Entertainment Blogs by TDJ

Drake - Thank Me Later: Gratitude for an Instant Classic

2010-07-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

The future of hip hop is here now and his name is Drake. When I first saw Drake last year I took him lightly and didn't think much of him. Looks can be deceiving because this guy is the truth like a lie detector test. The very rare double threat, he is a top ten MC and R&B singer in talent. A smooth MC with impeccable lyrical prowess and the gift of a golden singing voice, Drake is the most versatile performer since Lauryn Hill.

This brings us to his latest offering "Thank Me Later" which needs to be in your playlist now if not sooner. This album has something for just about everyone who likes music. For the hip hop heads the lyrical content is outstanding and near flawless. For the R&B fans there is plenty here to love and this album more than holds its own on that front. The beats are restaurant quality as Drake worked with a myriad of well respected and talented producers (Timbaland, Kanye, Swizz Beats). There are also a slew of guest appearances on this disc such as T.I., Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, The Dream and so on.

Even with all the aforementioned reasons to love this album, Drake himself is by far the reason this album is a classic. He is ridiculously sharp and on time with his delivery while avoiding an overly complicated sound. When Drake sings he has a certain presence while keeping the harmony and melody hypnotizing. It is a breathe of fresh air to hear an urban album that just flows and doesn't have to make money, drugs and murder it's only focus. Drake shows a lyrical creativity that lets his superior talent shine as bright as his future in this game.

My only small disappointment with this album is that there were a few really good songs that were left off. Drake released a mix tape a few months before this album that included a preview of some songs, some of which made the album and some that did not. I believe a few of those tracks would have shown even more of this artists talent and versatility. The best example is a track called "Mambo" where Drake spits over a reggaeton beat in English and Spanish. Unfortunately, as amazing as this album is it was just the tip of the iceberg in showcasing what this man can do.

Bottom line, this album is the best hip hop album I have heard so far. It's like getting two kinds of albums in one package with Rap and R&B well represented. Given that artists such as Eminem have already released new material this year, "Thank Me Later" is an even more impressive accomplishment. Ladies and gentlemen, we can all rest easy knowing that the future of urban music is in good hands with this 23 year old phenom.

2nd Chance DVD: The Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2010-07-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

We all went through that time in middle school where we tried to fit in and avoid being an outcast. This is why it may be a good idea to give "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" a 2nd look on August 3rd when it comes out on DVD and Blu-ray. Despite non-existent box office numbers earlier in the year, this movie has some merit and could make a good rental choice.

Based on the popular illustrated novel series by Jeff Kinney, Zachary Gordon stars as Greg Heffley, a 12 year old trying to fit in at middle school. He tries his hardest to gain acceptance and popularity at all costs. Even at the risk of alienating his best friend Rowley (Robert Capron). The story finds Greg trying to find his way and learn what is really important while trying to avoid the dreaded "cheese touch". This film also stars Chloe Moretz (hit girl in Kick-Ass) as Angie, an older schoolmate who tries to advise Greg on how to deal with middle school.

This is a funny, light, and entertaining film that is great for the family to watch together. It is smart and well put together with excellent rhetoric between all of the young actors. Zachary Gordon is witty and has excellent comedic presence and timing for his age. His performance alone is worth watching along with the other supporting kid performances. I see a lot of the young actors using this movie as a launching pad so be on the look out for them in the future.

In parting, this is a film tailor-made for "family movie night" at home. Though not necessarily worthy of spending $10.00 to $20.00 a person to see at a theater, it definitely will do nicely as a netflix or redbox rental to enjoy with family or friends. Wimpy Kid will make for 90 minutes of mindless and humorous fun.

Inception: Great From Start to Finish

2010-07-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

I went to the theater hoping for a decent movie, to my surprise I got a magnificent film that is destined to be a classic. Leonardo DiCaprio continues to work towards a legacy that will one day have him mentioned with the greats like De Niro, Pacino, Brando. Relative newcomers Ellen Page and Ken Watanabe give strong supporting performances as they continue to advance their careers. Combined with tremendous cinematography, intense CGI effects, and a compelling plot, Inception has the goods to last the test of time as one of the classics.

The film focuses on Dicaprio as Cobb, a talented man who has developed a way to access a person's dream for the purpose of stealing valuable secrets on behalf of paying clients. However, throughout this time of performing these acts he has cost himself a great deal in his personal life. Cobb receives an offer from a client that will help reunite him with his estranged children in return for completing a job. Unfortunately, this job requires Cobb to take his talents to a new level that he has never been able to successfully perform before.

With the help of Arthur (Watanabe), Adriadne (Page) and a few others this mission takes many complex twists and turns. The attempt to plant a subconscious idea in a young powerful heir's mind through his dream is met with unplanned resistance. The result is a powerful struggle against the clock to accomplish the job before the dream ends. This will also lead to Cobb having to confront his past or risk ruining everything that is on the line.

This film tells a great story while keeping the right balance of drama and believability. There was never a point where the movie lost that realistic feel that a thriller must have. The special effects were very life-like without going too far over the top. So many films today get to a point that starts "reaching" too far while trying to tell the story. Inception stayed with in the realm of reality while still taking you into a spectacular fantasy.

I have tried my best to come up with some cons for this movie but I really couldn't find very much to say. There are a few unexplained details I would have liked to have filled in but they were not necessary to the plot. Certain details may have been intentionally omitted in case it was decided that a sequel or prequel would be made. Also with a run time of over 2.5 hours it is likely that some details had to be left out to avoid an onscreen marathon.

I strongly urge to make it a top priority to go see inception before you see anything else. This is the best movie I have seen in a few years, with every aspect executed in flawless detail. Whether you are looking for spectacular effects, superb acting, or a well written dialogue there is something here for everyone. If you do miss this movie, don't worry it will be talked about for many years to come.

Fantasy Football Champ: It Can Be Real Baby!

2010-07-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

It's less than 7 weeks until the start of the NFL, and more importantly Fantasy Football season. Once again millions of people will start and participate in thousands of leagues across the country. Only a few will survive the intense competition and claim the sought after title of champion! Unfortunately, the same fantasy owners will probably make the same mistakes that were made last year and come up empty handed!

Fear not, hope is not lost on claiming victory from the hands of defeat. Some simple adjustments to drafting techniques, roster decisions, and in-season roster changes can get you over the hump. By knowing when to be proactive and when not to, you can definitely gain an advantage over everyone else.

First, think about the draft that comes before the season even starts. By going against the grain you can set yourself apart right away. Most fantasy owners still follow the same old strategy of drafting running backs for their first and even second picks. Unless you have one of the first three or four picks, it is never advised to take a RB in the first or second round. Once you get past those first few picks it is better to try and take the best player overall that is available whether it is a receiver or quarterback. Focus on getting the most depth at the WR, QB, and then RB position. You can normally get a quality RB by round 4 if there are less than 12 teams in the league.

It is ill advised to even look at a TE, K, or DST(defense/sp teams) before round 8. I have yet to see where having the best TE has ever been the difference in winning a title. DST is extremely difficult to guarantee in performance before the season starts. Every year a sleeper DST emerges that no one picked and becomes a major source of points. It can be claimed off waivers for nothing in return. This also holds true for a kicker, there WILL be a top 10 scorer on the waiver wire that emerges if you are on the look out for him.

All things equal, I prefer to make the WR position a priority, especially in leagues that start three receivers. The reason is that this is always the hardest position to fill during the season if an injury or bye week leaves you in need. Running backs can be found or traded for if you act fast because nowadays multiple backs get to share in carries. Also, this is the position that experiences the most injuries so there will be a "gem" that can be claimed off the waiver wire during the season, but again you must move quickly. When week 7 or eight comes along you will see owners who overlooked this position scurrying due to injuries or just some bad scoring performances. You will be sitting pretty with depth at WR to either keep what you have or trade for help at other positions. I personally would stay put if you have a winning record.

I have referenced the waiver wire throughout this post but it is important not to overlook its importance. So many owners use waivers as the last place to look towards improving the team when it should be first. Football is unpredictable, many guys who were "shoe-ins" to put up numbers fail and relative unknowns come out of nowhere and produce. Just be sure to check a waived player's performance from each week not just what he has done recently. Making sure a player's performance and playing time is consistent is essential before picking him up. Likewise, don't be so fast to drop a player after one or even two bad performances, look at the surrounding circumstances first then make that decision.

Occasionally a trade can help bolster a lineup but its not the norm. Usually it is a rare instance where both parties have corresponding needs that will make for a mutually beneficial trade. Be careful when someone offers an exchange, it is usually an act of a desperate owner who has made bad moves and is looking to salvage the season. If you are making wise and informed decisions throughout the season you won't need the help of a trade partner.

These techniques and strategies are a great way to write your own ticket to the playoffs. Once you are in the playoffs the depth that has been built gives the best position to get to the championship game. Once you're in the championship game...I'll stop there IT'S YOUR FANTASY!

Blinded By The Eclipse (Movie)

2010-07-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

I just got done watching a movie about a really pale guy, female that likes to dress manly, and a dude that never wears a shirt and turns into an animal. So either Carnival hit the big screen or another edition of the Twilight Saga is out. Had to remember it was Eclipse because it felt a lot like I was watching New Moon again.

Now that the Twilight franchise has established a winning formula it became apparent early that this one wasn't going to stray far from it. Bella is still the confused damsel in distress keeping her membership cards to both Team Edward and Jacob. Speaking of the devils, they both are still rivals who don't like each other. Both guys however have to get on the same page because a familiar enemy named Victoria is back in full force with a lot of new reinforcements. The Voltari and all of the other players from previous installments are back for this round.

Many of the great aspects that have defined Twilight are still very much alive for Eclipse. Details continue to emerge through out the movie that continue to reveal more background on the various characters. The epic and CGI smothered scenes you would expect are plentiful through out. The gut-wrenching, forbidden love melodrama that die hard twilighters demand is also here in force.

This is where I became disappointed with Eclipse because the film felt like it was stuck in neutral. I have come to expect a sequel to introduce some kind of new dynamic that moves the storyline forward to keep the audience interested. I was expecting some kind of dramatic shift or addition to the storyline that was not to be. It was pretty much the exact same characters as New Moon. The plot remained identical to the prior installment. Bella is still trying to put her feelings for Jacob aside to move forward with Edward. At the same time Victoria is still looming seeking her revenge, so the love triangle has to turn its attention to this threat.

All and all the movie was okay, but was severely lacking in that "wow" factor that is needed to move a franchise forward. This film is fine for the short term but it may cool off my interests in the franchise moving forward. I would say I got half my money's worth and come next year I probably won't run to the theater to see the next one.