Jonah Hex

Jonah Hex is apparently based on a few short graphic novels. From what i understand, this movie tries to incorporate a bit of them all. After seeing the preview for this movie, it looked like a really fun movie, possibly in the same style as Planet Terror or Death Proof. However, when i got into the movie, most of the time was spent leading up to the exciting parts you see in the preview. When you see the preview, just add about an hour of walking to and from places, with very minimal dialogue and there you have it. The full length movie! Ta Da! Really the parts you see in the preview are pretty fun to watch when they're drawn out a couple more minutes, but they aren't much different. With such great actors as John Malkovich and Josh Brolin, you'd expect a little more, even from a movie like this. One plus though, was the fact that the movie was only about an hour and fifteen minutes long. Something i found a bit strange, since most comic book movies these days tend to lean more towards the three hour mark (i.e.- Watchmen) So bottom line, if you liked the preview, i'd leave it to that and not waste the $10 it costs to see this in the theater. Rent it on DVD in a few months, because i guarantee it won't be in theaters long.

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale

The Stone Brewery in San Diego is known for making powerfully flavored beers, with a bit of an attitude. They have every right to have this attitude, because their beers aren't for the casual beer drinker. Every beer they make is a behemoth of flavor. This Sublimely Self-Righteous beer of theirs is no exception. Upon pouring, one may think this is a porter because of the black color and the malty roasted scent. Upon further investigation of the bouquet, you get hints of spice, chocolate, a bit of a floral aroma, and just at the back, a bit of a pineapple odor. This pineapple scent is by no means present in the taste. The texture is light and smooth and surprisingly thin compared to the look of it. It does drink like a porter, however, the strong roasted flavor you normally get with a porter isn't quite as prominent. Compared to Stone's other beers this one has a more subtle taste initially. It actually hits you in just the opposite way their Ruination beer does. The Ruination lets it all hang out front, and you get all the flavor immediately. The Sublimely Self-Righteous is a little more devious, saving its kick for the finish. There is a somewhat piney flavor to the finish that is a little uncommon with beers this dark. The finish is very long and sustained, i found myself discovering new flavors in it about a minute after my first sip without taking a second. Yes its that complex. It does have the roasted flavor as most beers this dark do, however, its quite understated. Oddly enough, this beer was quite refreshing, and i'd recommend it to any serious beer drinker looking for a more quirky eccentric beer to drink during these hot summer months. Stone never disappoints with their beer, and this is probably one of their best. Not quite as pleasing as the Ruination, but its a very very close second.

Grace Potter and The Nocturnals

If you haven't yet heard of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, you're in for a real treat. The band and their wonderfully talented lead woman, singer/songwriter Grace Potter spin off some great vintage style americana rock and soul, with a bit of southern rock thrown in every now and then for good measure. Ms. Potter's voice lies somewhere between Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley and Janis Joplin, but the music definitely leans more toward the latter. Very similar to Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company, any fans of that soul r&b style rock will love this new updated version of a classic sound. "Tiny light" is a great song that builds and builds to a screaming climax by Potter and some wild guitar work by her backing band. "Only Love" has an "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks feel to it. Potter's songwriting is most definitely a woman's perspective on life and love. This may sound strange, because of course she's a woman, but so many women today tend to emulate the more dominant, and lets face it, more successful male style of songwriting. But its very refreshing to hear a woman, holding onto her femininity and sexuality, while still sounding like a strong woman who will fight for what she wants, but isn't afraid to admit when she gets her heart broken. She's the musical equivalent of Deborah Morgan from the show Dexter. Strange reference i know, but anyone who's followed the show will know what i mean, and if not, just ignore that comparison. All in all, this album has about 9 very strong songs, and a few that are passable, but on the whole, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals new self titled album is a home run. Go check it out for sure!

Shiner Hefeweizen

I've yet to try everything Shiner has to offer, but recently i decided to make an effort to try everything they had available. Since i'm in Texas and Shiner comes from Texas, its pretty readily available. They make some of the most pleasant every day beers around in my opinion. None of them are mind blowing in a good or bad way, but most are decent and easy to drink. Their contribution to the Hefeweizen style is no different. This beer initially has a stronger flavor than most beers shiner produces, which is a welcome change. This flavor becomes less pronounced as you drink however. The beer is brewed with citrus, i.e. orange and lemon. The citrus is not very evident on its own, but add a wedge of lemon or orange and they become quite a bit more pronounced. Hefeweizen beers contain a good deal more yeast than most other beers, which tends to settle at the bottom of the bottle. This requires a certain pouring technique which some people may overlook. You should pour about half of the beer in a glass, swirl the other half in the bottle a few times to disturb the yeast and then pour the rest into the glass. This makes sure you don't end up with sediment in your beer and also ensures all the flavors are present. Shiner Hefeweizen is a great beer to drink on a warm summer day. Its refreshing and not too heavy. The flavors don't linger very long, but the flavor you get with each sip is pretty good.

Shiner Smokehaus Sommer Bier

Shiner isn't known for making strange, powerfully flavored beers by any means. They do make a lot of fun, easy drinking beers though. The Smokehaus Summer beer is one that may be a bit strange for some people. The hops in this beer are smoked over mesquite wood chips for a while before the beer is brewed, which gives the beer a smoky flavor that some people might find off putting. However, if you're out grilling with smoke flowing into your nostrils anyway, you may not even notice the smoke flavor. Its not an overpowering flavor, but it is no doubt there. Aside from the smoke flavor you'll find a nice, pleasant light pilsner style beer underneath. This beer goes well with pretty much anything you might cook on the grill. I had it with bratwurts and also with steak grilled on a charcoal fire, and it was a perfect compliment. So if you're feeling a little adventurous, but aren't up for trying a full fledged German Smoke bier, give this shiner smokehaus a try.

Splice

Splice is one of those movies that can be taken one of two ways. IT can either be another stupid monster movie. Or you could take it as a fun way to get a conversations started. The movie has a strong ethical dilemma at its core. Human gene splicing. OF course this is a very serious topic in the real world, but movies like this make the discussion more fun. They do for me anyway. The ethical issues don't overpower the entertainment value though. Splice is still a monster movie with plenty of gross out and weird moments. May very well make some people a bit squeemish. This is more of a sci-fi movie than a horror film, so don't go in expecting to be terrified. But if you're looking for a fun monster movie, this is definitely a good one.

Get Him to the Greek

Jason Segel created one of the most memorable characters of the past decade when he wrote Aldous Snow into the script of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". People loved the character so much, a spin-off movie was created with Aldous as the main character. By now you've seen commercials for "Get Him To The Greek", which show off the movies more ridiculous, funny moments. But at the heart of this movie is, well, a heart. Under all the ridiculous humor and excess that is portrayed in this movie is really a story that is centered on its characters and their issues with themselves and others. And who knew Russel Brand could be serious long enough to get some real acting done! Get him to the greek definitely provides plenty of laughs, but don't write it off as just another stupid fun movie, which it is. But don't forget to pay attention, because you'll probably find yourself actually caring about these characters. Plus the soundtrack by "Infant Sorrow", Aldous' band in the film, is pretty kick ass.

Chuck Ragan "Feast or Famine"

Chuck Ragan is best known as the raspy voiced singer of a band called Hot Water Music, who are named after a book by Charles Bukowski. Ragan's solo music is not nearly as aggressive, or influenced by punk music much in general. Feast or Famine sounds more like an American singing old Irish folk songs, with a little protest music thrown in for good measure. The songs are all very well written, and they feel familiar, yet fresh and new at the same time. Thats a fine line to walk upon, but Ragan does it with what seems like such ease, you can't help but feel like you're in the presence of music thats destined to be a classic one day. Ragan is by no means a household name, but if you take the time to give it a chance, you may find yourself falling in love with one of the most overlooked and under appreciated musicians alive today. Key tracks "California Burritos", "Symmetry", "the Boat"