January 08, 2009

KHUSRO’S PICS

Twilight, based on Stephanie Meyer’s novel of the same name (there are four books in the series so far), will likely set the hearts of 14-year-old girls fluttering, including the 14-year-olds that lie in the hearts of 40+ women. Make no mistake — ostensibly this is a teen gothic romance/horror flick but what it is actually about is sex and the hormonal urges of young girls (and guys) everywhere.

When the dreamboat lead of our story, Edward Cullen (broodily played by Britisher Robert Pattinson in best James Dean/Jason Priestly/ Brad Pitt mode), who is actually a pale-skinned vampire and an eternal 17-year-old, refrains from feeding on our heroine Bella (Kristen Stewart) despite his deepest urges it is all a metaphor for abstinence and practicing self-restraint. When Bella offers her surrender we know it represents not her desire to become one of the undead but (ahem!) to “go all the way” like many good girls want to with many bad boys because they just know that the two of them are just meant to be together.

Director Catherine Hardwicke’s (Thirteen, Lords Of Dogtown) adaptation works best when concentrating on the breathlessness and heartache of teenage romance where those involved feel almost overwhelmed by their emotions (you remember what it was like, don’t you?) but it is less successful with plot and action (which basically involves the “good” vampires versus the “bad” ones). The special effects are also low-budget, B-grade stuff. But, drawing on its core teen audience, the movie’s been a monster (pun intended) hit at the box-office. So be prepared for the inevitable sequel which will probably have a bigger budget and therefore, hopefully, better special effects. Basically for teenaged girls of all ages.

kmumtaz1@hotmail.com

DVD

There are people you love, people you hate, but there are a few people you hate to love and Sebastian ‘Shark’ Stark is one of them. The former defense lawyer who becomes a prosecutor after one of his defendants commits murder, always catches the bad guy because of his ever-ready wit, know-it-all antics and sarcastic remarks that can even dent a diamond.

Shark: The complete season 1 features James Woods as Sebastian Stark who is an amalgamation of Perry Mason, Matlock and Dr House rolled in one. He is sharp as Mason, quick as Matlock and as insulting as Dr House if not more. But deep down, he has a soft corner which occasionally surfaces during the 22 cases of the first season.

In the pilot episode directed by Academy Award-nominated director Spike Lee, Shark is asked by one-time student and current district attorney, Jessica Devlin (the beautiful Jeri Ryan), to head a team of inexperienced assistant district attorneys and he does that with style. He makes a man out of the hard-working Martin Allende (Alexis Cruz), gets the rich and well-connected Casey Woodland (Samuel Page) to do some ‘amerceable work’, and has the attractive Madeline Poe (Sarah Carter) and Raina Troy (Sophina Brown) take the centre stage when he is not permitted to take the case.

Factually, wherever there is a hotshot lawyer, there is a detective that comes with the ‘package’. In Shark; the job is done by Isaac Wright (Henry Simmons of Law and Order fame) who provides the lawyers assistance outside the court.

The episodes featuring Wayne Callison (Bill Campbell) as a serial killer are the most amazing of the first season because this is where Stark meets his match. But finally, there is a reason why he is known as the Shark, for he has the ability to bite the bad guys, and he bites hard! And you thought it was safe to go back to the courtroom! — Seema Faruqi

ALBUM

Trace Adkins is one of the most respected country stars out right now. With nine albums under his belt and well known for his chivalry and gentlemanly ways, his popularity only seems to be growing.

In addition to fans of his country music, an expanding list of admirers resulted from his popular appearance on the Celebrity Edition of Donald Trump’s hit television show The Apprentice (Season 7). Although he did not win top honours on that programme, he made it to the Season Finale.

Adkins has just released his 10th CD, aptly titled X. The artist puts his stamp on all numbers particularly on the welcoming mid-tempo ballad Happy to be here and the family-oriented All I ask for anymore. He hits all the right notes on the rockin’ hook ridden Sweet, pulls off a tender side on I can’t outrun you and brings sexy back on Let’s do that again. However, he is at his most appealing when he’s at his most playful such as on Marry for money, his take on gold-diggers, or when he is at his most real, such as on the anti-war single Til the last shot’s fired.

An album full of quality, down to earth music, there isn’t a trace of artifice on X. — T. U. Dawood

SINGLE

Sara Bareilles’ Love Song is a vibrant, infectious ups-tempo number that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The strong, appealing piano base perfectly balances the pop harmonies and the intriguing lyrics.

A sign of the times, the single speaks of independence in a developing relationship with such well-crafted lyrics as “You made room for me/but it’s too soon to see/If I’m happy in your hands/I’m unusually hard to hold on to.”

The artist’s voice at times reminds one of Alicia Keys’, at other times Lauryn Hill’s or even Sarah McLachlan’s. But at the same time, Bareilles’ voice is very distinct in its charming combination of sultry and strident.

A true spirit, the Californian actually wrote this song not for a lover but as a stubborn response to her record label when they persisted in trying to mould her into a more mainstream frame. They demanded she write a love song and the unique, honest result is the song being reviewed here. As she sings, “I’m not gonna write you a love song/’Cause you asked for it/’Cause you need one, you see/I’m not gonna write you a love song/’Cause you tell me it’s make or breaking this…/I need a better reason to write you a love song today.”

Bareilles (pronounced Ba-rell-is) has a gift for crafting music and lyrics that instantly connect with listeners. Her tale of love seems both timeless and familiar. — T.U.D