Pixar has done it again, as Up uped the ante (like that one? I got more) at the box office this weekend with over $68 million, beating last year's WALL-E by a few million. Meanwhile, Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell did a little less than I expected, debuting into third place even with a lot of positive reviews.
It is safe to say that Terminator Salvation will now have hard time recouping it's rumored $200 million budget as it has dropped over 60% from last weekend. Uh oh, looks like the Terminator franchise might be in trouble...
Star Trek, on the other hand, has surpassed Monsters Vs. Aliens, to become the highest grossing movie of the year so far, and also the first movie of 2009 to pass the $200 million mark.
Weekend Estimates:
Up: $68.2 million ($68.2 million total)
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: $25.5 million ($105.3 million total)
Drag Me to Hell: $16.6 million ($16.6 million total)
Terminator Salvation: $16.1 millon ($90.7 million total)
Star Trek: $12.8 million ($209.5 million total)
My Predictions:
Up: $65 million
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: $27 million
Drag Me to Hell:$22 million
Terminator: Salvation: $21 million
Star Trek: $14 million
5.31.2009
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Pixar's Up... Up on top of the Box Office |
5.28.2009
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Album Review: The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing |
I know there are probably a lot of fans of dance-pop-electro group, The Ting Tings, and I must admit their songs are catchy. Upon first listen of their album We Started Nothing, I though it was an "alright" listen. However, when I tried to listen to it again, for some reason I couldn't.
It seems like The Ting Tings are one of those groups that caught "what's hot" wave of the moment. I did like Great DJ and That's Not My Name when I first heard them last year... or maybe I'm just remembering the remixes that were good. Anyways, We Started Nothing
is an "alright" album with a relatively low-shelf life.
Top Songs: Great DJ; That's Not My Name
2.5 out of 5
For Tour Info and related info click here.
Great DJ Music Video -
5.26.2009
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Album Review: Santogold - Santogold |
First off, yes... I am a little late on this album. And second, according to the trusted Wikipedia page, it seems Santogold has changed her name to Santigold as of February 2009. Hrmm? Anyways, Santogold's self-titled debut album blends a mix of M.I.A. and The Pixies. So... does that make it a good album to listen too then? As a matter of fact, it does.
You probably already know her hit songs like Creator, Say Aha, and L.E.S. Artistes. The rest of the album makes for a very enjoyable listen. Many critics have deemed this Santogold album as one of the best to come out in the past year. As for me, I do like this album... But I'll just have to wait and see if this album still holds at the end of the year.
Top Songs: Creator; L.E.S. Artistes; Lights Out
4 out of 5
For tour dates and more Click Here.
5.24.2009
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Night at the Museum Terminates the Box Office |
In an unexpected move, Ben Stiller's family comedy Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, took first place. Pushing Christian Bale's extremely hyped, Terminator Salvation to the number 2 slot.
I guess movie-goers have something better to do this Memorial Day weekend, than head out in droves to the movie theaters.
Weekend Estimates:
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: $53.5 million ($53.5 million total)
Terminator Salvation: $43 million ($56.4 million total)
Star Trek: $22 million ($183.6 million total)
Angels & Demons: $21.4 million ($81.6 million total)
Dance Flick: $11.1 million ($11.1 million total)
My Predictions:
Terminator Salvation: $88 million
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: $46 million
Star Trek: $22 million
Angels and Demons: $18 million
Dance Flick: $15 million
5.20.2009
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9 Tips to DJ Long Sets |
We all know that Armin van Buuren and John Digweed has DJ'd sets up to eight hours long. And I think I've read somewhere that Richie Hawtin and Sven Vath played a set over 20 hours. Also, I think the Guinness record is something like 116 hours. Yep, 116... Assuming you don't want to end up in the Guinness Book of Records or probably even play for an entire day here are some tips to DJ that long set.
1) Don't...
I honestly don't see the point in DJing a long set unless you're bored with your DJ life. I would rather witness an awesome two hour set (or even an hour set) than an okay two hours in an eight hour set. Most of your fans will probably only stay around for a few hours at most, anyway.
2) Eat Something...
If you are pushing towards the eight hour DJ set, then you should definitely have some snacks. DJing totally depletes your system... You don't want to keel over in the eight hour.
3) Have a Back Up DJ.
Seriously, if you DJ that long, you will get tired. And you might need a break. So if you have someone that you can trust to mix some songs (when you need to get a short rest), that would be greatly advised.
4) Know where the Bathrooms are.
Yeah, you might have to use it, especially if you've been DJing for a long time. You could always pee into a water bottle (let's hope it's not number 2, then you might have to play a long song).
5) Use Earplugs.
If you are a professional DJ, that DJ's all the time, then you might already have custom earplugs. Just take into consideration that music that loud and for a long time can't be good for your ears.
6) Get a Chair.
I don't know about you, but standing up for hours upon hours makes my legs tired. So you might want to sit down every now and then. Although, you might look like a DJ who's not really into DJing.
7) Caffeine Intake.
Always good if you need it. Just moderate it so it lasts the entire set (You don't want to have a caffeine crash during the middle of your eight hour DJ set).
8) Lay off the Alcohol.
It may be fine for shorter sets, but once the special effects of alcohol wear off, you get tired quickly. So I wouldn't suggest it unless you can handle it.
9) Don't Waste Your Big Songs too Soon.
When you have a long set you are going to play a boat load of music, so make sure you start it off right and make good use of your songs. Although, most likely, people coming into the eight hour of your DJ set probably don't know what songs you played in the beginning, and vice versa.
5.18.2009
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Funny Video: SNL Jeopardy |
Saturday Night Live's famous Jeopardy parody skit returns this time with, Kathie Lee, Tom Hanks, Sean Connery and Burt Reynolds facing off with Trebek.
5.17.2009
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Angels and Demons Narrowly Beats Out Star Trek |
Tom Hanks' return as Robert Langdon in Angels and Demons, the sequel to author Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code (Even though in the novel, Angels and Demons precludes The Da Vinci Code), took the number one spot at the box office this weekend. However, it only narrowly surpassed last week's champ, Star Trek.
Weekend Estimates:
Angels and Demons: $48 million ($48 million total)
Star Trek: $43 million ($147.6 million total)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: $14.8 million ($151.1 million total)
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: $6.9 million ($40.1 million total)
Obsessed: $4.6 million ($62.6 million total)
My Predictions:
Angels and Demons: $56 million
Star Trek: $38 million
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: $11 million
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: $7 million
Obsessed: $4 million
5.13.2009
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8 Signs It's Time to Quit the Club Scene |
So You've been clubbing for a while now and it has dawned on you that "a while," is actually "a great while." Now you're beginning to wonder if the club scene is still for you, even though you love it, just like it was yesterday when you walked into your first club. Or do you? Well, here are 8 signs that it's time to quit the club scene.
1) You wonder if you've been clubbing too long.
Once that thought enters you're brain... then, yes, it is getting to that time when the club scene is getting too young for you.
2) You hate the people at the club.
I'm sorry it's true. When you once thought it was a great place full of awesome people becomes a place where annoying, sweaty people bump into you (that's never a fun realization).
3) You've seen it all.
Despite you're best efforts, you've already seen your favorite DJs and artists many times over that you're really starting to double think if you should go out again.
4) You'll only Attend if "so and so" is playing at a discount price.
When you've seen it all, you would rather just get in for a cheaper price to see the same artists that you've paid full price many times over before.
5) You'll only go if it's Free.
What's cheaper than discounted tickets? Free, of course.
6) You're old clubbing friends ask "if you still go clubbing?"
That usually means they moved on with their life, while you are still hitting up the clubs every night a week.
7) You're The Oldest one in the Room.
Kinda says it all.
8) You stopped Dancing long ago.
What happened? You got old? You've become no fun? It's pretty lame if you go to dance clubs and not dance.
5.12.2009
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Mixmag Presents: Disco Balearica - Mixed By Aeroplane |
Mixmag's latest DJ mix CD features a mix from the hot new rising duo Aeroplane. I didn't know what to expect from these guys, since I've only heard one remix from them, William's Blood by Grace Jones (which is on Pete Tong's mix for Mixmag). Which I did like. So that was good enough of a risk for me to purchase this month's Mixmag.
Upon listening to the first few songs of the mix, I was a bit disappointed because it starts of kind of energetic then suddenly fades into a ballad of sorts, with Appaloosa's The Day. There are also other tracks which I am not the biggest advocate of, but it does fit into their Nu Disco and Balearic vibe.
Despite my dislikes, it does pick up from there and gets back to it's energetic level. Thus, providing for a pretty decent listen. As for the world exclusive Mylo track, Macrobiotic, it isn't really your typical Mylo song. Although, I do find the song interesting.
Top Songs: Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Remix); Shortwave Set - Now Till 69; Sebestien Tellier - Kilometer (Aeroplane Italo 84 mix)
3.5 out of 5
Check out here for more Info about Aeroplane and tour dates.
Friendly Fires Album Review
5.11.2009
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Andy Samberg's Motherlover |
Justin Timberlake and Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg the infamous duo that made a hit sensation with their short, Dick in a Box, are back at it again. So if you missed this weekend's SNL here is their new video, Motherlover.
5.10.2009
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Star Trek'in It to the Top |
It was no surprise this weekend as movie-goers "boldly went where no man has gone before," and "lived long and prospered (stop me now)." Anyways, J.J. Abrams' critically acclaimed Star Trek reboot destroyed the box office competition this weekend.
What about last weekend's champ, X-Men Origins: Wolverine? Well, with horrible word-of-mouth, Star Trek easily "phasered" Hugh Jackman's viewership, as Wolverine dropped almost 70% this weekend. Ouch!
Weekend Estimates:
Star Trek: $72.5 million ($76.5 million total)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: $27 million ($129.6 million total)
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: $10.5 million ($30.2 million total)
Obsessed: $6.6 million ($56.2 million total)
17 Again: $4.4 million ($54.2 million total)
My Predictions:
Star Trek: $77 million
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: $30 million
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: $8 million
Obsessed: $6 million
17 Again: $4 million
5.06.2009
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8 Bad-Ass Movie Trailers of 2009 |
You know what I'm talking about... These are the best movie trailers of 2009 (so far), that make me actually want to go out an see the movie. Sorry for those of you that like X-Men Origins: Wolverine or G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, they really didn't do anything for me.
Watchmen (Feature Trailer)
A damn cool trailer, very slick and stylish. Unfortunately, I still have yet to see the movie, since I've heard some mediocre reviews from it. Yes, I know the first trailer worked well with the Smashing Pumpkins song. However, this trailer explains a bit more and makes great use of a Muse song.
Star Trek (Feature Trailer)
I am not really a Star Trek fan, but this trailer looks like a big action-packed movie, somewhat of a leap from the Star Trek of the past.
Terminator Salvation (Trailer B)
The first couple of trailers to this film, I wasn't that impressed. I was like, "McG directing a Terminator... uh oh." However, this trailer has impressive visual effects and shows that it might be a bad-ass action movie.
Transformers Revenge of the Fallen (Teaser Trailer)
The other robot move. Michael Bay seems to know how to make big, kick-ass trailers. This just reminds you about all the visual effects in the first Transformers movie, and how they're spending more money to make it bigger and badder.
Land of the Lost
I didn't know what to expect of this movie when I first heard they were remaking it. After watching this trailer, it looks like a fun, entertaining Summer film.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Trailer C)
This trailer for the latest Harry Potter, inches on the dark and tad bit scary... Awesome. Are kids really going to watch this film now?
Where the Wild Things Are
Child at heart... Spike Jonze. One of my most anticipated movies of the year.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Heath Ledger's final film. Terry Gilliam's imagination runs wild here.
Coolest Movie Trailers of 2010
5.05.2009
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Album Review: Empire of the Sun - Walking On a Dream |
Let me just say, "that if you like MGMT, then you will like Empire of the Sun." Upon listening to the weird (I say weird well because... just look at their Star Wars style poster as shown above) Australian band's debut album, Walking on a Dream, the music, and even the vocals similarly match that of MGMT.
Empire of the Sun is made up of two guys, one of who is from the other famous synth pop band, Pnau, so you definitely know what you are getting in to.
As for the album itself, it is a good listen and is very much like (dare I say it again) MGMT's Oracular Spectacular. Granted there really isn't a song that stands out as much as Time to Pretend, Kids, or Electric Feel, there are a few that come close. And the one that comes closest is the title track, Walking on a Dream.
To wrap things up, if you like that synth, electro pop, psychadelic 60's dance sound, then you'll like this album.
Top Songs: Standing on the Shore, Half Mast, Walking on a Dream
3.5 out of 5
Empire of the Sun Website
Album Review MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
5.03.2009
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Wolverine Slices Up the Competition |
Well, it was no surprise this weekend as Hugh Jackman's X-Men spinoff, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, took the top of the box office this weekend with $87 million. Making this the highest opening debut this year. Yes, it sliced, diced, slashed, and thrashed the rest of the competition despite it's poor reviews.
Weekend Estimates:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: $87 million ($87 million total)
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: $15.3 million ($15.3 million total)
Obsessed: $12.2 million ($47 million total)
17 Again: $6.4 million ($48.5 million total)
Monsters Vs. Aliens: $5.8 million ($182.4 million total)
My Predictions:
X-men Origins: Wolverine: $65 million
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: $18 million
Obssesed: $12 million
17 Again: $6 million
Earth: $5 million
5.01.2009
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Album Review: MSTRKRFT - Fist of God |
Fist of God, the latest album from the Canadian duo, MSTRKRFT, plays a lot with the "at-the-moment" French-techno house movement. The difference between them and some one like Justice or Boys Noize, is how they structure the four-to-the-floor (yes... house beat) hits with in their songs, instead of repetitive blaring beats most accompanied with this genre.
I did like this album upon first listen. And find it a good one to work out to, since it is also somewhat a mix album. However, after listening to it a few times, I found some of the songs to get tiresome. I guess it has short shelf life. A lot of people like the song Bounce. I am still on the fence with that song, since it is similar to a LMFAO song (and I don't care for them). But I must admit Bounce has some good hooks and makes you want to "party." Heartbreaker, featuring John Legend, is by far the most pop, but also the best. It's repetitive vocals and seamlessly catchy melodic structure gets into your brain long after you've listened to it.
Fist of God, presents a pretty good standard by those MSTRKRFT guys, and would definitely be something good to hit the gym with.
Top Songs: Vuvuvu, Heartbreaker, Breakaway
3.5 out of 5
Pretty Cool: John Legend joined MSTRKRFT on stage at Coachella
MSTRKRFT Website
MSTRKRFT Myspace and Tour Info








