300

Last night I went over to Jeff's house and we watched 300. It was deffinately worth the re-watch even though I had to fight sleep during the last half hour. There is a lot to talk about with this movie, even though it's claimed not quite as good as the graphic novel to movie adaptation of Sin City. I think what this one lacked against the dreary hit Sin City was multiple plot lines to keep you engrossed. Rather 300 relied on the fact that you were watching a stylistic interpretation of actual events. The characters did not lead you to become attached to them, but then again, would it be right to become attached to a rough, war-lord Spartan? I think that the quick paced, killing spree that took place is enough to raise the hair on anyone's neck and get any action seeking male 's blood pumping.

Technically this movie was beautiful. I loved the use of contrasting color used throughout the movies, mainly golds/tans/greys and deep reds. Red for the most part indicative of passion which is something that the Spartans were full of, tan/grey I would guess to lean towards disparity, barrenness. There are many scenes where people are left standing alone in the midst of or against a tan color. There is also a lot of usage of heavy shadowing, something used to forshadow a lot of the betrayal that is to take place.

Because of the style, not much if any blood is actually left lying around or on anyone or anything (yet much is spilled). This brings the level of gore down a notch or two when viewing. Knowing that this movie was mostly green screened, I am rather impressed by the use of technology, lighting, keying, camera movement and design to fill this movie (as well as acting, when was the last time you tried fighting something that wasn't there).

Warning, there is a fair use of nudity, as indicated by previous Miller movies.

I'd give this movie a 4.5 out of 5 on entertainment/viewing and about a 3 on story.

Singularity

Mae's newest album Singularity happened to be sitting on a shelve in FYE last night as I was walking by. It caught my eye and when I saw that it was Mae, I picked it up and walked straight to the register! Destination Beautiful was a great album, very melodic and mellow and totally consistent from front to back. This album is the exact opposite with a great upbeat tone and diverse sound from track to track. Mae keeps their beautiful melodies and haunting vocals and delivers it with a new energy and catchy rifts that will have you loving every second of this new release.

As Cities Burns was an group that i discovered some time ago when I went to Nashville with a few friends. Their aggressive vocals and high energy mixed with incredibly lyrics and amazing melodies drew me in. This sophomore release on Tooth and Nail's label has that same energy and lyricism but to be honest I was a little shocked at the lack of aggressiveness in this album. Apparently with age comes some serenity in their music, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. They've matured a lot vocally and musically and there is still an heir of their former aggressiveness. If you are partial to a little bit softer style but still enjoy some hard edge to your rock, then give this one a try.