Release Round-Up
By Sarah Carlson
April 25, 2007
It's relatively a slow week, so here's a look at a few new releases:
DVDs
THE QUEEN
Biopics are growing a tad stale — as are the award shows that kowtow to them — but Stephen Frears’ “The Queen” stands head and shoulders above the lot thanks to its strong screenplay and a brilliant performance by Helen Mirren, who eerily embodies Queen Elizabeth II. Examining the aftermath of events in the wake of Princess Diana’s death in 1997, the film gives a surprisingly balanced look at the stoic monarch’s desire to remain silent in the face of tragedy.
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Good grief, a lot of you went and saw this movie. Considering its nearly $570 million worldwide box office haul, you can now expect idiotic sequels for the next several summers. I’m holding out for “Night at the Taxidermist’s: When Animals Stuff Back.”
Also in stores: "Deja Vu," "Kidnapped: The Complete Series," "NCIS: The Complete Third Season," "Harry and the Hendersons (Special Edition)," "The Drew Carrey Show: The Complete First Season," "WKRP in Cincinnati: The Complete First Season" (finally!)
CDs
FAVOURITE WORST NIGHTMARE, Arctic Monkeys
The British indie rock/post-punk revivalist band — known for cleaning up awards shows, refusing to make TV appearances, being accused of selling out and for having UK politicians reference them in speeches in hopes of connecting with the younger crowd — is back with its sophomore “Favourite Worst Nightmare.” Luckily, it appears the band has escaped the slump status so many hyped-up bands encounter and has delivered a solid record that progresses its sound.
Also in stores: "Twelve," Patti Smith; "Love Songs of the '70s," Donny Osmond; "The Definitive Collection," Neil Sedaka; "A Tribute to Joni Mitchell," Various Artists
VIDEO GAME
LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE
Time to polish up your elvish sword of great antiquity. The War of Ring? It’s on.
Early beta testers say “Lord of the Rings Online” plays a lot like “World of Warcraft,” the current 2,000-pound Balrog of online role-playing games. Not a bad strategy, considering WoW’s install base.
All the usual Tolkien suspects are here: hair-footed hobbits, doughty dwarves, effete elves and hapless humans. You can play a burglar, captain, hunter, minstrel or lore-master.
Yeah, I said minstrel. You and your happy little harp can go all around Middle Earth, bustin’ your rhymes and inspiring, healing and otherwise annoying people with your delightful little ditties. Imagine getting to visit the Prancing Pony in Bree, or the Green Dragon Inn in the Shire. And Old Tom Bombadil? He’s there, too.
So get out the pipe weed and lock your doors. Soon, you’ll be as pale as Gollum in his darkened cave— and twice as addicted. If Sauron had MMORPGs to entice his foes, then the War of the Ring would have lasted all of 15 minutes. — Brian Bethel
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