Media
A round up of this month’s hottest new releases.
Flags of Our Fathers: Special Collector’s Edition • R • (Paramount Home Entertainment)r
Extras: Making of, director into, featurettes, theatrical trailer
Proving once again he’s equally adept behind the camera as in front, Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood delivers yet another poignantly insightful drama, this time inspired by James Bradley’s best-selling novel. The setting: February 1945. Following one of World War II’s bloodiest battles, an iconic photo of six men raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi rallies the nation and guarantees its subjects instant immortality. Exploring the lives of the three members of the group who didn’t die in combat, the film proves triumph on the battlefield can often coexist with crushing defeat on a second, more personal front. Headliners Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford and Adam Beach give stunning performances as men pressed into becoming symbols of the larger war effort.
The Beach Boys
The Warmth of the Sun
(Capitol)
Many fans appreciate just the classics, like “Good Vibrations” and “Kokomo.” Thankfully, this new compilation dives deeper into The Beach Boys’ catalog, featuring 28 tunes handpicked by members of the band. “Sail On, Sailor” and “Little Honda” are a couple of the lesser-known tributes to an idyllic Southern California. Not every track is a hidden gem; radio listeners will be familiar with cuts like “California Dreamin’” and “Catch a Wave.” Still, you won’t find a better album to sing along to all summer long
Paul Schwartz
State of Grace III
(Zakatak Music/Koch)
This album runs the gamut from expansive orchestral anthems to simple acoustic ensembles, many featuring vocalist Lisbeth Scott singing foreign hymns. The music’s melodramatic tenor might be too much for some; there are 18 violinists in the orchestra bent on creating soaring, melancholy swells, as on “Agnus Dei,” one of several lovely modern spiritual numbers. Even if you know the tunes, chances are you’ve never heard them quite like this.
Diner Dash
(Eidos) DS, PSP
Rating: Everyone
This action-based puzzler proves you really can have your cheeseburger and eat it, too. Despite the simple concept—as frantic waitress Flo, you must correctly fill orders as fast as customers place them—and repetitious action, you’ll keep coming back. It’s a guaranteed family favorite, and worthy translation of the online smash.
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars
(Sega) PSP
Rating: Everyone
Pick a cab and floor it. Speed against time to earn bigger tips by ferrying patrons around bustling cities in this handheld anthology, which features arcade smashes Crazy Taxi and Crazy Taxi 2. Despite the familiar action, new multiplayer options (try stealing rivals’ customers for laughs) ensure play’s a gas.
—Scott Steinberg