Media

BY RYAN RAYHILL

A round up of this month’s hottest new releases

DVD

Beowulf
(Paramount) Rated: PG-13

With some of the most advanced computer animation techniques yet, director Robert Zemeckis has taken this classic tale of the perils of human greed and brought it to life like never before—all without flesh-and-blood actors onscreen. Each pore, hair and drop of blood (and there are many) of the ersatz characters (played by Anthony Hopkins and Angelina Jolie, among others) moves and glistens in a near-mesmerizing fashion. In the end, it’s veteran actor Ray Winstone’s portrayal of the mighty Beowulf that cements this version as a modern classic.

Revolver
(Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Rated: R

This twisted gangster tale from director Guy Ritchie stars Jason Statham as an ex-con who, after offending a local crime boss (Ray Liotta), finds himself a target. Also starring Vincent Pastore and rapper André Benjamin, it is both wildly entertaining and frustratingly confusing as the storytelling jumps from one style to another—first, a visceral shoot-out, then animation. It’s at times too arty for it’s own good, but kudos to Ritchie for breaking out of the usual mold. Extras: Deleted scenes, alternate ending, making-of, director’s commentary.

MUSIC

Stephen Malkmus & Jicks
Real Emotional Trash • Matador

Indie pioneer Stephen Malkmus teams with Jicks for their second record together. While perhaps not as intriguing as their 2003 outing, it’s evident that Malkmus has not lost any of the dark wit or angular guitar chops that have defined his career since his days with nerd-rock heroes Pavement. Tracks ranging from the breezy AM radio jam “Out of Reaches” to the fuzz-box psychedelia of “Baltimore” should remind Malkmus fans why they fell in love with his off-kilter style and provide new listeners with the highest low-firecord of the spring.

GAMES

The Spiderwick Chronicles
(Sierra) Wii, Xbox 360, PS2 Rated: E10+

Based on the children’s film and book series, the game follows the adventures of three Grace siblings as they discover a hidden world of fairies, dwarves and ogres at the sprawling estate of a mysterious family member. It magnificently captures the fantastical look of the film and features multiple playable characters, including the diminutive Thimbletack, whose stature allows him to fit into places others cannot. As Harry Potter draws to a close, this is more than able to entertain gamers looking to extend the spirit of magic and wonder.

Insecticide
(Gamecock) Nintendo DS Rated: E10+

Mixing classic film noir like LA Confidential with anthropomorphic creepy crawlies, Insecticide follows the adventures of bug detective Chrys Liszt and her partner Roachy Caruthers as they investigate murders in a distant future where six legs and wings are the norm. Created by former Lucasarts and Pixar members, among others, it features both third-person action and “CSI”-like investigation sequences that use the Nintendo DS touch screen to maximum effect while spinning a web of adventure that’s sure to keep gamers buzzing for quite some time.