blue & gold
friday, may 20, 2011
ENTERTAINMENT
THE GIST OF IT • Four hit television shows will air finales this week. • NBC’s The Voice stands out from other singing competitions. • Glee star Matthew Morrison’s debut album lacks originality.
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What’s buzz? 10 things YOU need to check out this week
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Zac Brown Band concert Those wanting to kick off the summer with a concert can see Grammy-winning country group Zac Brown Band perform at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. But get your tickets soon—the group, whose six number one country hits include Colder Weather and Highway 20 Ride, hits the stage Thursday, May 26. Zac Brown
FINALES FOX’s American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
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Fourth Pirates film in theaters
Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew are on an adventure seeking the Fountain of Youth in the fourth installment of the Pirates series. See Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz and Geoffrey Rush kick off the summer blockbuster season when Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides hits theaters tonight, May 20.
The 12th season of ABC’s hit Dancing with the Stars competition is coming to a close. See who takes home the Mirror Ball Trophy when the finale airs in two parts, Monday, May 23 at 8 p.m. and Tuesday, May 24 at 9 p.m.
FOX’s hit competition also wraps up a successful season in two parts. The final two American Idol contestants perform Wednesday, May 25 and the winner is announced Thursday, May 26. Both shows begin at 8 p.m.
Comedy Wednesdays
The Event on NBC
ABC’s comedy line-up, including The Middle and Modern Family, finish up their seasons with finale episodes at 8 p.m and 9 p.m. respectively on May 25.
NBC’s sci-fi action drama ends its premier season Monday, May 23. The Event, starring Jason Ritter and Sarah Roemer, airs at 9 p.m. Ritter
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Looking for a summer read? Look no further. College and professional football superstar Tim Tebow will release his first novel, Through My Eyes. Grab a copy of the novel when it hits shelves Tuesday, May 24.
The Hangover Part II Everyone remembers the box office smash hit that took theaters by storm in 2009. Now, actors Bradley Cooper and Zack Galifianakis return to the big screen in part two of the raunchy comedy Thursday, May 26.
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New Lady Gaga album After months of hype, preparation and controversy, pop megastar Lady Gaga’s third major album, Born This Way, hits stores Monday, May 23. Hailed as the most anticipated album of the year, the track list features popular dance beats like Born This Way and Judas, along with slower ballads like You and I.
Through My Eyes novel
I am Number Four DVD This film about a superpowered teen escaping his enemies stars Alex Pettyfer. The movie, which grossed nearly $23 million in its opening weekend, comes to DVD Tuesday, May 24.
On Stranger Tides photo: courtesy of ninjaromeo.co.tv (fair use), Born This Way photo: ladygaga.com (fair use), Hangover Part II photo: cinemawallpaper.com (fair use), I am Number Four DVD photo: tower.com (fair use), Zac Brown photo: broadway.tv (fair use), Dancing With the Stars photo: newtvepisodes.info (fair use), American Idol photo: thecultureofpop.com (fair use), Jason Ritter photo: poptower.com (fair use), Comedy Wednesdays photo: tvposter.net (fair use), Tim Tebow photo: wedding-resource.com (fair use)
HITor MISS From movies to shows to CDs, we’ve got you covered MOVIES
TELEVISION
Fast Five is non-stop action n
Title: Fast Five Starring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster Plot: After breaking Dominic Toretto (Diesel) out of police custody, Mia Toretto (Brewster) and Brian O’Conner (Walker) run away to Brazil and get a job stealing cars. Luke Hobbs’ (Johnson) has to catch these four fugitives. Why see it: Fast Five keeps audience members on the edge of their seats. The film has drama and comedy, making it perfect for everyone in the family. The story is well-developed, but the plot leaves the audience hanging, making way for a sixth movie. Grade: A
Diesel
Special effects help make up for Thor’s weak plot n
By Lydia Bauler
Title: Thor Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne Plot: Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is banished by his father to Earth in order to learn a lesson about arrogance. He lands in New Mexico, encountering a trio of scientists who befriend the heavenly outcast. Why see it: Hemsworth makes the perfect Norse god with brawny strength and impressive delivery of the cocky hero. His character offers valiance and comic relief with an outside view of earth. The special effects and 3-D elements are well-executed and supplement the occasionally weak plot. While the film isn’t dull, those who have no interest in the more techie and super hero-infested genre may not find it enjoyable. Grade: C
LOVE? puts Lopez back on top
NBC finds success with The Voice n
By Krystal Kornblatt
MUSIC
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By Keiley Ray
Title: The Voice Starring: Carson Daily, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton Plot: After blind auditions, the coaches (judges) choose two of their teammates to go against each other and sing the same song in a battle round. Only the strongest members continue to the live stage shows. At the end of the season, the winner receives a recording contract and $100,000. Why see it: The Voice is unique from any other singing competition because the first audition is based only on talent, not appearance. The coaches add an upbeat feeling to the show and encourage their teammates to show off their talent, making viewers want to call and vote for their favorite. The Voice airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC. Grade: B+
Album: LOVE? Artist: Jennifer Lopez Sound: Pop Last Release: Brave Why buy it: While LOVE? doesn’t have much variety, the songs included are fast-paced and keep fans listening. Tracks like Good Hit are catchy and have a good dance beat. Whether you’re a die-hard Lopez fan or looking for some creative dance beats, LOVE? won’t disappoint. Download this: Papi Grade: A-
Lopez
Morrison’s debut full of cheesy, cliché songs n
In Plain Sight shines in fourth season n
By Lydia Bauler
Title: In Plain Sight Starring: Frederick Weller and Mary McCormack Plot: Marshal Mary Shannon (McCormack), an employee of the Federal Witness Protection Program, is struggling to have faith in second chances as her little sister is unsteadily turning her life around. Why see it: In Plain Sight offers action, romance and comedy in its new season. The older cast allows for maturity and depth in the personalities and plot. The unbalanced heroine is raw, bitter and played brilliantly by McCormack. The series not only offers well-developed characters, but also side-splitting dry, acidic humor. In Plain Sight airs on the USA network Sundays at 10 p.m. McCormack Grade: A
By Erin Dougherty
By Emily Eckhardt
Album: Matthew Morrison Artist: Matthew Morrison Sound: Pop, Adult Contemporary Why skip it: Any fan of the hit show Glee knows Morrison can sing his heart out. Songwriting, though, is not his strong suit. The songs are cheesy, have cliché rhymes and seem to go on forever. The two remakes, including Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters/Rocket Man by Elton John, are the only pleasant songs on the album. Download this: Somewhere Over the Rainbow Grade: C-
3 TOP
albums on the Billboard 200 chart
1. 21 Adele
2. Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2 Beastie Boys
3. Now 38 Various artists