After 42 years, Philadelphia's famed Spectrum arena will be demolished later this year to make room for a new entertainment complex. Sports teams the 76ers and Flyers have long moved over to a sister venue, but a lot of bands decided to make stops at the Spectrum over the past several months to say goodbye. The Dead, who played the Spectrum more than any other band (50+ times), visited this spring. And another frequent guest, Bruce Springsteen, played four sold-out shows earlier this month. But it's Pearl Jam who will close the Spectrum down tonight with the last of its four concerts this week.
Eddie Vedder was quoted this week as saying he'd be happy to play until 2am tonight -- but will the venue allow it? I hope so! There are also a ton of internet rumors about special guests tonight including Billy Joel, Elton John and Bono -- but the most believable is Bruce Springsteen.
And all the concert fun happens tonight while the Phillies are playing in the World Series across the street. Quite a memorable Halloween here in Philadelphia.
To learn more about the Spectrum's history, click here and view the video below. This highlight reel has been opening each of the Pearl Jam shows this week. And one final note -- don't forget to check back here Monday for my review of the final concert in the weekly MusicMonday column.
Jack Johnson Video
Jack Johnson’s En Concert, the new CD/DVD that hits stores tomorrow, captures the surfer/singer-songwriter on his "Sleep Through Static" tour in Europe last summer, shot through the lens of director Emmett Malloy and featuring guest appearances from the likes of Eddie Vedder, Neil Halstead, Matt Costa and Ben Harper. Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive video of Johnson performing “Gone” here.
U2 Concert Webcast
A U2 concert from the Rose Bowl was streamed online free last night via YouTube. The quality of the stream was amazing -- and the band sounded great. The site promises to rebroadcast the concert -- part of the group's 360 tour. So keep checking the band's page here if you missed the global event last night.
Free Downloads
Every Monday, you can find free music downloads here. This week's new offerings:
Spin Magazine and Rhapsody bring you 15 free downloads here.
Suburban Home Records has even more -- 20 free downloads here.
Country Weekly has free songs for download -- but act fast. New songs are only available for two weeks. Click here.
Glade is offering free holiday music downloads from Diane Krall, George Strait, Manheim Steamroller and Julianne Hough here. You'll need some product codes to get the freebies -- but luckily you can find those here.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra has made its new song "Child of the Night" available for free download here.
Speaking of children, the site Munchkin.com has over 50 Mozart classics geared toward babies and toddlers available for free download here.
And don't forget to continually check the following sources for more free downloads -- new songs covering all genres are added frequently. Just click on the links below and enjoy some new tunes.
Reviews of some movies in top 10 can be found here.
Click on the chart to enlarge.
Fox Searchlight’s Ameliaplaced #11 in grossing an estimated $4 million on only 818 screens for a solid screen average of $4,921 -- on the strength of older women.
All figures are industry estimates. Actual figures are released on Monday. Sources: Nielsen EDI, ew.com, Variety
Amelia
Directed by Mira Nair (The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding), Amelia covers the life of legendary aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart (played by two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank). Once again, Swank proves to be an amazing actress by totally immersing herself in the role -- she truly soars. Unfortunately, the script doesn't match her quality. With the feel of a Lifetime TV movie, the film never really gets off the ground -- but it's saved from a total crash and burn with fine performances by Swank and co-star Richard Gere as Earhart's husband, publisher George Putnam.
I'll admit that I learned a bit about Earhart that I didn't know (or at least forgot from my history classes). Her 1928 flight across the Atlantic was heralded around the world for being the first by a female aviator -- but she was merely a glorified passenger. Her career had its ups and downs -- with failures mixed in with the celebrity glory. And besides her marriage, Earhart also carried on a long-time affair with fellow aviation pioneer Gene Vidal (Ewan MacGregor). For the most part, neither love feels authentic on screen -- as both are pretty glossed over. The biggest mis-step is that the script fails to explain how such an incredible woman -- so advanced in her independent thinking -- came to be. We learn very little of her childhood, upbringing or early adult years that molded her.
But all is not totally lost. Even though we know the outcome of Earhart's 1937 mission to fly around the world, Nair keeps us interested in playing it out. You'll feel some tense action as Earhart and her navigator lose sight of their goal. As with the earlier flight scenes, you actually feel like you're up in the air with them. Sadly, although a few clues are given for their disappearance, it seems we'll never truly get the answers to one of the biggest mysteries of all time. But another mystery is why Academy Award winning screenwriter Ron Bass (Rain Man) keeps us guessing on what drove Earhart's independent spirit. [Rated PG; opens today]
Grade: B-
Note:
Click here for an alphabetical archive of all movie reviews.
So the whole thing was a hoax after all. How much taxpayer money can one family waste? Well they sure had fun with us -- so it's time we turn the tables on them. Click on the game below and enjoy!
Instructions: Use the arrow keys (or W, A, S & D) to move the balloon and use the mouse to aim and shoot the rainbows!
Download Free Music
Every Monday, you can find free music downloads here. This week's new offerings:
What goes well with wine? Well classical music, of course. Click here for a classical sampler from Green Hill.
Is country your thing? Well you're in luck because People Magazine has 10 free songs in the genre. Click the image above to download.
And one more country song from artist Ashley Ray can be downloaded for free here.
And don't forget to continually check the following sources for more free downloads -- new songs covering all genres are added frequently. Just click on the links below and enjoy some new tunes.
Once again, UK's X Factor had the weekend's most talked about music performance when Whitney Houston paid a visit to the hit show. The performance marked Houston's first television appearance in the country in 12 years. She sang "Million Dollar Bill" from her new album -- which was released in the UK today. Some in Twitterland commented that she may have looked a bit "drugged out" again -- but most of the chatter was about her wardrobe malfunction. Take a look at the performance here.
Take the Poll on Michael Jackson's New Song
Today is the last day to vote in the (not-so-popular poll) at upper left. What do you think of the new Michael Jackson song, "This is It" -- co-written by Paul Anka? You can listen to the title song here. Then please vote in the poll.
Notes:
Reviews of some movies in top 10 can be found here. And although the 3-D versions of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 have not be screened, the originals both receive A grades.
Click on the chart to enlarge.
All figures are industry estimates. Actual figures are released on Monday.
Sources: Nielsen EDI, ew.com, Paramount Pictures
Where the Wild Things Are Based on the classic 1963 children's book by Maurice Sendak, the film version of Where the Wild Things Are had to expand upon the story -- which in its original format is only ten sentences long. Director/co-writer Spike Jonez (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) does a good job bringing an enhanced story to life -- it's visually a treat to behold.
Max (Max Records from The Brothers Bloom), a rambunctious and sensitive boy from a broken home, feels misunderstood and runs away from his mother (Catherine Keener). With a vivid imagination, he sets sail and lands on an island where he meets mysterious and strange creatures whose emotions are as wild and unpredictable as their actions. The Wild Things desperately long for a leader to guide them, just as Max longs for a kingdom to rule. When Max is crowned king, he promises to create a place where everyone will be happy. But Max soon finds that ruling his kingdom is not so easy and that relationships prove to be more complicated than he originally thought.
The Wild Things are truly the stars of the film. The costumes and CGI work are amazing -- and the voice cast is near perfection. Past HBO stars James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) and Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) are joined by Catherine O'Hara, Forrest Whitaker and Paul Dano. All are excellent, but Gandolfini (The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3) is especially revealing as the complex Carol.
Co-written by David Eggers, the film is not perfect. The writing falls a bit short at times -- especially when Max abruptly departs from the island and returns home. And I'm still scratching my head at earlier scenes in the non-fantasy portion -- where it's winter one moment followed shortly by Max running away -- with no snow on the ground, but summer trees in full bloom lining the street. Why would Jonez pay so much attention to detail elsewhere, but make such a bewildering mistake in continuity there? Not the masterpiece I had hoped for, but still an enjoyable film. A final note: think twice about bringing the smaller kids -- it's a bit too dark and angry for them. [Rated PG; opens today]
Grade: B
Note:
Click here for an alphabetical archive of all movie reviews.
A Serious Man
The latest film written, produced, and directed by Oscar winners Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, Fargo) is being billed as a dark comedy. And although there are funny moments, this movie set in 1967 is a serious drama. Michael Stuhlbarg (Cold Souls) plays Larry Gopnik, a physics professor at a Minnesota university who suddenly has his world falling in around him -- and he cannot seem to catch a break. His chance at obtaining tenure seems shaky at best. A student is bribing him for a passing grade. His crazy brother is crashing on his couch. A next door neighbor is clearly unstable. His wife leaves him for an annoying acquaintance. His kids don't give him the time of day -- a son who cares more about F-Troop and Jefferson Airplane than preparing for his bar mitzvah. A daughter who cares more about her hair and nose than her parents' failing marriage. How much can one man take?
Heeding the advice of his Jewish community, he seeks understanding for his hardships from a number of rabbis. But what he learns is that there are no answers. Even when his son gets simple advice from the elder rabbi to "be a good boy," we get the feeling that even being good does not guarantee that life will return the favor.
The acting by all is top-notch. But this is not an easy movie to sit through -- it's pretty painful to watch someone get beaten down over and over. And once again, the Coens like to drive us crazy with an abrupt ending that leaves remaining questions. But don't be scared away by those who say that only Jewish audience will "get it." I am not -- and I get that it's another powerful film from the talented brothers. Co-stars Richard Kind and Adam Arkin. [Rated R; opens wider today]
Grade: B+
Black Dynamite
Director/screenwriter Scott Sanders brings us the latest in film satire -- a spoof of blaxploitation films of the 1970s. Set during the Nixon administration, Black Dynamite (Michael Jai White), a former CIA agent, is called back into action when the Italian mob kills his brother, fills black orphanages with heroin, and floods the street with bad malt liquor. And eventually we find out it's all a big conspiracy.
Martial artist White is perfectly cast in the lead role as a kick-ass agent. And Sanders succeeds in recreating the look and feel of the era. It's a trip to revisit the fashion -- and overall cheesy styling of the day. But even though the whole idea was to recreate that look, the low-budget feel grows thin fast. If it wasn't for the bare body parts (and yes, you'll see enough), the movie would be better suited for the small screen.
Arsenio Hall's return to film -- as a pimp -- is a letdown of a brief, unfunny cameo. And overall, the film suffers from far too few funny scenes. White, who co-wrote the screenplay, previously worked with Sanders in 1998's Thick as Thieves, an HBO feature. This time around, I recommend you wait for the film's video release rather than plopping down hard-earned cash now for only a mildly amusing film. [Rated R; opens today]
Grade: C+
Notes:
Michael Jai White and Scott Sanders were in attendance at my screening -- and generously answered questions from the audience. White has a whopping seven black belts -- so you don't want to show him this review -- thanks.
Click here for an alphabetical archive of all movie reviews.
Robbie Williams on X Factor
One of the hottest shows in the UK is X Factor, an Idol-like competition show with bands instead of individuals. Simon Cowell is negotiating hard to bring the U.S. its own version of the show -- in an attempt to recreate the success that Idol met when it crossed the pond. Until then, we only get Twitter buzz here -- and this past weekend, there was quite the buzz when guest Robbie Williams peformed his latest single, "Bodies." Williams is a mystery -- such a huge star in the UK, who never met the same success here. Odd -- because he has all the makings of a huge pop star. Click the video screen above to see his performance -- and if you get the error message, just click on the video screen again and it will transport you to YouTube to view.
Michael Jackson's New Song
The king of pop's last song, "This Is It," premiered on his site at midnight. The album of the same name is being released worldwide October 26-27. You can listen to the title song here. Then vote in the poll at left. What do you think?
Free Music Downloads
Every Monday, you can find free music downloads here. Here are this week's new offerings:
Urban Outfitters' latest free installment includes 25 tracks; click here to download.
StereoGum.com offers has a few free downloads of albums -- including three tribute albums to REM, Radiohead and Iceland's most famous citizen, Björk. Click here and then the "free albums" tab on the top menu to download.
Former Ghosts is the reverb-soaked, emotionally raw synth project of Freddy Ruppert, Jamie Stewart, and Nika Roza (Zola Jesus). Their debut Fleurs is out 10/20 -- but you can download their single "Unfolding"via StereoGum.com here.
And don't forget to continually check the following sources for more free downloads -- new songs are added frequently. Just click on the links below and enjoy some new tunes.
Reviews of some movies in top 10 can be found here. And although the 3-D versions of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 have not be screened, the originals both receive A grades.
Click on the chart to enlarge.
All figures are industry estimates. Actual figures are released on Monday.
Due to popular demand (including 1,000,000 hits on film's Web site), Paramount Pictures will release Paranormal Activity nationwide in U.S. this Friday; opens in UK on November 27
Sources: Nielsen EDI, ew.com, Paramount Pictures
Chance to Win a Guitar!
Ultimate-Guitar.com has several contests underway for your chance to win exclusive guitars -- customized for fans of bands such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Dead by Sunrise, the side band of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. Click on the UG logo for information on how to enter, rules and deadlines!
Free Music Downloads
Every Monday, you can find free music downloads here. Here are this week's new offerings:
Vampire Weekend's new album, Contra, is not out until January 12th -- but the band has the first single, "Horchata," available for free download on its site here.
Landmark Theater Group and Filter Magazine join forces to offer up 13 free downloads in its first ever eco-friendly online CD. Click here to download.
There are 10 available tracks from the Creation Festival Tour -- including one from mainstream crossover act, Jars of Clay. Click here for the free downloads to today's hottest Christian rock bands.
And don't forget to continually check the following sources for more free downloads -- new songs are added frequently. Just click on the links below and enjoy some new tunes.
Click here for MORE valid Redbox codes, as well as a couple of codes from competitor, Blockbuster.
Notes:
Reviews of some movies in the top 10 can be found here. And although the 3D versions of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 have not yet been screened, the originals both receive a grade A.
Click on the chart to enlarge.
All figures are industry estimates. Actual figures are released on Monday.
Sources: Nielsen EDI, ew.com
Would you like to see Zombieland or Whip It this weekend but not willing to shell out $10 to see one? Or maybe it's raining and you'd rather curl up and watch a movie at home? Whatever the case, here is a round-up of FREE movie alternatives for your weekend. Enjoy!
Netflix
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the classic film, The Wizard of Oz. In honor of this milestone, Netflix is streaming the film on its site for free! But don't delay -- you only have til 9AM EST tomorrow to view the movie. Click on the 1939 movie poster image above to watch!
Babelgum
A NEW star-studded film is available now for FREE viewing online -- or even on your cell phone. John Leguizamo, Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard, Dianne Wiest, Steve Buscemi and Jude Law star in Sally Potter's Rage. The film is being described as a bitterly funny exposé of the inner lives of individuals working at a New York fashion house – as if shot by a schoolboy on his cell phone camera. The action occurs over seven days in which an accident on the runway becomes a murder investigation. Babelgum, the global web video site, makes the 98-minute film available in seven parts. Click here to learn more and watch!
Blockbuster Here are TWO free movie rental codes for use at Blockbuster's Express kiosks:
GW99A5 -expires 10/05
GE99A - expires 10/23
Click here for a list of Blockbuster kiosk locations.
Redbox
Not to be outdone, Redbox also has several free movie rental codes available. Remember, you can only use a code once -- so write down this list and then cross off the ones you've used. No expiration dates have been attached to these codes yet:
9H2VEE27
DVDONME
BREAKROOM
SMR8DVD (McDonald's only)
DVDATWAG (Walgreen's only)
Click here to find a Redbox near you. And remember to check back here this Monday (and the first Monday of every month) for a code good JUST for that day only.
Zombieland
Wow -- Jesse Eisenberg must be tired from all the traveling he's done this year. He's literally gone from point A (Adventureland) to point Z (Zombieland). And what do you know, both stops involve amusement parks and the awkward Eisenberg falling for a girl seemingly out of his league. But that's where the similarities end. As Adventureland was set 20 years ago -- and Zombieland is set in the not-too-distant post-apocalyptic future where America is ravaged by a zombie plague.
Here, Eisenberg plays Columbus (all the characters use hometowns as their names because real names don't seem to matter in this new world) -- a loner in his past life -- and a loner now on a mission to find a part of the country where normal life still exists. He's successfully avoided becoming a victim of the plague by adhering to a strict (and hilarious) list of survival rules -- not sure if he is the last human on earth. But then he runs into Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), an AK-toting, zombie-slaying bad ass whose single determination is to satisfy his craving for a Twinkie. The two could not be any different -- but they are sure fun together as they learn to rely on each other or succumb to the zombies. Eiesenberg and Harrelson are both outstanding -- and have great buddy chemistry.
Things stall a bit when they meet up with Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigal Breslin), who have also found unique ways to survive the zombie mayhem. Stone (Superbad) and Breslin (My Sister's Keeper, Little Miss Sunshine) aren't as strong or believable as their male counterparts -- but luckily Bill Murray shows up in a hilarious cameo to keep things moving along.
Director Ruben Fleischer (The Girls Guitar Club) has created quite a fun road trip with a great overall message -- if you don't like hanging out with other people, you might as well be a zombie. Be forewarned, it may be billed as a comedy -- but there is enough blood and gore to remind you that this is, after all, still a zombie movie. [Rated R; opens today]
Grade: B+
Whip It
In her directorial debut, Drew Barrymore takes on the world of women's roller derby. But Whip It is also a story of making a life of your own -- which may not match the one your parents want you to live. The story centers on a Texan high school student, Bliss (Ellen Page), who is unhappy in the world in which her mother (Marcia Gay Harden) has placed her in -- a life of beauty pageants. When Bliss discovers the world of roller derby -- she finally finds true happiness in the sport and the friendships with her teammates -- but will she be able to keep it a secret from her overbearing mother? And what will happen if mom ever finds out? Sound familiar? Yep -- this mother/daughter conflict has been played out before -- but what saves this film is the great cast and the roller derby action.
Page plays another version of her Oscar-nominated turn in Juno. She's still stuck in high school and she's still harboring a big secret. She's a charmer -- but at times I felt like I was watching Juno 2 -- if Page has any range as an actress, you won't witness it here. On the flip side, it was great to see the terrific Oscar winner Harden (Pollock) again. And the supporting cast is wonderful -- including Kristin Wiig (Adventureland), Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern, Juliette Lewis, Eve, and Luke and Owen's older brother, Andrew Wilson (who plays the coach). And yes, Barrymore also carved out a small role for herself as one of the derby chicks.
Written by Shauna Cross, the film is based on Cross' novel Derby Girl. And I really appreciated that we actually learn a bit about the rules, camaraderie and excitement of roller derby. I only wish that the conflicted child/parent storyline was a bit more fresh. Still, Barrymore succeeds in entertaining us in her first directorial feature. [Rated PG-13; opens today]
Grade: B
Note:
Click here for an alphabetical archive of all movie reviews.
NEW YORK (AP/TMZ) — CBS says an employee has been charged with attempted grand larceny in an investigation involving "Late Show" host David Letterman, who has acknowledged that he had sexual relationships with female employees and that someone tried to extort $2 million from him over the affairs.
CBS says the employee (identfied by TMZ as Robert Halderman) worked on "48 Hours" and has been suspended pending the results of the investigation. The network says the employee was arrested Thursday, hours before Letterman went public with his account during a taping of his show in New York.
Click on the video below to view Letterman's announcement -- and then vote in the poll at left.
