That's My Dad.

G.O.O.D. Music - Cruel Summer

For those interested in a slick Kanye West production, another “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” or a “Watch the Throne”, something crafted with the perfect blend of immaculately polished, fresh and clever million-dollar worthy bangers with the reputation of mainstream frivolousness, check these out: 

• To the World (Kanye West & R. Kelly)
• Clique (Kanye West, Jay-Z & Big Sean)
• Mercy (Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz)
• New God Flow (Kanye West, Pusha T & Ghostface Killah)
• I Don’t Like (Kanye West, Chief Keef, Pusha T, Big Sean & Jadakiss)

Everything else? Well, you’ve probably heard a generic hip-hop album before. (5/10)

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Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball

At age 62, Bruce Springsteen is back with another installment of his high-voltage American spirit on his 17th album: Wrecking Ball. And while Springsteen’s efforts, both as a musician and storyteller, come off stronger than ever, Wrecking Ball remains feeling just like the label says: another installment. As per usual, Springsteen soars with his brave, political arena-sized rock jams. His quieter moments on the album shine a brighter light on his gorgeous song-writing methods and unforgettable spirit of nostalgia. And he proudly embraces all traditional American music influences, from country to hip-hop, and wears them like an array of badges on a Boys Scout uniform. Springsteen’s pride and messages are bolder than ever, yet a taint of the all-too-similar ‘meat and potatoes’ formula in this otherwise socially austere record leaves much to be desired. (6/10)

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Filmmakers should never attempt to stereotype their films as intelligent.

The Ides of March is the next George Clooney project designed as a contemporary film that delivers an inventive and culturally-relevant impact (i.e. Up In the Air, Syriana). This time, Clooney takes on the directorial role along with the supporting lead in his political thriller The Ides of March.

The Ides of March tells a very clever and classic story. Set up in a ficticous political world, we watch a web of deception and double-faced characters unfold into a controlled and well-managed thriller. It’s not something we haven’t seen, but the care given to the core story shows itself in spades and gives the film a poetic touch. The film lets that channel through its most prominent vehicle: Ryan Gosling.

Ryan Gosling is one of this generation’s most hard-working and equally talented actors. Unfortunately, his good looks overshadow his true talents, leaving the masses to undermine his raw versatility. With this film, Gosling allow his classic straight-edged/well-rounded persona to seep into his character. The film then dishes out as much pain and conflict on him to see much his pretty face can really take. In these moments does Gosling show some bold moments of remarkable and livid acting.

The shame is, I didn’t enjoy this film or find it particularly necessary to well, exist. It seems very timely for a political thriller to come out, especially with the Clooney label. But all this film really does is carry a loose facade of the notion of being “politically relevant” and mimic recent downfalls in U.S. politics. It doesn’t prove anything, shed light on something new or has any commentary to provide. It’s a quality film that tainted itself with this unnecessary and overbearing notion of trying to be intelligent. Don’t wrap yourself around in it, its really not.
This film not my dad, but a lousy politican. (2/5)