Kanye West & others: "MONSTER"

This is an okay track but Kanye on some other shit right now. One question for this brother, "What ever happened to 'Jesus Walks'?"



Also... I like Nikki's Ass. It's great. Shout out to Charlie "last name" Wilson on the vocals at the end lol.

-Achmone

Showtime!

For the past 12 years we have been treated with the Los Angeles Lakers playing a game of basketball on Christmas Day. This has become a tradition as much as the Dallas Cowboys have on Thanksgiving Day.

For Kobe & Co. this game is just another day at the office and its only significance is for playoff seeding. For Flash, the Avatar, and LeBrute, this game is a litmus test against the defending champs and they would like to see how they match up. They failed the test against the Celtics and will be looking to redeem themselves. In effect, this game is LeBron’s championship game and he we look to put up numbers in front of a national audience to reclaim some of his lost fans.

Last years Christmas Day game we watched the Cleveland Cavaliers destroy the Lakers and LeBron was pleased because he had claimed his prize: Kobe Bryant’s embarrassment and his Christmas Day Championship. Eventually Kobe would have the last laugh as he collected his 5^th NBA Championship as LeBrute was watching from the Boys & Girls club.

Et tu, Bron?

Lets compare the Apples vs. Oranges. Fact: THEY DON’T COMPARE! But we’ll do it just for the hell of it.

Starting 5: With Andrew Bynum coming back from injury the Lakers will return to Championship form. I only know 3 of the Heat starting 5. Edge: Lakers

Defense: Currently the Heat are ranked 2 while the Lakers are ranked at 10. Edge: Miami

Post: Gasol, Odom, Bynum, and even Bryant. No contest: Lakers

Bench: Benga, Farmar, Vujacic, have been replaced by Barnes, Blake, Ratliff, and Smith. Odom and Brown also come off the bench. No contest: Lakers

Coaching: Phil Jackson has rings on all 10 fingers and a toe. Spoelstra has 1 on NBA 2k11. No contest: Lakers

Intangibles: Any sane Monarch would be scared shitless to go near a Black Mamba. The Mamba is out for revenge after last year’s debacle. No contest: Kobe Bryant

I’m giving the Lakers the benefit of the doubt and going with them.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Mr. Jones

Awwwwww Shit!

Hey man I just found out that the homie Terrelle Pryor as well as five other players just got suspended for the start of the 1st five games in the 2011 season. I got one thing to say. THAT'S SOME BULLSHIT! Awwwwww Nawwww dog! Now I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio so I may be a little biased, but c'mon man.

These players got suspended for all these games in their senior year because they sold a few items that they received. A few of the mentioned items were a bowl ring and some athletic awards. Now maybe it was unethical for these gentlemen to sell these items, but it was their stuff. These players are not rich and they don't have million dollar contracts so I don't see anything wrong with them trying to make some money.
Furthermore, it was reported by Pryor's high school coach that these were transactions done in amounts up to $2,500 and that he did it to help his mom. Now maybe me being a black man helps me understand Pryor's actions, but I don't find any of his actions to be severe at all. Continued scenarios like this one involving players and small amounts of money are always blown out of proportion. The now heisman trophy winner Cameron Newton, as well as the previous heisman winner Reggie Bush also went through similar incidents. Maurice Clarett was almost exiled from the game after accepting gifts.
When it all comes down to it I feel like these players should receive some type of compensation on top of the scholarship they receive. That would dramatically decrease the apparent scandals and allegations that ultimately hurt the game. Now I'm not talking about any grand amounts, but ten thousand wouldn't hurt. Bottom line most of the great athletes who play in NCAA football come from less than prosperous roots, so when you entice them with the idea of more money than they've ever seen of course there's a great chance they may get "caught up".
These top schools are generating millions of dollars every year from their student athletes. I may go against the tradition of how the college game is operated but fuck it. No, I don't think it's right to make millions of dollars off of a certain players jersey and not compensate that individual or individual's family at all.

Stay up TP. Go Bucks! (But that is some bullshit. If this holds up our season is over lol).

Achmone

Happy Holidays!!!

Greetings,

Happy Hanukkah...Happy Kwanzaa...Merry Christmas..etc. It's that time of year once again and we here at Achmone's Basement would like to send out a special "Happy Holidays" to all of those who read the blog..those who contribute to the blog...those who don't read the blog yet...and those who sit around on their asses doing nothing all day (hey, its okay, we realize that it's the holidays). It has been a great year working with our team to get Achmone active and going, yet we also look forward to writing more pieces, more comments, more contributors, more news, more entertainment and more drama heading into 2011. Thank you to any and everyone who has helped make this possible so far...we look forward to the future. As always, we appreciate it. Enjoy the holidays and have a Happy New Year.
Peace

KJ

Achmones...Inspiring Moment

Today's inspiring moment comes from a man who seems to be misunderstood in so many ways and who continually offends many for the sake of proving a point. This man is none other than Kanye West. Yes the Louis Vuitton Don has said and done many random things, but this time I actually felt inspired after listening to the words.

The producer turned multi-million dollar rapper dropped a few lines on the "Power
Remix" that I feel deserves another listen.

The song reads:
Now we all ain’t gon’ be American Idols
But you can least grab a camera, shoot a viral
Huh? Take the power in your own hands
I’m a grown man, doin’ my grown dance
I don’t stop until I see the end, my vision clear, bitch

In other words, if you got a dream go after it. You may not be the greatest in what you do and other people may judge you and say you can't, but damn it you can try.

Props to Kanye for dropping some knowledge.
Holla!

-Achmone

"Nike Sportswear 2011 Spring Air Royal Mid"

Fresh new look from Nike launching January 1, 2011 combining outdoor inspiriation with premium fabrication to introduce the Nike Air Royal Mid for the Spring 2011 collection. Starting in the New Year the shoe will initially be released in three colorways (bronze/challenge red, white/victory green and black/vibrant blue).
Pretty Dope.

KJ

"Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz - 6'7"

New Lil Wayne...well, not really new anymore seeing as how he performed it last weekend on SNL during Eminem's performance lol. However, this is supposedly slated to be the first single off "The Carter IV." He definitely goes off on this track lyrically killing bars in a way reminiscent of "Amilli." Word on the street is that Nicki Minaj will spit a verse on the final version. Check it out and let me know what you think...

KJ

"Mystery Men..meets...Kick Ass...meets Reality?!"

Yeah...so this isn't a joke at all. In recent news from Seattle, Washington wearing capes and fighting crime with a group of comic book nerds seems to be the new trend. They call themselves 'The Rain City Superheroes' and the masked crusader pictured above is Phoenix Jones (who possess an alias that would be better suited for a pornstar than a superhero) who leads the band of nine self-proclaimed superheroes who have been patrolling Seattle just about every night for the past few months doing their best to keep morale high by combating the city's criminal elements.

Apparently since becoming a part-time superhero (I'd hate to imagine what this guy's other jobs may be...) he claims to have come up against some of Seattle's fiercest skinheads with brass knuckles....disarmed people using screwdrivers as weapons...chased down a man firing a gun in the air...and more importantly, stopped a fight between two homeless men. In my eyes, its only a matter of time before these guys get their asses kicked - not even joking. Although this stuff may seem fun and comic book like...I know for a fact this shit would not fly in Dallas, Columbus, Los Angeles or any major city for that matter. Its only a matter of time...
What are your thoughts?

Check out the full story @ The Daily Beast - Click Here
KJ

BARACKA FLACKA FLAME!!!

This is ridiculous and HILARIOUS at the same time. Wacka Flocka Flame is hilarious by hiself, so combining one of his latest videos and creating a parody of it w/ Barack Obama is flat out genious. Holla back and enjoy.

LOTTERY TICKET A HIDDEN TREASURE

I know it's well past opening weekend, but when you get a chance you definitely need to check out Lottery Ticket. This film is loaded with a butt load of laughs. If you've enjoyed movies like Friday and... well I guess Friday is really the only comparable black film... you'll enjoy this. It was released August 20th and has flown pretty much below the radar, but it's really a classic. Many stars like Ice Cube, Mike epps, Terry Crews, Charlie Murphy and many others made appearances throughout the film. I especially appreciate the acting between "Bow wow" and Brandon T. Jackson (Tropic Thunder, Roll Bounce).
They have great chemistry similar to that of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, which makes for a great comedy full of twists and familiar characters. Do yourself a favor check it out, then tell me what you think. Holla!

-Achmone

"Kanye feat. Jay-Z & Swizz Beats - Power Remix"

REEEEEEMIXXXX!!! Featuring Jay-Z. More powerful than the original? Idk. Let me know what you think....

KJ

"Drake feat. Lil Wayne - Miss Me"

Drake "Miss Me" from John W on Vimeo.

Video premiered yesterday on MTV. Check the video. Let me know what you think...

KJ

Usher Raymond...WTF?!?!?!

R&B Phenom Usher Raymond is looking for an answer...yet again. As next Tuesday approaches, Usher gears up to release yet another rushed attempt to drop album to the masses with his new EP, Verses. As far as singles go...in a reported interview with MTV this week...the first cut off of the album is already in heavy rotation on the radio featuring the big homie himself, Jay-Z on the track titled "Hot Tottie."

Usher went on to mention, "In terms of 'Hot Tottie,' it's another incredible record that's gonna be part of the re-release of Raymond v. Raymond [called] Versus," he said. "There's a few more. You guys check it out. Videos, we're in the process of working on that as well."

Here at Achmone, we take pride in FIRST coming up with this idea for a song title with the SAME concept our senior year at Morehouse college....its vaguely familiar and oddly funny how Usher has taken OUR idea. Smh. Come on Usher...since Confessions you just HAVEN'T been the same. Let's step it up shall we? As always. let me know what you think...

KJ

"...I wish her heart still was in rhymin'..."

After going on hiatus in 1999 for quite a period of time, Lauryn Hill is finally back in the booth. In the first time in over a decade, L-Boogie is back on the billboard charts with her refreshing new single "Repercussions" dropping as she leads into the 'Rock The Bells' tour beginning this weekend. Check it out and let me know your thoughts....

KJ

FRESH: Puma 2010 Fall Suede Mid Velcro

This Fall Puma is taking it back to the basics with the release of the Suede Mid Velcro. Limited editions will be hitting shelves in October as well.

A classic, yet refreshingly dope look for Puma in 2010. Fresh.
Let me know your thoughts...

KJ

Khalifa

Shout Out to the homie Wiz K. Off the mixtape 'Kush & Orange Juice'
Taylor Gang Over Everythaaang....Check the vid.

KJ

Kanye West :The Portrait of Power

Amazingly Creative. You know I had to do it...check the vid.

KJ

**New Kanye West** "All Of The Lights" [Snippet]

Sooo just recently within the past couple weeks, Mr. LV Don himself went ahead and recorded himself on Ustream to give fans just a glimpse inside of his new album and 'supposedly' next single, "All Of The Lights." I can't front, the beat is dope and it reminds me of the old original Kanye with great beats and lyrics (although the latter still has yet to be proved). Least to say I can't wait for this single to drop or the album. Rumor has it that hip hop's new poster boy Drizzy Drake will also be featured on the final cut of the track. This could be interesting...any thoughts?

KJ

"The Town" Trailer

Honestly, I think I can already say that this will be the movie of the year. Crazy trailer! Not to mention its about time Jon Hamm (Don Draper from the show 'Mad Men') be cast in a serious movie. I can't wait to watch it...I'm curious to hear thoughts. Let me know.

KJ

Glen "Big Baby" Davis Teaches You "How To Dougie" Instructional Video

C'mon Son! Get the hell outta here with that bullshit!




This is probably the funniest shit I've seen in a while. I'm leaving the dougie to Dallas natives like my homie Kev. This fool look suspect as hell with this video LOL. First the fat boy start crying now this. Nothing to believe in anymore. FAIL!

-Achmone

The Story of Antoine Dodson: Hide your kids, hide your wife. They are r...

FAIL!!! LOL
-ACHMONE

Watch this clip. This is a perfect example of the generation gap between older black people and the new generation. Beyond the ill attempts to humiliate eachother I felt nothing but disbelief for how the judge handled the young man. Of course the defendant could have perhaps tried to avoid the use of common urban venacular, but that does not give the judge the right to publically reprimand the young man. It appears that Judge Joe Brown "wrote-off" the young man as soon as he opened his mouth, as he describes him as a "hood rat".

Rick Ross - B.M.F. ft. Styles P

Okay Okay Okay... So I know I posted this song already, but the video goes just as hard. I think the director did a good job of incorporating the lifestyle of the artist and the feel of the song together. Shout out to D-Block and some other well known rappers getting their shine on in the video.

BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO

...Also check out this Behind the Scenes footage. Gotta love black people getting money! Check out Diddy getting his "Harlem Shake era" Swagger back. Rick Ross got him feeling like how he was when it was "Puff & Mase" lol. Holla!

Rick Ross Blowin Money Fast (BMF) with lyrics

This is a new track from Rick Ross or (Ricky Rosay). This joint is burning through the streets. It's moving through the hoods in Ohio so I'm sure the whole right side of the U.S. is vibing with this one. Ross has bounced back from the objections of his past regarding employment as a correctional officer. And although it appears his credentials as a drug trafficker are not even close to being accurate he still has managed to convince his fans that he is a genuine "goon, mafia boss, drug kingpin" rapper. Even though I may not agree with his methods (or many other rappers as well) I enjoy his music. So peep this track and like always tell me what you think. Holla



-Achmone

JIGGA ADDRESSES "FREE MASON" RUMORS ON RICK ROSS TRACK

Rick Ross feat Jay-Z & John Legend



Maybach Music Swagg on this joint. Feelin' the vocals from John Legend. What u think?
-Achmone

Welcome to Miami....

The time has come...and 'The Chosen One' has spoken. Earlier this evening LeBron James announced his plans given his free agency options for the oncoming 2010-2011 NBA season. However, as rumored throughout the day, LeBron finally decided to heat things up in South Beach joining his colleagues Chris Bosh (Dallas native) and Dwayne Wade on the Miami Heat. Now all we need to that Pat Riley come back hopefully?! Either way, the NBA has just spiced up its next season for air-time on TV....This could get interesting! Let me know your thoughts...
-KJ

J. Cole - Who Dat (Official Video)

J. Cole is NEXT UP! Lyrically better than Drake. Take a look at his first official video "Who Dat." Peep it's slight resemblance to Xibit's video "What U See Is What U Get" (A Classic!)...admire the fact that he used a marching band in the video as well. And big up for using the Andre 3000 sample from Outkast's Aquemini(spottiottidopolious)This video is Straight Dopeness and Pure Hip-Hop.
Let me know what you think...
- KJ

Daddy Fat Stacks' Solo Serande...Finally!

As a fellow ATLien myself its only right to mention Big Boi's first solo album effort in awhile. Although it dropped this past Tuesday, I still have yet to take an actual listen to "Sir Lucious Left Foot - The Son of Chico Dusty". However, after reading a few reviews and hearing compliments about the typical innovative and unique style - I can't wait to check it out. Let me know what you think...

- KJ

LeBron's Legacy Looms...

It's official...or at least we hope it is this time! Thursday night at 9pm EST the most dominant and prolific player in the NBA will announce his decisions in regards to his free agency options. Although earlier today it was announced that Bron's fellow USA teammates Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will align forces down in South Beach, it doesn't seem very likely at this point that Bron will follow suit. However, only way to find out is to tune in tomorrow for his one hour special on ESPN! Any predictions or thoughts? Let me know what you think...
- KJ

"Its Been a Long Time! I Shouldn't Left You..."

..without a dope blog to step to...WELCOME BACK!!! Although we here at Achmone's Basement have been MIA for a solid month (which is largely my fault since work has been kicking my ass)..I am pleased to inform you that WE BACK IN DIS THANG. I hope everyone's summer is off to a great start as things are bound to heat up (literally) in the oncoming weeks. As always, we'll be posting random ish...and we welcome any and everyone's comments. So please feel free and continue to stay cool while enjoying your summer...(***in Young Jeezy voice**) "LET'S GET IT SHAWTY!!!!!"

- KJ

WHAT IS THIS SONG???

What UP! This is a hot song that's been on my playlist for a while now, but I have no clue who the artist is or the name of the song is. Check it out anyway... Holla!



-Achmone

GARY COLEMAN R.I.P. -May 28, 2010

FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN... no slumber party

You get a chance check out this movie. It's short, but damn good. The movie shows the lives of a reformed murderer and the victim's brother as they are in route to meet for the first time in 33 years via a television production. The thougts of the both men are viewed in this realistic yet intense drama.

The only thing in the reformed killers mind is telling the truth to this brother tormented by the death of his older brother. The only thing in the victim's brother's mind is revenge. For 33 years he's received dissaproval from his mother who rejects him and blames him for the murder of his older brother. Will he get his revenge? Will this scripted television set become a murder scene? Check it out...Holla!

-Achmone

ALL I HAVE IN THIS WORLD!!!

-Achmone

SHOUT OUT TO MIKE BROWN

HE WILL BE MISSED. (Moment of Silence) MAYBE?

-Achmone

Nike ACG 2010 Air Moc

So classic, yet so refreshing....at least that's how I see it. 2010 brings about the return of Nike's original classic (the revamped) Air Moc ACG. Slated to hit stores at select Nike retailers next month, the Air Moc hits shelves in a range of basic colors, constructed with one-piece suede uppers, a drawstring lace system (seen on back of shoe), and a full length air unit adding to the relaxing appeal of this comfortable and stylish kick. Not gonna lie, I think its dope...but I'd like you to share your thoughts.

- KJ

Kae Sun - On The Lookout

An up and coming Toronto rapper (from Ghana) that incorporates reggae, soul, rock, jazz and hip hop into one melting pot of unique sounds and style. Dope. Check it out and let me know what you think.

- KJ

Xzibit - What U See Is What U Get

Before Pimp My Ride X to the Z Xzibit was a firery California rapper. I think this is one of the best rap videos ever made. I thought it was mad creative especially for the era that it had come out of. The aggression of the record definitely matches the tempo of the video. I want to direct like this.

As always Holla!
-Achmone

Lebron and his Mom

Originally After the Game 6 lost to Boston I was going to comment on the strong relationship between Lebron James and his mother Gloria James,yet the rumor mill has changed the dynamic of this topic. Fans of Lebron James were constantly searching for reasons why he didn't "bring out the BEAST" in game 5 which led to the eventual lost in Boston this past Thursday. Everything from his questionable elbow injury, to Lebron focusing too much in his team mates for support, to Lebron just not playing hard enough were the thoughts on most sports fans' minds.

However, the latest rumor that doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon accuses Gloria James and Cavs guard, Delonte West, of fooling around behind Lebron's back. It is my belief that instead of trying to make sense of a shocking loss to a (okay I'll say it) good team we should give it a rest. Not only do I think this rumor is total B.S. I feel the lives of celebrities are over-analyzed. When did the lives of celebrities turn into excessive speculation? Enjoying a sport and a player is one thing, but admiring them so much that the highs and lows of your life is fueled through their experiences is a shame.

I'll tell you one thing. The most important moment in the playoffs to me is after the Game 6 loss and Lebron congratulated the victors he walked off with poise, went up to his mother, gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug. That doesn't seem like a man angry with his mom to me. Furthermore, I rarely see a game at home where the superstar's mother has not been present. Do people think that because she is a young black mother, that makes her permiscuous as well. Would she be so foolish that she would stoop to the level of sleeping with one of Lebron's good friends and team mates. Ridiculous.

In a sense if a star athlete is not winning every game and shows any signs of weakness, the public and media alike dehumanize this individual. Do we forget that with every strength their is a weakness? No one is perfect. And instead of obsessing why Lebron James and the Cavs lost a few games I'm going to go after my own dreams and live my own life. Cause damn it life is short and time waits for no man.

-Achmone

Freddy's Back and not playing games this time

There have been mixed reactions towards the latest Friday the 13th movie. Quite frankly some people have loved this film while others are quick to share their disdain for the film. However, it appears to be a reasoning behind these reviews.


While many of the younger generation who are unfamiliar with the Wes Craven saga may love this film and believe it to excude vicious and scary elements they have never experienced, the older 80's generation seem to not excude the same amount of satisfaction. I remember just a few months ago when the trailer first began to appear on television my 12 year old sister dispelling multiple ooohs and ahhs. To the younger generation this appears to be a new and great horror film.
Many people who recall the "old" Freddy say the new film lacks humor and the fun that the older Nightmare on Elm Street's had. That's just the problem. You can't compare the two films because there not the same. The updated version of Nightmare on Elm Street is parallel to what the Dark Knight did to the Batman adventures.

The old Nightmare on Elm Street was more teen horror comedy. The new Nightmare on Elm Street cuts out the cliche's, vicious jokes, and random girl topless scenes (sorry), and gives you a horror film like Friday the 13th or Halloween.
The old Freddy was kinda scary, but also had a cool and humorous side to him. The new Freddy has one goal and one goal only: to scare the shit out of you. But hey I'm just one person. Watch the new and old edition and tell me what you think. Holla!

-Achmone

Alicia Keys - Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)

I've been vibing to this song for a couple of weeks and now there's a video.
Check it out.

-Achmone

Dungeon Family Representative

CHECK OUT THIS NEW JOINT FROM BIG BOI!. It's got that classic Outkast feel to it. Check it out and btw... Holla!
-Achmone

Drake - Find Your Love (Official Video)

Drake - Find Your Love from VJ Bobo on Vimeo.

Drake's new single "Find Your Love" finally premiered its video last night. Although this definitely sounds like a beat that didn't make the cut on Mr.West's 808's...this is a good song nonetheless. In addition, I must admit that this video definitely outshines the song (or compliments it well). I like what Drake did with the direction of this video creating a interesting story with an ending that is up to the viewer to decide what really happens...check it out

- KJ

I'm Beamin

Pure Dopeness! Once of the best lyricists in the hip hop game right now! Can't wait for the album to drop...check it out

- KJ

My Chick BAD! (Says Obama...)

That's right! Earlier today, President Obama announced his selection Solicitor General Elana Kagan (pictured above) to become the nation's 112th justice of the supreme court to succeed the retiring Justice John Paul Stevens. However, Obama's selection of the new justice sparks some turmoil with political and judicial bandits alike seeing how she would be the first supreme court justice to have no prior judicial experience as a judge...and that's just to go top of the remarks about her current role as she resides being the first female dean of Harvard Law School (the same place Obama went to law school).

Although on paper Kagan may exemplify the perfect minority candidate for the job, others may look at Obama as having ulterior motives...seen making this nomination so that he can have an advocate to help his bills get passed through congress if they end up going to the higher courts. Which one is it? Is she a good candidate? Or is this just another way for Obama to ensure he gets his legislation? Or both? Let me know what you think...

- KJ

THE BLIND SIDE catches viewers off guard

In the bio-pic focused on the senior year of now veteran NFL player Michael Oher it definitely lives by its title. This movie completely caught me off guard by it's humanistic characters and the feel good plot as it continues to unfold throughout the movie. I have to admit that when I first learned of the plot of this story before seeing the movie I assumed that I would be offended. The story of the white woman saving the life of a poor black soul and blah blah blah. I've heard this type of story too many times. I think it started with Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pfeiffer when she played a high school teacher who helped build charcter and book smarts for a class of ignorant and underprivaledged southern California teens. Then it happened again in the same type of movie with Hillary Swank called Freedom Writers. It happened in the movie Losing Isaiah when an abandoned black baby is taken under the wing of a suburban, caucasian hospital nurse. Even friends' star Matthew Perry starred in a movie raising the academic culture of a New York slumlike middle school.
Even though these movies are typically cinematically appealing; this theme of a white middle class person playing the part of savior for a misguided black soul is becoming redundant. I'm not saying I'm against white people helping blacks, that's not the case whatsoever. Good people doing good for others is a great samaritan act. Yet, are there no stories of actual black people uplifting their race? Or does Hollywood choose not to present our Nation with those stories?

That being said... I loved The Blind Side. Sandra Bullock performed well as the mother of a couple kids. She notices Michael Oher stranded on the road after a school event and immediately takes a shining to him. Her compassion and love for a young stranger passed his adolescence and from a culture adverse from hers is very compelling. She treats this young man like a child of her owns and ultimately gives him a chance at a better life. A life with a stable family, promises of college, and millions in a professional athletic career. By the end of the movie I felt no offense and furthermore left the theater with a smile. This movie taught me that although there are many diffences between cultures it is not always black and white.

-Achmone

THE ROAD

I checked out the Book of Eli this weekend, Oops! I mean I watched a movie that reminded me much of the film. The Road is an under the radar film starring Viggo Mortensen revolving around the storyline of the aftermath of an apocalyptic event that is never necessarily understood or plainly stated. Viggo's character travels south with his tween son following the advisement of his recently passed wife. On their journey they experience the cold, lack of sufficient shelter or clothing, starvation, and the constant paranoia of being hunted by cannibals dressed as vicious bikers. The advantage The Road has over The Book of Eli is it's more believable plot and characters. Unfortunately, in this realistic sub-thriller the believability makes it sort of depressing, leaving rare moments of cheer.

Although, The Road presently exist in the shadow of The Book of Eli for it's more action packed scenes, it should not be overlooked for its greatness. The actors performed excellent, and the dedication of the main characters to both look and play the part are commendable. The father and son lose so much weight, that occasionally you can see just skin hanging on bones. There are other themes in both films that are apparent, but it's not worth going crazy over. Hollywood is a business. So studio's are going to compete. My advice. Check out the films and you decide which one is better.

Other contrasting films to check out:
The Prestige vs. The Illusionist

-Achmone

Scorsese Scores Again...

Innovative, poignant and full of suspense the dynamic diabolical duo known as Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio strike gold once again in the dramatic hit thriller “Shutter Island…”






The movie takes place in the mid 1900s not too long after the end of WWII. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an ex war veteran turned detective who possesses adroit skills of perception and a keen sense of awareness that many others lack in his field. The setting of the movie takes place right off the east coast of Massachusetts in a place known as Shutter Island….on this island is where the most dangerous of the mentally insane felons are kept within the US. It is here that the main story of the movie takes place and where DiCaprio is to find a missing resident who escaped her locked room as without a trace of her existence or location. Throughout his journey to find the missing resident, DiCaprio encounters many of the various dangerous insane felons, as well as numerous calamities as he gathers more and more information that eventually lead him to the ultimate truth an incredibly anticipated twist within the film….
As usual, I thought this film was another great movie from Martin Scorsese. Throughout the entire movie I was intrigued by the various characters used and each of their significant, yet pivotal roles in each scene. He builds the suspense and intensity throughout the entire movie right from the beginning, which kept me awake, entertained and guessing the next scene all along. Although there are some parts of the movie that are arguably slower than others, each of these moments are important as they lead up to the climax and eventual turning point that comes late in the movie at the lighthouse in the ocean. Once again I thought the movie was a good one and recommend it to anyone looking for a great mystery suspense/thriller type of film…..and as always come share your thoughts and let us know your take on Shutter Island! Until next time…
- KJ

It's coming soon to theatres...MACGRUBER!!!!!!!

Saturday Night Live fans should appreciate this post. One of the on-going sketches and currently more popular one is coming to the theatres. It's already in post-production, however I'm not sure how they will translate the character onto the big screen.
The MacGyver parody has MacGruber attempting to disarm a bomb and somehow he always blows it. Some other sketches to big screen from SNL have been Blues Brothers, The Ladies Man, and Waynes World.

Here's one of the many MacGruber clips. To say the least; it's funny as hell.
Check it out !
-Achmone

"WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT"

... one of the few biblical quotes uttered in this movie quoted by Oscar winner Denzel Washington in the post-apocolyptic themed movie THE BOOK OF ELI. In this past decade we have seen a number of "End-of-the-World" movies like Deep Impact, Armagedon, War of the Worlds, and most recently 2012. However in this film we follow a man who is driven by purpose after a devastating event has occurred.

Our protagonist character Eli lives in a land where the worlds natural resources and wild life have become scarce. In this new world you find few of kind heart and many cannibals who would rather consume your heart. So far this is my favorite movie of the year. Eli justifiably kicks ass when needed and his purpose to deliver a message is just as well. This film is far more than a story about a man destroying anyone who gets in his way. It's more of a battle between Good and Evil when it has seemed that all hope for a promising future has been lost.

Although this film has many surprises, even more surprising to me is the film directors, The Hughes Brothers. These two twin brothers have exhibited their range by producing this film. It truly contrast from their previous films Menace II Society and documentary American Pimp.

I can't wait for this film to be released on dvd/blu-ray. Check it out and you're sure to leave the theater satisfied.
-Achmone

The film that made me cry wolf.....

So...is it me, or does Hollywood always release the worst movies during black history month? Well, maybe it IS just me. Nevertheless, we are well into full swing in the new year (Its practically March already!)...Yet, thus far in 2010, our bright new promising decade has given us nothing but grief and disappointment on the silver screen across box offices internationally....(for the most part anyway)

That being said, I was feeling pretty confident that I knew what I was getting into last weekend when I bought a ticket to go see the new film "The Wolfman" directed by Joe Johnson (best known for Jurassic Park III). However, within the first 20mins of the film Johnson wastes no time getting to the point of the film...(if you haven't guessed by now)...there is a wolf-like creature killing civilians in a small town somewhere in Europe. As you can imagine this goes on for quite sometime until it is revealed who the "wolfman" is and how he became the "wolfman."

Aside from the sporadic, nauseating and irritable sounds of the violent howling throughout the film, I was practically in a coma...this movie seems like a reach of an idea in regards to creativity. On the heels on the vampires (Twilight: New Moon), zombies and ghosts (Paranormal Activity). It was only a matter of time before some genius gave in to idea of "The Wolfman." If anything this movie would be great for some cheesy and cheap laughs - but after paying for a ticket to this movie you may find yourself mad that you volunteered your dollar for two hours of complete chaos.
If you end up checking it out anyway, or already have (sucker!), then drop and few lines and let us know what you thought about the movie......until next time!
- KJ

HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE

Okay so this may not be one of the greatest films of our time, but the story for how the movie was developed and produced should at least grant some kind of award. Rookie director Robert Townsend used a few credit cards and financed this tightly budgeted film. Also, to avoid having to obtain permits he had his staff dress like college students.

The content of the movie alone exploits the many stereotypes depicted upon black Americans around that time period. We follow the main character Bobby on his quest to become the next great Hollywood actor. The perspective of Robert Townsend and his team of writers, notably Keenan Ivory Wayans and others, uses clever comedy to produce this satirical piece "Hollywood Shuffle".
Although, this film was produced in my year of birth (1987) I still get a good laugh from it. Check out this clip to get a better understanding of the movie and then watch the actual film. After you've watched it tell me what you think.
-Achmone

SHUTTER ISLAND coming soon...

Opening tomorrow is the new thriller that I can't wait to see. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this thriller that has a lot of hype behind it. Hopefully the film can actually back it up. I don't really know what this film is about, all I know is that it sure has a hell of a trailer. I could have sworn I saw Amy Poehler ("Saturday Night Live and Baby Mama") as a creepy old woman in the clip.
Check it out.
-Achmone

The 40 Year Old Virgin

This is by far one of the funniest movies of this past decade. The supporting cast complimented the appeal of Steve Carell as the "likable loser". The story line alone is very creative. We've heard of teenage virgins, but being invited into the world of a man who couldn't find a way to lay down the plumbing yells comedy gold. Is the character taking a vowel of celibacy; no. Is it for a greater cause; no. After so many years of trying in his youth he just gives up on it. LOL We here about unique people like this every so often, but to get a taste of their lives in this comedic masterpiece is cinematic heaven.

I mean HEY...Just look at Steve Carell's face and try not to laugh. Classic!
-Achmone