Category: reviews with a 3 of 5 rating

video review : Mean Girls

video review : Mean Girls

Mean Girls, which focuses on a high school freshman named Cady, never really gets good, but it’s an interesting watch all the while. That’s thanks mainly to its charming array of colorful characters, trendy music and classy backdrops. The whole cool-teen-flick atmosphere goes down to near perfection, but the plot, along with much of the awkward dialogue and odd comedy attempts, fails it.

The story revolves around Cady’s introduction to life in modern America, after growing-up home-schooled by her parents in ancient Africa, and the social politics that come with it. She’s instantly cliqued by a trio of girls called The Plastics; also known as the hottest girls in the school; and two artsy outsiders who hate them and want nothing more than to use her to penetrate their inner circle.

my rating : 3 of 5

2004

video review : Mean Girls 2

audio review : Renaissance ( album ) … Beyoncé

audio review : Renaissance ( album ) ... Beyoncé

This would be Beyoncé’s Confessions On A Dance Floor; speaking of overrated music goddesses; if not for the two songs in the middle. Plastic Off The Sofa won’t necessarily put you to sleep; its 1970s-inspired soul semblance is quite likable; but it breaks the flow of what was, up to that point, a dynamic dance album. Virgo’s Groove gets back on track conceptually, but it belongs in a different club than the rest of the set.

Those two songs should’ve been omitted for the sake of sonic cohesion. Their inclusion is the album’s biggest blemish. Beyoncé leaves a lot to be desired in the way of vocal melody when she actually sings; she seems to prefer annoying us with ghetto rap chants; but it’s hard to go wrong over these beats. “Dance all night,” the queen commands before comparing her pussy juice to Honey, and the music encourages you to do just that.

Standout songs include Move, though it doesn’t vibe until the chords drop halfway in, and Alien Superstar, though its catchy Princesque chorus is abandoned at the two-thirds mark. Cuff It is another highlight, but perhaps it should’ve been saved for the Sofa/Virgo EP and the way it blends into the Energy bit makes for an awkward track cut. The point is that, while the album stands as one of Beyoncé’s best, it has its flaws.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

audio review : Bobby Digital And The Pit Of Snakes ( album ) … Rza

audio review : Bobby Digital And The Pit Of Snakes ( album ) ... Rza

This Bobby Digital project is promoted as both the new Rza album and the “soundtrack” to his new graphic novel. Conceptually it works better as the latter. As a solo release, even a pseudonymous one, it makes for an odd affair as the hip-hop Clansman outnumbers himself with not just Snakes but eyebrow-raising guest crooners à la De La Soul’s Anonymous Nobody.

Some of those hooks make for the best parts though. Something Going On is a definite highlight. Even the Broadway-like harmonies of Cowards are pleasant enough on the ears. The music on these songs seems to be led by a live band of instrumentalists, which gives the album; with a mere seven songs, it’s actually more like an EP; a fresh, if not comically epic, vibe.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

Brim’s Fried Pork Rinds

Brim's Fried Pork Rinds

There’s a Bible quote on the back of the bag about God’s everlasting “mercy”; Brimhall Foods is apparently a Christian company; but he’s not so merciful when it comes to swine. These Fried Pork Rinds are the remains of skinned pigs; the only other ingredient is salt; which makes for a decent snack. Beware of the dark ones though. They’ll put a chip in your tooth.

my rating : 3 of 5

video review : Sean Strickland versus Alex Pereira at UFC 276

video review : Sean Strickland versus Alex Pereira at UFC 276

Sean Strickland seemed on the verge of finally becoming a star in The UFC after stealing the show at the 276 Press Conference. Full of wisecracks and knowing how close he was to a title shot; Alex Pereira has clearly been put on the fast track to one; he seemed more interested in taunting Israel Adesanya about getting “slept” by Pereira than Pereira.

“Focus on this guy”, Champion Adesanya warned, “Cause, trust me, he will sleep you if not.” Strickland laughed it off. Cut to Pereira landing a left hook and, well, sleeping him “in the very first round”. It’s a shot to the chin, but it’s Strickland’s bonehead that made him think it was a good idea to stand right there in front of one of the best strikers in the division.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022
 

FIght! Entertainment :

Sean don’t be careful this will happen but worse Izzy no one to play with

audio review : Unlimited Love ( album ) … Red Hot Chili Peppers

audio review : Unlimited Love ( album ) ... Red Hot Chili Peppers

I don’t know what the title is supposed to mean, but I have no Love, limited or otherwise, for this album. That’s not to say I hate it. It’s mostly middling, despite John Frusciante being back with the band and producer Rick Rubin returning after a one-album Getaway.

One noteworthy exception is White Braids And Pillow Chair, which is easily the best song on the album, though I wish the whole joint sounded more like its breezy Californian coda. The funky Aquatic Mouth Dance also serves as a mild (bell-Pepper-like) highlight.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

video review : Anderson Silva versus Bruno Machado at The Showcase In The Skies Of Dubai

video review : Anderson Silva versus Bruno Machado at The Showcase In The Skies Of Dubai

The entertainment level of this exhibition boxing match, which is mostly middling, peaks at the end of Round 5 when Anderson Silva floors Bruno Machado with a “huge” right hook; an instant addition to his already lengthy fight highlight reel.

What’s frustrating as a fan is how he coasts the following round instead of trying to finish his opponent off à la Round 4 of his MMA fight with Michael Bisping, though here it’s more forgivable as he easily outboxes Bruno over the course of the bout.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

Celsius Heat : Inferno Punch

Celsius Heat : Inferno Punch

Comparing this drink to an Inferno is a bit ironic considering it tastes like fruit Punch doused with carbonated water. The flavor is more of a side note though. The concept here is all about “performance”. There’s even a symbol of a man running on the front of the can.

It’s an “energy drink for the fitness enthusiasts who want to take it to the next degree”, it reads. At a stunning 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving, you’ll be doing just that, though, with the exception of sucralose, the ingredients list looks impressively healthy.

my rating : 3 of 5

audio review : SZNZ : Spring ( EP ) … Weezer

audio review : SZNZ : Spring ( EP ) ... Weezer

My one gripe with this EP; the first of four to represent the seasons of the year; is the initialism of the title. “Seasons” would’ve been perfectly appropriate for the concept. “SZNZ” makes no sense to me.

The best song is Garden Of Eden; a romantic hymn of sorts that strums along with modern Beach Boy vibes. It’s the one cut worthy of being added to your Spring playlist. The rest are mostly mediocre.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

3D Energy Drink : Berry Blue

3D Energy Drink : Berry Blue

After a brief tang of what seems like soap, this 3D Energy Drink, which packs 200 milligrams of caffeine for an “intense rush”, does taste like Blueberries. They’re one of my least favorite fruits, but the taste is enhanced by the mostly sweet, somewhat bitter, taste of Smarties or Pez.

my rating : 3 of 5