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BUY ... Comedian Aziz Ansari's CD "Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening."
While Aziz Ansari made be better known as "the Indian guy" from NBC's "Parks and Recreation," he really needs to be known as one of the great up-and-coming comedians.
The South Carolina native has recently appeared in many movies and TV shows including "Funny People," "I Love You Man," "Observe and Report" and "Flight of the Concords," but it's his first hour-long special, "Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening" that proves that Ansari can stand alone and still be hilarious.
Ansari mixes a unique delivery with sometimes inappropriate jokes centered on his family, Kanye West, Facebook and even Cold Stone Creamery. His comedy is truly original and while his bits may be choppy and unconnected, each joke provides enough laughs to make it all work.
Ansari ends the show with a cameo from his "Funny People" inspired, alter-ego RAAAAAAAANDY who is accompanied by a DJ. RAAAAAAAANDY's comedy, although a bit more inappropriate, maintains the hilarity Ansari prior to his appearance.
Overall, the special is fantastic either, especially coming from a .
- David Thompson
TAKE A PASS ON ... "The Book of Eli," starring Denzel Washington.
Check your expectations before walking into the theater to see "Book of Eli." This is not "Mad Max" meets "Boondock Saints," and it's not just reimagining in of the typical, badass Denzel Washington.
This is not to say it's a bad movie, nor that there is a particular lack of Denzel being badass. The problem, rather, lies with the fact that "Book of Eli" simply tries too hard to be meaningful.
The movie does not rob you of those cringing thrills that only Denzel can deliver as he throttles the life out of lesser mortals, but you'll also have to sit through painfully obvious religious symbolism and some poor characters which somewhat undermine the legitimacy of the crusade of Eli (Washington).
The plot bends and twists, there is decent excitement throughout and a certain degree of unpredictability from scene to scene.
But if you're not into deciphering the tone of a religious epic, you'll find yourself merely waiting between series of action sequences, which are admittedly pretty sweet.
Overall, the "Book of Eli" is a good movie, but it is clearly a very religious film. And if you walk in expecting "The Road" with Denzel packing heat instead of the single father (sounds awesome right?), you're going to be disappointed.
- Aaron O'Connell
NEXT TIME AROUND, GO SEE ... Rebelution, SOJA and Zion I.
Last Friday, Rebelution and SOJA brought their laid back reggae jams to a crowded Roseland Theater alongside socially conscious hip-hop artist Zion I. Both SOJA, or Soldiers of Jah Army, and Rebelution have moved out of relative obscurity in recent years to become two of the most popular reggae acts in America.
Rebelution rocked the Roseland with their catchy and danceable songs. The Santa Barbara natives are renown for their uplifting lyrics and inventive variations of traditional reggae riffs and beats. Their positive music has brought the band notoriety for songs like "Feeling Alright," and "Green to Black."
SOJA are an innovative band from Arlington, Virginia gaining recognition for their incorporation of rap vocals and use of guitar effects.
Their music also retains a powerful social message, and they have committed to donate a portion of their CD sales during their 2010 tour to relief services in Haiti.
Rebelution, SOJA and Zion I are in the midst of their 2010 tour and will be performing more shows throughout the rest of the US.
- John McCarty
