At World’s End, the final film of the Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy is, arguably, the weakest of the franchise with a plot that is too convoluted and a story that is too fantastical. It is ironic then that the soundtrack is easily the best of the three. With this particular installment, composer Hans Zimmer has further expanded his palette to great effect. Not only does he have the themes from the first two films to draw upon, but he adds a couple of new themes and motifs that are just as enjoyable.

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Topics: Film Music
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“The Devil In The Dark” is a good episode for showcasing the ideals which Star Trek strives to embody. There are some interesting “Jaws” like moments when, before we see the episode’s monster, we’re subjected to a more psychological kind of horror by way of everyone’s reactions surrounding the dozens of murders. But the episode is clumsy in terms of plausibility, and it stumbles with its pacing and preaching as it reaches its conclusion. The result is to make “The Devil In The Dark” a memorable, and yet less than average episode – one whose value diminishes with repeat viewings.

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Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
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If Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was an exercise in brute force, Dead Man’s Chest demonstrates what can happen when that brute force begins to be channeled into new and creative avenues. The soundtrack is still a sonic assault, but it also is much more diverse and epic than its predecessor. Composer Hans Zimmer greatly expands his canvas in this installment, including new themes for the Kraken, Davy Jones and even Jack Sparrow. The soundtrack is also longer, providing more opportunity for listeners to get to know the new musical additions.

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Topics: Film Music
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“S.O.S.” is an episode that confronts issues of faith – and the clash between blind faith and the need for action. This is done by way two stories, each with their own perspective on the issue. But once again, the explorations of these ideas are very minimal, especially compared to the heavier focus on exposition. In other words, the episode is more interested in conveying information – past and present – instead of asking questions, and following wherever the answers may lead.

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Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
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This episode begins with the final scene of the last episode — with the doctor performing some kind of bizarre procedure on Nick. Suddenly they are interrupted by two men, one carrying what looks like a vacuum cleaner on his back (or is that a Ghostbusters nuclear accelerator?). In any event, the one intruder has his arm severed by a laser-like weapon from the doctor. The doctor is subsequently shot by the vaccuum cleaner … and then so is Nick.

And then it becomes … surreal.

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Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
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“This Side of Paradise” is a close look at the potential benefits of a purely peaceful, sedentary life. At the center of the episode’s thematic conflict is Kirk’s assertion that humanity needs challenges and conflict in order to grow and evolve – to be human, in other words. And that life in paradise robs humanity of its vital need to improve itself through industry and hard work to overcome the obstacles which provide the motivation for our growth. Unfortunately, these issues are more or less buried in an episode that seems more concerned with the “wow” factor of Spock climbing trees and falling in love than it does with staying on message.

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With the end of Harry Potter, the literary world has been in search of “the next big thing.” One contender for the mantle of fantasy-genre leader is Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series, currently standing at four books and projected to top off at seven installments. Book One, titled Magyk, introduces us to Sage’s creation, to the characters which we are meant to follow for the series, and the villains who will try and rule the world for their own ends. As books go, especially ones with adolescent readers in mind, Magyk is a fairly long book – which can be intimidating for readers who are just learning to get through novels written by the likes of Jerry Spinelli or Roald Dahl. But Potter veterans shouldn’t blanche at the sight of Magyk and, truth be told, it’s a much quicker read than most Potter installments. But is Magyk any good?

Well, it’s average.

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Topics: Book Review, Fantasy
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American Psycho is a satire. I get that. American Psycho is a dark comedy. I get that, too. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a well-crafted film, which provides insightful, intelligent commentary on the targets of its satirical comedy. Rather, American Psycho has more in common with Idiocracy and Steven Colbert than it does with John Stewart or Wall-E. The truth is, American Psycho is simply a clumsy attempt at complex literary forms.

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Topics: Comedy, Film Review, Satire
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Idiocracy is a stupid movie about stupid people. It’s unfortunate when a well-timed, highly relevant satire can’t get out of its own way and ends up becoming that which it purports to ridicule. I really liked the film’s premise, illustrated in a wonderfully quirky, and morbidly funny, narration. And if you pay attention to the film, there are certainly enough references to current times to provide a legitimate backdrop for a satirical story. The problem with the film is that not does it end up being a feel good story about stupidity, it also is about sixty minutes too long.

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Topics: Comedy, Film Review, Satire
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“Love Costs”  introduces us to Anna’s growing suspicions about Nick, who suddenly wants to leave Paris and go to Madrid.  Anna decides that her mistrust of Nick warrants following him into the “crappy part of town” to see what might be going on.  She suspects that, perhaps, Nick is in over his head on a shady business deal.  But what she discovers is something much more shocking.

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Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
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“Dave” is a Hurley-centric episode that lightly focuses on obsession and our perceptions of reality. And it’s mildly successful. But there is a definite emphasis on narrative over not just characterization, but thematic and symbolic elements. The result is an episode that, while interesting for its revelations about Hurley’s past, and the further unraveling of Henry Gale’s character, just isn’t able to measure up to the series’ own standard set during season one and the beginning of season two. The problem is that if you’re going to have a narrative-driven episode, it has to be pitch-perfect. And this episode is far from perfect.

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Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
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I don’t rightly know what to think … On the one hand, I was highly amused and laughed out loud numerous times. On the other hand, one girl was found murdered and another was found raped and in a near catatonic state. Such is, I suppose, the paradoxical nature of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks series – a twisting mystery set in an idyllic northwestern town. Not to mention that this was one quirky episode. Characters walking into conference rooms might find donuts lined up in neat little rows or moose heads just sitting on the table, blankly staring off into nothingness. Such is, I suppose, the quirky nature of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. One thing is for certain, Twin Peaks is liable to have two kinds of reactions: love it or hate it. And, for the pilot episode at least, I loved it.

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Topics: Mystery, TV Reviews
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Subject to change, the following is DauntlessMedia.net’s release schedule, which contains completed reviews and articles, as well as their anticipated release dates for the week of August 25 - September 1, 2008:

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“The Spiderwick Chronicles” is middling fantasy movie that combines some wonderful fantasy elements with a spectacularly subpar production. The result is a film that will likely finds its niche of young fantasy fanatics – but even that audience may turn its nose away from the suspect writing, directing and acting. The movie isn’t a complete failure, but “The Spiderwick Chronicles” is a less than average film.

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Topics: Fantasy, Film Review
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“A Taste of Armageddon” features a singularly intriguing concept, an outlandish plot, and some very interesting commentary on war and “civilized” cultures. For the most part, the episode is successful and conveying its message, despite some obvious distractions such as an implausible premise and a slightly overwrought plot. The fact is, this episode epitomizes the campy, “over-the-top” approach for which Star Trek is often stereotyped. And here’s the interesting part: it’s still a very good episode to watch, enjoy, and think about.

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