Month: July 2013 (Page 10 of 13)

Blu Tuesday: Dead Man Down, Spring Breakers and More

July 9, 2013 /

Every Tuesday, I review the newest Blu-ray releases and let you know whether they’re worth buying, renting or skipping, along with a breakdown of the included extras. If you see something you like, click on the cover art to purchase the Blu-ray from Amazon, and be sure to share each week’s column on Facebook and Twitter with your friends.

“Dead Man Down”

WHAT: After she’s horribly injured in a drunk driving accident, French immigrant Beatrice (Noomi Rapace) seduces and then blackmails a professional killer named Victor (Colin Farrell) into exacting revenge in her name. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that Victor is also the victim of an unforgivable crime who’s spent the past two years plotting his own vengeance.

WHY: After making a name for himself with the Swedish-language adaptation of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling for director Niels Arden Opev. But despite a solid cast and a bigger budget, “Dead Man Down” falls disappointingly short of its potential. There’s nothing about this crime thriller that’s even remotely suspenseful, and that’s due in part to some pretty dull characters and a general lack of focus. The subplot revolving around Rapace’s disfigured woman doesn’t add much to the main story, and although it’s nice to see the actress reuniting with her “Dragon Tattoo” director, Rapace’s performance pales in comparison to her award-winning turn as Lisbeth Salander. Terrence Howard and Dominic Cooper fare a little better in supporting roles, but it’s not quite enough to save the movie from mediocrity. Then again, considering “Dead Man Down” was produced by WWE Studios (who have yet to make one good film), that’s not too surprising.

EXTRAS: The Blu-ray release boasts a trio of behind-the-scenes featurettes on the film’s production, cinematography and stunts. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing.

FINAL VERDICT: SKIP

“Spring Breakers”

WHAT: After four college girls rob a restaurant in order to fund their spring break vacation, the quartet’s hard-partying ways land them in prison. But when they’re bailed out by a charismatic drug and arms dealer named Alien (James Franco), the girls are introduced to a criminal lifestyle that’s far more dangerous than they could ever imagine.

WHY: Harmony Korine’s neon-tinged commentary on American youth culture has its fair share of admirers, but I’m definitely not one of them. Though I understand what the director was trying to accomplish with his satirical deconstruction of the typical spring break mindset (a heightened reality where there are no consequences for your actions), it doesn’t change the fact that it’s essentially a badly executed experimental film disguised as a mainstream crime drama. The female characters are excruciatingly one-dimensional (and whether or not that’s the point doesn’t make them any more engaging), and the constant repetition of certain scenes and lines of dialogue is incredibly grating. Sure, the movie looks great, but it’s also really boring – that is, until Franco shows up midway through and completely steals the show with one of the best performances of his career. His rapper-cum-gangster is immensely entertaining, almost hypnotically so, and it’s the only reason why anyone should consider seeking this movie out.

EXTRAS: In addition to a three-part making-of documentary, there’s a commentary with writer/director Harmony Korine, a music featurette, deleted and extended scenes, and a pair of VICE featurettes on the ATL Twins and party culture in Panama City Beach.

FINAL VERDICT: RENT

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Entertainment, Movies

What to Look for When Buying Fitness Equipment

July 8, 2013 /

two people working out in the gym

When it comes to maintaining good health, the importance of sticking to a proper fitness regimen simply cannot be overemphasized. Fitness plays a major role in overall health, and is just as important as diet in many ways. A proper fitness regimen will help you to:

• Maintain good health
• Look your best
• Lower your BMI

For a lot of people, getting to the gym on a regular basis can be next to impossible. Whether it be based upon motivation, scheduling, proximity or otherwise, there’s no getting around the fact that sticking to a proper gym regimen can be difficult. One of the best ways to bypass this issue is to set up fitness equipment within your own home.

When shopping for fitness equipment, there are a variety of things to look for before making a purchase. Since machines can be rather expensive, you’ll want to do a fair amount of research before throwing money towards anything. For best results, keep the following in mind when you set out on your search.

Shop Online

The main reason why many people feel as if home fitness equipment isn’t for them is because they don’t believe they can afford it. While these fears can sometimes be valid, there are plenty of ways to find machines that don’t cost a fortune. One thing to consider is buying exercise equipment online for a way cheaper price than in-store. The Internet has taken competition in the marketplace to an entirely new level, and there’s never been a better time for the consumer to jump on-board. Plus, there’s more variety to choose from online than you would ever find at a brick and mortar retail store; just another reason to browse the web.

Don’t Overshoot Your Needs

When you’re shopping for new fitness equipment, you should always strive to look for machines that feature only what you need out of them. The more amenities a piece of equipment features, the more expensive it is likely to be. This can be very beneficial to those who are extremely serious about their fitness goals, but it can be overkill for those who are simply looking to get fit. Instead, look primarily for machines that feature all the basics without any of the extra fluff. You’ll not only end up saving money, but you’ll probably save yourself from a fair amount of confusion and headaches as well.

Be Careful Buying Used

Used fitness equipment can truly be perfect for those who are on a tight budget, but this isn’t to say that it doesn’t sometimes come with issues. Fitness equipment tends to take a beating – cardiovascular machines are especially affected. If you buy used without knowing what you’re looking for, you may end up with a machine that is ready to break down as soon as you start working out on it. This is not only dangerous, but can result in an utter waste of money. Only attempt to buy used fitness equipment privately if you know exactly what you’re looking for an are well-versed on the finer points of different machines.

Fitness equipment can be vital in improving your health, and outfitting your home with a few machines doesn’t have to be as out of reach as it might seem.

Fitness

The Romanian Deadlift

July 8, 2013 /

Some use the names Stiff legged deadlift (SLDL) and Romanian deadlift (RDL) interchangeably, which is a mistake, because the two exercises are very different. However, both exercises do target the same muscles, which are the glutes, hamstrings and lower back, commonly called the posterior chain.

rdl_1

One of the primary differences between the RDL and the SLDL is that the RDL works the spinal erectors statically, because there is no movement in the spine during the exercise. In contrast, the SLDL works the spinal erectors more dynamically because of the rounding and un-rounding (flexion and extension) of the low back. The result of this movement is a great deal of undue stress on the lower back.

I’m not a big fan of the SLDL outside of light warming up and stretching. The rounding or flexion of the back in this exercise as one lowers the weight causes a high degree of stress on the ligaments of the spine. Spinal flexion in and of itself, let alone under a load, can be very damaging to vertebral disks, increasing the risk of disk herniation. Performing the SLDL with any degree of load needed to stimulate a growth and strength adaption would be a huge error.

Before we go any further, it’s been said that the RDL gets its name from a Romanian Olympic lifter who supposedly was seen performing the exercise with over 600lbs prior to winning a medal and setting a world record. Since the lifter was Romanian, the movement was dubbed the Romanian deadlift. Whether this is true or not, I’m not sure. I only know for sure what I’ve read, and have been told this story several times, and RDL is how most in the know refer to this exercise.

Compared to teaching the squat, deadlift or Olympic lifts, the RDL is easy. One starts the exercise standing with straight arms holding dumbbells or a barbell. One can use an over-under grip or double overhand. If the load is too much for the grip, which can be the case especially with heavy dumbbells, lifting straps can be used.

rdl_2

Keeping your back in a neutral position, start to move your hips back and lower the weight. The knees are bent slightly. While lowering the weight, it’s imperative to keep the back in a neutral position. A good way to ensure this is to perform the movement with your head up. Never, I repeat never, look to the floor while performing the RDL. The spine will follow the head. If you look down, your back will round. If the movement is performed correctly, you should feel the tension on your hamstrings.

From athletes, to bodybuilders, to powerlifters, the RDL is a superior exercise that should be included in any training program. Moderate reps of 6 – 8 are generally the best for most lifters. Higher reps can be used, but be aware of back fatigue, which can result in a breakdown of form.

It’s worth stressing that even though RDLs are known for causing severe hamstring soreness, the lower back is heavily involved. I would caution anyone squatting or deadlifting prior to doing RDLs to watch your form. The lower back can tend to fatigue and increase the risk of injury when performing the RDL in this sequence.

Fitness, Lifestyle

Book Review: The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face

July 8, 2013 /

bearded_gentleman

Our introduction to Dr. Allan Peterkin happened a few months ago when we were lucky enough to interview the physician, author and professor and ask him several semi-serious questions about being a man with facial hair; the pitfalls, the perks, the women… ahhhh, the women.

“The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face” piqued my interest in being a man again. Since the divorce, the flame had certainly flickered. I got my hands on a copy and the book is fantastic. It is the de facto quick reference guide on personal style in relation to facial hair ever created, and I am including “The Bible” in that generalization as well.

Dr. Allan Peterkin and Nick (side) Burns toe the line between tongue and cheek humor and historical analysis beautifully. You didn’t know a beard could be “historically analyzed,” did you? Read on, young brother.

The book is an easy read, weighing in at 142 pages comprised of five chapters. But so much ground is covered effortlessly that it could easily be 500 pages. In terms of usefulness, it could be 700 hundred pages. In terms of making you a better “beardsman,” it could be 1,000,000 pages; imagine the size of that book.

“The Bearded Gentleman” opens by addressing the age old question about beard growth in chapter one, “Should I Shave or Should I Grow?” It also attacks myths associated with beards and shaving head-on, leaving the reader with an authoritative answer on things we want to know, but forgot we wanted to know them.

Then, if we were to remember that we wanted to know them, we’d most certainly forget when being in the physical presence of a man with that breadth of knowledge, a man like Dr. Peterkin.

For instance, the number one myth about facial hair and styling is that shaving more actually makes hair grow faster or thicker. In fact, it does not have either effect owing to the fact that, “Facial hair is dead. It just seems thicker when it’s short. When you shave a hair, a once fine point becomes a blunt end, which feels thicker to the touch.”

Aren’t much for the book learnin’ Cletus? Well, calm down, fella. There are 50-plus pages detailing every style of facial hair you can think of, with pictures.

The weird shit that hipster was rocking on his facial canvas when you were in line at the post office the other day? Yeah, there’s a name for that. It’s called the “Garibaldi Beard.” From the “Freddie Mercury” to the “The French Fork,” there are images of each, alongside descriptions of how to achieve the look.

The book also addresses the social stigma associated with facial hair and what is socially acceptable in a classic Q&A format. For example, “Both my dad and my dentist now have goatees. Should I shave mine off?”

“The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face” is the perfect gift for the man in your life, or your mother-in-law who rocks a grey-haired goatee and is seemingly oblivious to it, though it makes everyone else around her so uncomfortable, they can’t even stand to look at her.

To order the book, click here. To write Dr. Peterkin a “Lust Letter,” check out his site here.

Books, Grooming, Humor, Lifestyle

App of the Week: Tiny Token Empires

July 7, 2013 /

Developer: HeroCraft Ltd.

Compatible with: Android Devices

Requires: Android 2.3 and Up

Price: $2.99

Available: here

I set out to find a productive app this week. Truly I did.

Though there were a couple of worthy candidates (the lively note taking app mem:0 and the resume creating app resume designer both warrant a look), one app peaked my interest more than any other this week, and kept me from being productive entirely.

In the spirit of trying to bring the best of the best in apps then, I’ve got to tell you about “Tiny Token Empires”.

If you’ve ever played “Puzzle Quest” or its sequel, you’ve already got an idea of what to expect from “Empires.” The difference is that while “Puzzle Quest” was an RPG that used matching puzzles in place of traditional combat, “Empires” is a world conquest sim with a similar puzzle battle formula.

You’d expect the world sim aspect to be the focus of this game then to separate itself, but you’d be wrong. That part is essentially an extremely watered down version of the “Civilization” games, as you build your resources and expand your empire by conquering the towns of nearby nations. While elements of that series like unit types, special characters and troop movements are present in “Empires,” all political aspects, or anything unrelated to military movements are not.

unnamed (1)

It’s a simplified style that only works as well as it does by playing second to what is an excellent puzzle system. Whenever combat is initiated, whether it be with rival armies or mythical creatures, a puzzle board is shown with all units involved displayed on both sides. To attack, you have to combine three of the same puzzle tiles (think “Bejeweled”) that match the color of one of your units. Defeat all enemy units, and victory is yours.

The combat element adds an incredibly welcome depth to the otherwise standard system, as you’ll have to always consider the colors you need, as well as your opponent to attempt to counter their best attacks. Similarly, getting the right combo chain can turn the tide of the battle entirely, as the right one can win you a battle instantly, or lose you everything. It brings an element of urgency to an otherwise casual game, and ironically leads to more strategy than the strategy element.

Like so many other noteworthy gaming apps, where “Empires” stands out is its style. Don’t be turned off by the cartoon looks, as they’re just used to enhance the game’s tongue-in-cheek approach to history. It’s not the type of humor that’ll have you laughing out loud, but it makes the game feel lively and spirited helping to combat the redundancy even the best of mobile games can fall victim too.

“Empires” is just the perfect example of a mobile gaming experience. At its heart it’s a pick up and play anytime puzzle game that everyone should have one of on their device, but the combat and five unique strategy campaigns, along with the well implemented art style, give it the kind longevity and depth not usually present in puzzle games. It all leads to a game that’s hard to put down, and impossible to forget.

“Tiny Token Empires” didn’t exactly invent its core concept, but it does execute it in a way that stands out from anything of its kind, and provides your next mobile game addiction without apology. So join me and put productivity off until next week (maybe) by trying “Tiny Token Empires,” my app of the week.

Entertainment

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