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| The Sims: Superstar EP June 2, 2003 |
| We welcome the latest expansion pack to the highly successful simulation game The Sims with open arms... But is it worth it? The game is. It is worth all we have expected. This time around, the folks at Maxis have outdone theirselves. The game is absolutely intrigueing. In this latest installment, you must prove your- self to a town of superficial and self-serving star suckers and to the fans who drive them. It's not easy, and it takes a great deal of work, but when your sim finally reaches the top, you might find yourself looking back on it and thinking "Gosh it really was worth it." Not only can The Sims become famous, but they can have wild parties at karaoke bars, and (attempt) to sing along with their favorite pop ballad, country song, or even dance anthem. But that isn't all. For your more talented Sims, you can star in your own film, or even be a spokesperson for a sports cream. (Ok, they don't actually say it's a sports cream, come on people! Use your imagination!) Modeling also comes to your fame seeking little friends if you play your cards right. As I found out recently, it takes more than a pretty face to walk the walk; the catwalk that is. My sim fell flat on her ass while attempting to model some nice eveningwear. You can even treat your sims to a nice day at the spa, complete with mud/sulfer/milk/steam bath, massage, and dip in the jaccuzi. There isn't much more these little fellas can get into, unless they give them some (driveable) cars! Until The Sims 2 releases in January of 2004, this might be the last of The Sims. They've had an amazing run, been one of, if not the most, successful selling pc game ever, and it's time we move on and venture through the unknown with them. Too much of a good thing is usually bad, unless of course its The Sims. Critique By Sara Clevenger For more information on this game and others, check out the official site for The Sims. |
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| Silverchair Diorama |
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| In the past several years, the Austrailian based band Silverchair has been one of the most influen- cial rock bands since the grunge era. They have maintained underground status, and yet they are still towering above many mainstream bands, both in record sales and in artistic capability. But the release of 2002's Diorama, Silverchair has sunk into a level that they've never seen before. There hasn't been one single to go mainstream yet, and that can be both good and bad. Silverchair has always had a metal edge mixed with haunting melodies and passion-rich vocals by Daniel Johns that has in turn gave Silverchiar their signature sound, the sound that would enable you to pick a Chair song out of thousands of others. On the new album, the sound has definately evolved and taken a very different turn from that of the other albums, but is it necessarily a turn for the best? Tracks like "Across The Night" and "All These Years" may be enough to shock and dismay a dedicated Chair fan. Not only are they softer, much softer, but they seem to be a little theatrical as well. But don't let this discourage you, their uniqeness and innovativity (is that a word?) brings to life a new love for the new Chair in a true Chair fan's heart. But don't get me wrong, this album isn't the second soundtrack to Moulin Rouge, it stays true to its grunge and metal roots with very-Chair tunes like first single "The Greatest View", and half ballad have anthem "Without You" and "One Way Mule" to top it off. Once again, the fans have expected Silverchair to do something great, and like always, they have delivered, and then some. Lesson learned: Even if they do go broadway, LOVE THEM! THEY ARE THE CHAIR!!!! Critique By: Sara Clevenger For All (or most) Of Your Chair Needs, Be Sure To Check Out The Official Silverchair Page!. |
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| About A Boy |
| Yet another fine film to add to my favorites list, About A Boy, starring Hugh Grant, Rachel Weisz, and that chick from The Sixth Sense. (Toni Collette I believe.) It's been a while since Hugh Grant hit the scene with a film this impressive. Why, I would say that this film may possibly be his best work yet. The movie introduces us to the character Will, played by Grant, who is the apitome of the word self centered, but in a good way. In hopes of meeting some single mothers, he finds himself amidst a support group for mothers who've recently been deserted by their husbands, leaving them in charge of raising their kids. A fabulous liar he is, character Will charms the ladies into believing he has been deserted by a cold hearted woman, and left with a two-year old son, one of the ladies being Ellie, (Nat Gastiain Tena) a single mother of a two-year old daughter. The two hit it off, and soon schedule a date in the park, accompanied by her daughter and her friend Fiona's (Toni Collette) son Marcus (Nicholas Hoult). Upon returning that day, the three (four if you count the ankle biter) discover an unconscious Fiona Sprawled on the couch, overdosed, as she has bouts with serious depression. Long story short, the kid starts to love Hugh Grant, and they learn from each other about life, love, and women. Can't forget to mention the lovely Rachel Weisz who plays, ironically, Rachel; the object of Grants affection. In conclusion, the movie is definately worth seeing, its a fun, laid back, feel good movie, and its comedic to no end. Critique By Sara Clevenger For more information on this film, check out the Internet Movie Data Base page for this film and others! Also; for more resources on thousands of movies, check out Rotten Tomatoes |
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| Metallica St. Anger |
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| Coming Soon! |
| Splinter Cell |
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| Dear Metallica, I have one question: why? All this time I have admired you, and always wanted to play powerful music just like you. Why, whenever I would play one of your songs, I would just feel like I could kick so much ass. And any guitarist will tell you that if you can play a Metallica song, you must be a pretty decent guitar player. All your songs were fast, thrashy, and had tons of solos. You were great. What happened? This new album, my main complaint, NO SOLOS! What the hell?!?! Throughout the whole album, I listened for a least one kick ass solo, but there was not one solo. Plus, there aren't really any songs that are memorable. It feels like the Metallica I knew is no more. But the album isn't all bad. It has started to grow on me. It is a little harder than "Load" and "Reload", and some songs make me want to scream "hell yeah!", like "Some Kind Of Monster", and "Purify", and though it takes a while to get used to the sound, it is an alright album, though it isn't as good as albums like "Master of Puppets", and "Metallica". So to sum it up, Metallica, the new album is ok, but solos and maybe better transitions and riffs that consisted more of 3 chords would of made it better. Your Fan, Casey Waddell PS: When you gonna make "Master Of Puppets II"? |
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