Arts

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Bringing California sunlight to Fall Fest

In the City of Angels, where guys with acoustic guitars are more abundant than Yankees hats on Long Island, one man has clawed his way out of the sea of mediocrity and has started to garner some well-deserved recognition. While most students may know the three main acts (Jason Mraz, B.o.B and Bruno Mars) in Wednesday night's Fall Fest concert, the opening act, Robert Francis, is a true diamond in the rough. With two full-length albums, One by One and Before Nightfall, Francis has a do-it-yourself attitude that has been lacking in the pop industry over the past twenty years.

The worst year for pop music

2010 has been the single worst year in the history of pop music.

A week in ink

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants #3

Mindless zombies in a brainless story

Grade: B-

The almost amazing Spider-Man

Grade: B-

Weezer's music comes second to having fun

NYC boys come out to play

Artist: Interpol Album: Interpol Label: Matador Records Release date: September 7 Grade: B

Taking a walk on the dark side

Artist: Anberlin Album: Dark is the Way, Light is a Place Release Date: September 7 Label: Universal Republic Grade: B Remember that band that the audience didn't give a chance at Springfest '10?

Bland Buffalonians

Artist: Goo Goo Dolls Album: Something for the Rest of Us Release Date: August 31 Label: Warner Bros. Grade: B- The Goo Goo Dolls have become legends in Buffalo.

Weekend in Buffalo

Who: James Twigg What: Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins When: Sunday at 1 p.m. Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium Why: Fall semester is back and that means two things.

Mother Brain is back again

Title: Metroid: Other M Platform: Nintendo Wii Developer: Nintendo of America Category: Shooter Grade: A-

Machete hacks through the awesome

Grade: A- In a time of remakes and sequels, Machete is one flick that cuts through the crap in order to produce a genuine and original film that doesn't disappoint. Based on the three-minute trailer from 2007's Grindhouse, Machete is the full-feature film that Robert Rodriguez (Shorts) fans have anxiously been awaiting. From beginning to end, Machete is a fast-paced, blood-drenched ride that can be described as nothing short of amazing.

A crummy kaleidoscope

Artist: Sara Bareilles Album: Kaleidoscope Heart Release Date: September 7 Label: Epic Records Grade: C+ Three years ago, Sara Bareilles' catchy pop single "Love Song" could be heard during commercials, in movies and TV shows, or even at the mall. Since then, listeners have been able to drown out those once loveable lyrics and are ready to be introduced to the next offering from the LA-based songwriter. Unfortunately, Bareilles' new project, Kaleidoscope Heart, is nothing special. The album offers 13 tracks of bland alternative pop, the majority of which are indistinguishable from anything else on adult contemporary radio.

In Arts Perspective

Activision Blizzard has a plan in the works that would require gamers to pay a subscription fee in order to play the online-multiplayer mode for games, including Call of Duty. James: This is pure greed through and through.

Terrible Start

Artist: Terrible Things Album: Terrible Things Release Date: August 31 Label: Universal Grade: C+

Weekend in Buffalo

Who: John Hugar What: Going The Distance When: Friday Where: Movie theaters everywhere Why: Charlie from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is in it and so is the dude from the Mac commercials.

Comeback Kid Cures Calm

Artist: Comeback Kid Album: Symptoms and Cures Release Date: August 31 Label: Victory Records Grade: B

Viral video summer recap

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Summer album recap

Summer album recap By ARTS DESK

Summer Movie Previews

Looking for an escape from the dreaded summer heat? What better place to avoid it then the cool dark atmosphere offered by your local movie theater. Here are some summer movies sure to show you a good time and the ones definitely not worth $10. Get Him to the Greek Release Date: June 4 Grade: B- Russel Brand (Bedtime Stories) reprises his role of the eccentric Aldous Snow from Forgetting Sarah Marshall in this comedy about the troubled life of a rock-and-roll star. Jonah Hill (Superbad) plays the role of a record label employee who is tasked with escorting Snow from England to his live performance at the Greek in Los Angeles. What follows is a whirlwind of sex, drugs, alcohol and an amazing performance given by Sean ‘P. Diddy' Combs (Death of a Dynasty). Unfortunately a lot of the jokes throughout are hit or miss. But the good ones are definitely worth the price of the ticket. The A-Team Release Date: June 11 Grade: C+ This reimagining of the hit '80s show is a decent movie that'll take your mind off of the summer heat. The action is exciting and the Team's plans are as crafty and ingenious as ever. It's too bad the plot couldn't hold its own. In fact, the only thing deserving an A on this team was the all-star cast. Liam Neeson (Clash of the Titans), Bradley Cooper (Valentines Day) and Quinton ‘Rampage' Jackson (Death Warrior) all have their moments throughout the film. But with his performance as the team's slightly insane pilot, it's Sharlto Copely (District 9) that gives the best performance. Toy Story 3 Release Date: June 18 Grade: B+ Woody (Tom Hanks, Angels and Demons) and Buzz (Tim Allen, Crazy on the Outside) are back in the third installment of this beloved series. This time around, their owner is off to college and the toys are left to fend for themselves. Pixar did an excellent job making the movie, filling it with just the right amount of comedy, action and nostalgia. By the time the credits roll, you're guaranteed to be craving a long overdue play date with your favorite action figure or doll. Predators Release Date: July 9 Produced by Robert Rodriguez (Planet Terror), Predators is a reboot of the Sci-Fi series of the same name originally made famous by the Govenator. If you've seen any of the recent Aliens Vs Predators movies don't fret, because this flick stands apart. The movie promises to take things back to it's roots by throwing the hunter and the prey back into the jungle setting that once trademarked the Predator's hunting ground. With an incredible line-up of actors including Adrien Brody (High School) and Lawrence Fishburne (Armored) this is one movie you should keep your targeting reticule on. Inception Release Date: July 16 Renowned director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) looks to make every psychedelic drug rendered useless with his latest mind trip of a film, Inception. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio (Shutter Island) and Ellen Paige (Whip It) and revolves around a plot in which thieves are able to invade your dreams to steal your most valuable and intimate secrets. With incredible visuals and a mind-melting story, Inception is a movie you won't want to miss, even in your wildest dreams. The Other Guys Release Date: August 6 The Other Guys is an upcoming comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. The movie takes a unique approach to the cookie-cutter cop action films, throwing the paper pushers into the action instead of the action junkies. Based on trailers, Ferrell's quirky humor looks top notch, and the chemistry between Wahlberg and Ferrell on the silver screen is expected to be nothing short of hilarious. If you do make it out to see any of these movies, I hope you enjoy the films. If you don't like what you're watching, hopefully you'll be with your summer love and can find an alternative way to enjoy the theater's cool dark atmosphere. Questions? Comments? Have a better idea? E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com