless opportunities, Rose's life has taken a turn in the opposite direction and she now has little to show for her life besides her son.

As Rose literally lives her life one day at a time, she is clinging on by a thread with only pain in her past, an undecided future with a dead-end job and a bleak affair with married cop Mac, played by Steve Zahn, the star athlete from high school.

As the audience thinks that Rose's life cannot become more difficult, it does. When her son, Oscar, played by Jason Spevack, is expelled from public school because of his peculiar behavior, Rose finds herself in desperate need of money.

While Rose's career aspirations are limited, she takes a job as a biohazard crime scene cleaner to help pay for the private education for Oscar.

Rose recruits the assistance of the scatter- brained Norah to help in her steadily growing business.

The sisters' work to clean up the messes left behind by the chaotic lives of others and soon they realize that before they can fix the world they have to fix their own lives.

They must put aside their differences and overcome the past if they hope to thrive in the future.

This film balances light and dark elements easily through the relationships that are built. The combination of humor and drama creates the essentials needed to feel for all the characters.

This film starts off light-hearted but has a dark under current that shows the complexities of life, spiced up with humor and character tenacity.

"Sunshine Cleaning" is a clever film where the characters are believable and relatable. The witty banter, physical comedy and the on screen dynamic between Norah and Rose makes this film a must see.

"Have a Little Faith" Book Review

The Mitch Albom of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," has created another stimulating novel that is completely different from his previous blockbusters proving that Albom is also suited for non-fiction.

The introduction to the book starts with "…. the author makes no claim to being a religion expert, nor is this a how-to guide for any particular dogma. Rather, it is written in hope that all faiths can find something universal in the story." This statement foreshadows the themes carried through the story.

As for the writing style, it is classic Mitch Albom's signature style. There is no fancy prose, but a story that is easily accessible for any reader. Albom writes in a manner that leaves no one guessing.