D-Entertainment (Only the best Film, TV and Rock reviews).

GONE (Amanda Seyfried) ***

After only seeing Amanda in soppy movies to date like Letters to Juliet and Dear John (which she does a very good job at), it's refreshing to see her in a different and fresh role for her as a strong young woman in this thriller.

Almost like a serious version of a cross between films like 'I know what you did last summer' and 'Scream' Amanda plays the victim of a serial killer in a psychological battle of wits in attempt to save her sister from the killer and in an odd twist, also herself for the second time after she escaped the killer the first time.

This film contains a few interesting twists, enough to hold ones attention until the end and is set in a refreshing and visually interesting location of Portland, Oregon which cinematically gives it a freshness.

THE GHOST WRITER (Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan) ***.5

Talking writers, a very well written and intense story from Roman Polanski about a Ghost Writer (Ewan McGregor) in the process of writing the memoirs of an ex-British Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan). As the Ghost Writer gets closer the the politician as he gets deeper into the writing of the book, he begins to learn a few dark secrets and discovers the ex-Prime Minister has been involved in some rather shady dealings.

As he gets in deeper, his life becomes under threat as the shady people in question try and cover their tracks. As a viewer one becomes quite involved in the story and even at times you feel fear for Ewan McGregor's characters life. A classic style gripping thriller that's definitely worth the watch.

THE GREY (Liam Neeson) ***.5

Originally, I didn't have much interest to rush out and see this but after finally getting around to it, I'm thankful that I did. While it's not quite Oscar nominee quality, it's a very solidly written, directed and acted film.

Liam Neeson and a plane full of his co-workers at an Alaskan oil refinery are involved in a crash and get stuck in the Alaskan wilderness. The film then follows the journey of the survivors as the battle the harsh elements of the Ukon and packs of hungry wolves.

The cinematography is particularly spectacular. And a solid storyline.

MACGRUBER (Will Forte, Val Kilmer, Kristen Wig) ****

Whether you loved or hated the TV show MacGyver back in the late 80's and early 90's, most people should be able to relate to this and appreciate the spoof one way or another.

Same kind of quality (when it comes to these type of movies) as the likes of classic TV Show spoofs of recent times such as Starsky & Hutch (with Ben Stiller & Owen Wilson) and The Dukes of Hazzard (with Johnny Knoxville and Jessica Simpson), MacGruber shines in its own right. Although this film is definitely less of a 'Remake' and a lot more obviously a piss-take.

From the Rambo-esque opening this film had me in stitches straight away with the casting of the Colonel who's meant to satire Richard Crenna's role in the Stallone films, to the styling of MacGruber with his trademark 80's mullet wig and sleeveless jacket. And the casting of Will Forte (his real name?) as MacGruber himself - brilliant.

There are way to many funny moments to get into specific scenes but this film will crack-up anybody who was around back in the day and has fond memories of television in the 80's. And a mega performance from Will Forte as MacGruber - how the hell he managed to keep a straight face to even get one take per scene in the can, God knows!

TRIXTER - New Audio Machine ****.5

Trixter are back and with an extremely solid album. Although they've modernized their sound in keeping with the times, they have really managed to retain the same poppy melodies and catchy songs that they were known for (and used to also get criticized for at the same time) back in the late 80's. Only slightly more heavier groove orientated this time around, New Audio Machine doesn't contain a single 'dud' song and is super easy to listen to all inclusively, from start to finish.

An album that makes you want to put it back on for another spin, the moment it's finished, and that ain't a bad thing - good work boys!

Film Review - Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close) ***.5

This film could have easily replaced one of this years nominees for best picture. A finely crafted period piece set in old London telling the story of a traumatized young woman forced to spend her life under the guise of a man working as a butler to make ends meet. Unlike a more family film like Kramer vs. Kramer this film is more complex, exploring sexual confusion and moral dilemmas.

And Glenn Close does an amazing job as Albert. It's uncanny how much she really looks like a man even in a small scene where she reverts back to a woman.

Film Review - Extremely loud and incredibly close (Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock)

Expecting an out-and-out September 11 story, this is a little more surprising than first expected. Although 9/11 has a lot to do with the theme, the movie journeys far further than just that, which is a nice surprise. The story is quite fresh and unexpected in a lot of parts and we don't see much of Tom Hanks, which is a good thing as most of the story revolves around his son as the central character and all the other New Yorkers he encounters in his search.

A charming and different story that while it may be a nominee, it's apparent why it didn't win best picture.

Film Review - My week with Marilyn (Michelle Williams) ***.5

A strong performance from Michelle Williams as Marilyn in this film that explores how confused and delicate Marilyn apparently was despite her sexy, confident public persona. When in London on a film shoot Marilyn has a week long romance with a young film intern who unlike the rest of Marilyn's entourage, actually begins to understand her.

Kenneth Branagh also gives a fine performance as Marilyn's young love interest.

Album Review - Lillian Axe 'XI The days before yesterday' **

I loved these guys since day one but ever since original vocalist Ron Taylor left after their 5th album 'Psychoschizophrenia' in 1993 but except 'Fields of yesterday' (which was a compilation of early demos and re-recorded tracks also featuring Ron), every release since has just been disappointment after disappointment for me.

So sad as these guys used to be one of the most professional, serious American Hard Rock bands around with extremely strong songs. A perfect blend of Hair Metal and classy Hard Rock. I would have continued purchasing their albums forever had the original key members stay intact. And as each album since is released including this one almost 20 years later, it appears Ron was the key element.

The album cover is classy though. It gave my such high hopes until I listened to the audio content. Real pity.

Album Review - James Durbin 'Memories of a beautiful disaster' ***

Actually a half-decent debut album from last years self-proclaimed 'Metalhead' American Idol runner up.

11 surprisingly strong and succinct (yet mild) Hard Rock anthem-like tracks on this young Metal fans first effort. Actually I expected a heavier album with more screaming vocals from the young singer who got to perform for millions on national TV with his "Metal Gods" - Judas Priest!

I could also hear tinges of potential Sebastian Bach like yells on a track or two. There's Metal inside James somewhere, if only he'd let it out. Which maybe just goes to reinforce that nothing American Idol, or related with ever be True Metal.

Film Review - Beginners (Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer) ***.5

Although all the talk and focus as far as Oscar Nominees and Awards seems to be on Christopeher Plummer for his brilliant portrayal of an ageing gay father dying of HIV, people should also pay attention to Ewan McGregor as his son, in probably Ewan's best role in a long time.

Beginners is a quirky, yet brilliantly observed film of an ageing father in his later years who realises he's gay after the passing of his wife. And while he discovers his newly-realised gay side, he also discovers a new bond with his son as Ewan's character slowly begins to accept his dad's new gay lifestyle, while embarking on a new hetro-sexual relationship of his own.

Film Review - A Better Life ****

2012 Oscar Best Actor nominee Demian Bichir delivers a supremely heartfelt performance in this touching yet familiar tale of Mexican immigrants trying to make a better life for themselves North of the border. So much so that it makes familiar story topic, so fresh.

To be fair to the script, the film does have a lot of differences to similar stories gone before it, especially within the sub-plots and these are more than enough to differentiate it from others.

But it is the superb acting that sets it apart and really lets you get lost in the story so much that you forget the cast are actors.

The Best Actor Oscar will most likely go to a 'usual suspect' but that's not to say that Demian Bichir doesn't deserve the accolade.

TV Comedy Series Review - New Girl (Zoe Deschanel) ***

Although its name suggests the contrary, there's nothing that new about this light-hrarted sitcom.

Film Review - The Tree of Life (Brad Pitt, Sean Penn) **.5

Although one of the 2012 Oscar nominees for Best Picture, I certainly hope The Academy doesn't decide to vote extremely left field just to be different from all the other recent Award shows held before it.

I found it extremely difficult to remain interested and was tempted on many occasion to Fast forward the DVD but painstakingly held on until the first 2 seconds of the credits rolled. With very little dialogue and hundreds of completely unnecessary shots. And such a waste of Brad Pitt and Sean Penn's precious time, when they could be delivering other killer roles elsewhere. At least The Artist was intentionally a Silent Film and for good reason.

TV Drama Series Review - American Horror Story

Rather short, almost mini-series about a family who move into a notorious haunted house and challenge the dead occupants, refusing to move and then get to know the 'dead' occupants quite personally.

Film Review - Shame (Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan) ***

Although Michael Fassbender is a 2012 Best Actor nominee and gives a solid performance in this seedy role of corporate exec who can't have a normal relationship because of his porn and hooker addiction, unfortunately it's not enough to carry this film.

In this film Carey Mulligan plays Michaels' almost as screwed up sister, but like in all her previous roles (except An Education) she is frankly, annoying. Interesting as this story is, you can see why it didn't quite get nominated for any other Oscar categories.

Film Review - Martha Macy May Marlene ***

A great, gripping modern day 'Helter Skelter' story about a 20 something girl recently escaped a deadly Wako Texas type cult, who is trying to re-adjust back into society while staying with her sister and husband. But no matter how much she tries to get back on track she is ultimately to screwed up mentally to do so. All the while scaring the hell out of her family and us, the viewer.

Similar in style and dark Middle-American subject matter to one of last years Oscar nominees 'Winter's Bone' only this film just missed the nominee list but is still very worthy of watching.

Album Review - Van Halen 'A Different Kind of Truth' ***

The long-awaited comeback with David Lee Roth, sees an almost return to form and the heyday, with one foot firmly planted in the current day.

I was hoping for a continuation of where they left off with Dave, but maybe after almost 20 years, that kind of thinking was too unrealistic. Still a very good album after the very first few listens, just not as instantly catchy as 1984 was back in the day. While there's nothing quite as timeless as Panama or Hot For Teacher, some of the standout track highlights are You and your blues, Blood and fire, Stay frosty, Big river and Beats working'. And Eddie's guitar work is still as signature sounding as ever.

With many more listens this album could be a grower, I'd really like to be.

Album Reviews - Dio, Yngwie Malmsteen, Thin Lizzy, Guns 'n' Roses, Skid Row, Extreme, TNT, Hardline and Tyketto (Japanese SHM-CD Remasters series) *****

Like the Japanese always meticulously do when it comes to CD Releases, Rock, Metal or otherwise, this series is certainly no exception.

All the above classic 80's Hard Rock & Metal masterpieces have been faithfully reproduced and lovingly Remastered the best I think they could possibly ever look or sound (maybe with the Exception of Guns 'n' Roses - Appetite for Destruction, which for some reason only sounds marginally better). Some of these great albums have also been released as Mini-LP versions on CD format, true to the original sleeves, inserts and even gatefolds in some cases. And also with the Japanese-only Bonus Tracks still included.

A great chance to re-live the 80's with a handful of the best Hard Rock/Metal albums never sounding better. Supposedly there are a bunch more slated for re-issue in the near future. I can't wait.

Album Review - METALLICA: Beyond Magnetic ***

Should have been titled 'Damage Control' in the light of their woeful previous release Lulu.

Thankfully redemption, back to the proper Metallica fans know and love. All 4 songs are fantastic and have a slightly epic feel reminiscent of Classic old school Metallica E.P.'s like Am I Evil? with a slightly contemporary sound - just enough.

Great signs of the new album to come, hopefully. Apology accepted Metallica!

Film Review - J. Edgar (Leonardo Di Caprio, Naomi Watts...) ***

Albeit 'Oscar bait', I could also see why The Academy didn't bite this year with this film. While a very good period piece and a whole lot better than Leo's Howard Hughes portrayal in The Aviator several years back, the film just seem to lack that certain 'something' the Oscar Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress and Best Actor nominees have. However, not to take anything away from Clint Eastwood's Directing and storytelling, it's still an entertaining story of one of Americas most historical figures and top marks to the make-up for Leo's as an ageing Hoover.

Film Review - Hugo (Martin Scorcese) ****

A magic experience that really gets you in deeper as the further it progresses. A tribute to the history of filmaking cleverly disguised as a family film. And a visual feast all the same. Along with The Descendants, The Artist, War Horse and The Help it's definitely a potential candidate for the Oscars Best Picture.

Film Review - The Descendants (George Clooney) ****

Very well told and engaging story empathetically shot with the stunning backdrop of some of Hawaii's most picturesque locations. Possibly Clooney's best performance to date. But Golden Globe winners don't necessarily always translate into Oscar winners. Whilst a wonderful, heartfelt film, it has some very tough competition.

Film Review - War Horse (Steven Spielberg) ****.5

Amazing WW1 period piece with no expense spared. Like a perfect union of Gone with the wind and Lassie come home, shot with the help of the most up to date technology and effects at Spielberg's disposal. A serious Oscar contender and almost perfect on all accounts.

Film Review - The Help (Viola Davis, Emma Stone) *****

My personal favourite pic for Oscar winning Best Picture (if I were on the Academy judging panel). Although it was on the majority of Golden Globe nominee lists and did well in Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories, my gut feel is that it will definitely be a Nominee but might just miss out on best picture. But an amazingly heartfelt true story that sticks with you long after seeing it when it first came onscreen mid to late 2011. Really showcases how versatile a youn actress Emma Stone is proving to be, from her roles in teen films like Zombieland and Easy-A to a such a serious role in a classy period piece like The Help.

Film Review - The Artist ****.5

Apparently according to one major British newspaper, a lot of people were walking out of cinemas not long after the beginning of this film as they were disappointed because they couldn't grasp watching a Black & White silent film in this day and age.

Anyone these days who has an attention span of longer than 5 minutes and appreciation for historic film however, and stayed to enjoy the experience will have probably been completely immersed and felt transported back to 1927-1932 Hollywood and thoroughly enjoyed this wonderfully engaging story.

With fantastic storytelling, acting and lots of great ideas within ideas, not to mention the best dog support actor since Lassie, anyone who did stay and indulge in this film, has most likely seen the 2012 Oscar winning Best Picture.

TV Series Review - Homeland (Drama) ***.5

Although a completely different style of Drama, Homeland is probably the best new TV Series since Boardwalk Empire.

A surprisingly fresh and suspenseful series about an American soldier taken hostage, interrogated and tortured while missing in Iraq for several years, is found and returns home to his country and has to try and re-adjust to everyday life. All the while, US Government intelligence believes he was turned by the enemy during his time in captivity and are monitoring him to see if this is true.

Not as cliched and chest-beating as one might have expected, this Drama keeps you hanging and just when you think it's going to start resolving the story, the writers add another twist. A slow moving Drama but at the same time tense enough to be very engaging, with very solid acting all round.

Album Review - Anthrax 'Worship music' (Megaforce/Atlantic 2011)

Heavy Metal album of the year and a fine return to classic form. Great blend of classic Anthrax thrash circa 'Among the living' with just enough modern production to stay up with the times. Welcome back Joey Belladonna. Not a dud song on the album-all killer absolutely no filler and just a sheer pleasure to listen to from start to finish.