The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

The Lincoln Lawyer is a 2011 American thriller film adapted from the novel of the same name by Michael Connelly, starring Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippeand Marisa Tomei. The film is directed by Brad Furman, with a screenplay written by John Romano

8/10

Some days you just need a little baby action to cheer you up!

 

SCANDAL’s upcoming album photobook cover. The only brightspot today.

August can’t come soon enough.

Atrix Cases Battle! Otterbox Commuter vs. Rearth Ringke

Before I start this, I would like to state that Rearth had contacted me about reviewing their Ringke case and after about a week of usage, I felt it was appropriate to give it a proper review. However, with so many reviews out there already and since I previously reviewed the Otterbox Commuter case, I thought it would be more fun and helpful to pit the two cases against each other.

Rearth’s Ringke case:

This case by a company I did not hear about until they contacted me (http://www.rearthusa.com/) sells this case for $16.99.  At first glance, it looks just like any other silicone typed case.  However, their site informs me that it is actually made out of some combination of materials that are too technical for any of us to really ponder about.

In brief, the material feels like a combination of hard plastic like those on hard case shells and silicone cases. Intriguingly, by doing this, there is a good grippy feel to the case itself and I think this also plays into how it does not collect as much dust as every other silicone case out there. In fact, the dust collection is so minimal that even when you take the phone out of the case, the inside does not have that much dust either. Truly an amazing feat.

On the other hand, just like the all silicone typed cases for phones, the sides are quite flimsy when on the phone and do tend to separate and end up just sitting on the sides of the phone, which does not bode well for protection. Also like silicone cases, the amount of protection is minimal. The hole on the side for the Atrix’s mini-HDMI and mini-USB ports are very well crafted, but unfortunately because the placing for the ports are there, the top cover ends up being a thin piece of casing that is very loose and quite annoying when holding the phone, especially during phone calls, as your fingers tend to keep playing with it. On that note, the stock cables that came with the phone-when plugged into the phone for charging, etc..- end up giving that slice of casing a small bump which I believe in repeated usage would end up stretching the case.

The great thing about this case though is the fact that the details etched into the case itself is amazing. Rearth etched almost everything from the actual phone’s body design unto the case, giving it the illusion of the case being a part of the phone’s design. The power/unlock button, volume outlines, and even wording for the mini-HDMI and mini-USB ports are all very well done. All the openings for the various ports and camera and fingerprint scanner are very well done and appropriately placed without obstruction.

My review unit did not come with the cool Audio Caps that are shown on their website, sadly. I was looking forward to testing those out as I believe those are a genius idea and a great addition to their case.

The Rearth Ringke case does come in a huge selection of colors, so you will not be short of choices or preferences.

Comparison to Otterbox Commuter and Final Note:

Because I have never used a silicone type case with my phone before, I really did not have any experience to judge it. I loved how minimal the case was and it felt great in my hand, but I think it would be better served if I compared it to the case I used before I got the Ringke case: the Otterbox Commuter.

The Ringke Case would be perfect for those that do not want/need extra protection to their phone and just need it for a day to day minimal contact case to protect their phone from minor bumps and scratches. It would also appeal to those that prefer more grip and want a case but not a screen protector like ZAGG. And lastly, it would appeal mostly to those that do not wish to spend more than $20 on a case and do not like dust collecting on their cases, but do not like hard shell cases.

The Otterbox Commuter, compared to Ringke, is in fact larger (taller and wider)…..but surprisingly, NOT BY MUCH! I was very shocked at this. As the comparison photos below show, there is some extra bulkiness comparing the two cases but it is not significantly great as to impact a decision alone. However, I must say that the Ringke case felt a lot better in the hand than the Otterbox Commuter, and it also made the screen look larger (mainly due to Otterbox Commuter having larger side protection).

For now, I am sticking with my Commuter as my daily case as I am somewhat of a butterfinger and I enjoy the added protection without the bulkiness it offers. But, should Rearth ever make a Ringke phone case that fixed its flimsy sides and have port covers, then I’ll be all over that in an instant!……..or if Otterbox ever decides to replicate the Ringke silicone case material for their silicone part of the Commuter series.

 

 

A big thanks to Rearth for sending me their great product to review and if this product is any indication, they will have a long lasting business in this market. I would recommend their Ringke case for anyone looking to get a silicone type case offering the best bang for their buck.

Who’s up for some probing?

A fun comedy with tons of cursing and enjoyable good times. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost really do make a great combo!

Paul is a 2011 science fiction comedy film directed by Greg Mottola, written by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and starring Pegg, Frost, and the voice of Seth Rogen as the title character. The film contains numerous references to other science fiction films, especially those of Steven Spielberg, as well as to general science fiction fandom.

 

People with Hats and The Plan

This was one movie I did not see coming at all!

I knew the main premise from the trailers and seeing Matt Damon and Emily Blunt piqued my interest to the max, but wow, this movie has some crazy revelations and questions throughout the course of it that makes you go……..”whoa”.

Definitely a recommended watch and keeper. Very smart movie that goes almost to crossing the line that most would not.
9/10

The Adjustment Bureau is a 2011 American film loosely based on the Philip K. Dick short story, “Adjustment Team“. A romantic science fiction thriller, the film was written and directed by George Nolfi and stars Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. The cast also includes Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Jon Stewart, Michael Kelly, and Terence Stamp. It contains a score by Thomas Newman, with two songs by Richard Ashcroft (“Future’s Bright” for the opening sequence; “Are You Ready” for the closing credits).

Sticking it out for family

A very touching film about how great it is that family can stick together and persevere through the craziest times that challenge us. I wish more people were like this and never gave up or be afraid to question something they know is not true.

Conviction is a 2010 drama film directed by Tony Goldwyn. It stars Hilary Swank as Betty Anne Waters and Sam Rockwell as her brother Kenneth Waters.

Henry’s Crime

If there is a reason to watch this movie, it is Vera Farmiga. Oddly enough, this is a movie that fits Keanu’s personality perfectly. Sadly the movie left me just a bit empty.

Henry’s Crime is a 2011 romantic comedy film directed by Malcolm Venville and starring Keanu Reeves, James Caan and Vera Farmiga. The film follows Henry (Reeves) who goes to jail for a robbery he didn’t commit. Once released, he plans on robbing the same bank with his former cellmate Max (Caan).

Baby Action! or is it action baby?

SCANDAL’s third album will be titled BABY ACTION.

It will be released this August 10th. Stay tuned!

Now be hypnotized:

Sugoi!

If Twilight and the Brothers Grimm had a baby…

Red Riding hood the movie in 2011 would be it?

Actually, it wasn’t THAT bad. The entire movie was very pleasant and thrilling, up until the final 2 minutes. I felt like it was a really bad way to finish the movie. Otherwise, a thriller, it was.

Red Riding Hood is an American horror film directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Amanda Seyfried as the title role, from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson. It is very loosely based on the folk tale Little Red Riding Hood collected by both Charles Perrault under the name “Le Petit Chaperon Rouge” (Little Red Riding Hood) and several decades later by the Brothers Grimm as “Rotkäppchen” (Little Redcap).

A happy Death Cab for Cutie

What would happen if Cutie decided not to get into that Death Cab and went on being cute?

The answer to that question might very well be found in the latest album by DCFC, titled “Codes and Keys”.

This album might very well be one of their best, in my opinion. And to be honest, I say that because this album is a lot happier than all their previous albums and frankly, I had gotten sick of the stale sadness in the last few. Don’t get me wrong, they were great but I could only listen to sad mellow music for so long.

Codes and Keys really emphasizes the sounds around them with only minor input from their instruments, making it really pleasant to listen to for long periods of time and on repeat. Giving the entire album a few listens, I truly believe that if Death Cab continues this route, it will be a happier place for us all

Ending the album with a song titled, “Stay Young, Go Dancing” really just puts the period in the album’s concept.

8.7/10

Codes and Keys is the upcoming seventh studio album by Death Cab for Cutie, set to be released on May 31, 2011.

Their first single off this album:

p.s. Ben, I still don’t like you for taking Zooey off the market Lucky bastard!

Liam Neeson. Badass.

Let’s face it. Liam Neeson has been doing some kick-ass movies where he kicks asses and takes names. So badass. So awesome. Keep on making these kinds of movies, man!

Oh, you wanted a review? It is fantastic filled with action, intrigue, and ohhhhhhhhhh yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! moments. Take 2 hours out of your stressful life, and pop this in, relax and enjoy the ride.

Unknown is a 2011 thriller film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, starring Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz, and Frank Langella.^[5]The film is based on the 2003 French novel published in English as Out of My Head, by Didier van Cauwelaert

Music Beta by Google

Well, I finally got my invite!

If everything works out, I will no longer have a need for AudioGalaxy. AG was a great app, but having to leave my computer online for a huge amount of time to stream music is not ideal.

Oh, happy days

Thanks, Google!

More Info: http://music.google.com/about/

Atrix Homescreen v.2.0

It’s been a while since my last post, so I decided to post this new configuration of my phone.

I’m loving it!

Back to (martial arts movie) basics

This really should have been two separate movies. Might even be 2.5 movies. It is split up into 3 acts where the first shows some background, the second part is really awesome with the martial arts movie chinese style that has been celebrated since forever, but the third part really could have been done without. The third part puts in the typical (and my hated) chinese vs. westerners boxing arena. Up until the third act of this movie, I enjoyed it even though some of the story was lost. But let’s face it, story don’t play much in a real martial arts movie.

It could be better, but you can’t beat the awesome martial arts sequences in this movie. One for the fans and not the mind.

True Legend (simplified Chinese: 苏乞儿; traditional Chinese: 蘇乞兒; pinyin:Sū qǐ ér) is a 2010 Chinese-Hong Kongmartial arts action film directed by Yuen Woo-ping, starring Vincent Zhao, Zhou Xun, Jay Chou, Michelle Yeoh, Andy On, David Carradine, Guo Xiaodong,Feng Xiaogang, Cung Le, Gordon Liu,Leung Kar Yan and Jacky Heung.

Better luck tomorrow

In a way, this was a fitting movie to watch today, of all days in my life. With such a huge burden happening soon, this film gave me some sort of escape, yet clarity into life.

If you have not seen this movie, it is directed by Justin Lin (who is now famous for Fast & Furious, Fast Five, and the paintball episode of Community), and it is amazing (not to mention against asian stereotypes).

Better Luck Tomorrow is a 2002 crime-drama film directed by Justin Lin. The movie is about Asian American overachievers who become bored with their lives and enter a world of petty crime and material excess. Better Luck Tomorrow introduced Karin Anna Cheung to film audiences and a cast including Parry Shen, Jason Tobin,Sung Kang, Roger Fan, and John Cho.

The film was based loosely on the murder of Stuart Tay by four Sunny Hills High School honor students on December 31, 1992, in the suburb of Fullerton, California.

Ignore this buzzing

Stone is a 2010 American drama film directed by John Curran and starring Robert De Niro, Edward Norton and Milla Jovovich. A convicted arsonist looks to manipulate a parole officer into a plan to secure his parole by placing his beautiful wife in the lawman’s path.

You don’t need acid for this trip

The Big Bang is a 2011 American thriller written by Erik Jendresen and directed by Tony Krantz. The film stars Antonio Banderas and Sienna Guillory.

Late one night, Los Angeles private investigator, Ned Cruz (Antonio Banderas) gets a visit from a recently paroled Russian boxer with an intriguing job offer: find Lexie, his missing girlfriend–and the 30-million dollar stash of diamonds she’s hiding. As Detective Cruz sets out to find her, the clues send him into the city’s seediest corners, from a Hollywood action star with a dirty little secret (James Van Der Beek), to an enterprising porn producer who takes a personal interest in his own work (Snoop Dogg), and a kinky waitress with an unusual fetish for particle physics (Autumn Reeser). Lexie proves to be as elusive as she is beautiful and Cruz becomes obsessed with finding her. With time running out, Cruz discovers the trail leads to reclusive billionaire (Sam Elliott), and his physicist (Jimmi Simpson), intent on recreating The Big Bang underneath the New Mexico desert. Tailed by a trio of cops also looking to find the missing diamonds, and with the body count piling up, Cruz soon realizes that what appeared to be a standard missing person’s case is anything but, and could quite possibly bring about the end of the world as we know it.

Sometimes it takes an accident to makes things happen

A romantic ghost story about two American girls and their British father (Firth) who move to Italy after their mother dies.^[2] The two daughters and their mother are driving home from a shopping spree, they play a game which refer to which colours they pass by, the youngest daughter cover their mothers eyes and she dies in the car accident.

Following the death of his wife in a car accident, a college professor (Colin Firth) decides to teach English Literature at an Italian University in Genoa. He is accompanied by his two daughters, aged 16 and 10. The trio occupy a flat in the crowded Genoa streets and soon adapt to the local way of life, taking day trips to the beach and hiring an Italian tutor in musical composition.

Genova is a film directed by Michael Winterbottom and starring Colin Firth, Catherine Keener, and Hope Davis. It was filmed in the titular city of Genoa (Genova inItalian) during the summer of 2007. It was written by Wonderland screenwriter Laurence Coriat.

You want to be boss; you dress boss

The Big I Am is a 2010 British gangster film starring Michael Madsen and Leo Gregory. A cruel twist of fate catapults small time crook Mickey Skinner into the big league, as head of a brutal London gang, poised on the brink of a lucrative human traficking deal

Thursday is Thor Day

Great movie. Stick around after the credits.

It is great to finally see a superhero movie that doesn’t suck, not having to do with Batman.

Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on comic book character of the same name published by Marvel Comics and is the fourth film released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film was released on April 21, 2011 in Australia and on May 6, 2011 in the United States.^[5][6] Thor was also released in 3D and IMAX 3D.^[7][8]The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, and Stellan Skarsgård with Kenneth Branagh directing a script by Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, and Don Payne.^[9][10]