This is the first Nintendo Transformers game I've purchased, mostly because all the rest of them have had had poor reviews (movie games) or are sad renditions of games for other systems (War for Cybertron). Transformers Prime the Game gets it right. Good story that fits in like episodes of the show with the original voice actors, fun gameplay with fighting combos, L-targeting and the ability to transform into vehicle mode at will. The vehicle mode is well integrated into the gameplay and useful in combat situations. The only drawbacks are the lack of online play against other players, only local battles requiring multiple game cards. Additionally, the game is pretty short but the price reflects this. If you love the show, get the game.

Alien 3 gets a lot of flack for undoing everything that it's predecessor accomplished but it's a completely different animal than James Cameron's film. This Blu-Ray release looks gorgeous and the Special Edition from 2003 is well worth watching for a more complete story. This film is more dark and artistic than "Aliens" and slower paced, more like a sequel in the same vein as the original and Weaver's performance is excellent with a fine supporting cast. Highly recommended for those who consider the series to be a trilogy. Underrated but awesome.

As with other reviewers, I couldn't help noticing the similarities with World War Z by Max Brooks. The story is decent and gripping at times but few of the characters are developed enough to make you care about their outcome. One thing to keep in mind is that this takes place in the future, otherwise some of the events just don't make any sense for our modern world, such as the previously mentioned killer toys. That being said, if you haven't already read WWZ and are a fan of fiction like Terminator and I, Robot, you'll probably enjoy reading this.

Season 4 introduces John Lithgow as the Trinity Killer, another serial killer with a seriously messed up past. Lithgow provides some excellent acting in this series, quite the departure from his comedic role in 3rd Rock. The dynamic between Dexter's family life and his dark secrets continues and I have to say that ever since the events of Season 2, the relationship between Rita and Dexter has been strained and gets tedious at times. Quinn does well in the role of antagonist but he's no Doakes. In my opinion, this is the most disturbing season of Dexter thus far but it definitely grabs hold of you. Recommended for Dexter fans but not the faint of heart.

Chip Davis has created a monster that needs to stop. The first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album in 1984 was cutting edge stuff, an excellent fusion of renaissance-style traditional carols with synthesized music. "A Fresh Aire Christmas" may be even better but then it begins to slide downhill as Davis creates formulaic interpretations of songs. The third album in this series was tolerable but doesn't quite live up to the standard from the first two records. The problem is that Davis ran out of material and has delved into working with 20th Century Christmas tunes that sound cheaply done in the Mannheim Steamroller style.
Christmas Song is mostly filler with "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" representing the only decent effort but even this sounds old hat. Most of the tracks such as "Let It Snow" and "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" are pretty pathetic versions that any kid with a decent synthesizer could hammer out. Where are the lutes and traditional instruments? The vocals used on "Christmas Lullaby" and "The Christmas Song" are decent but don't bring anything exciting to the table. Chip Davis has fallen so far that he's resorted to re-hashing "Traditions of Christmas" from the the second Christmas record. Don't waste your money on this as it will surely pop up in your local used record shop. Go out and buy Mannheim Steamroller "Christmas" and "Fresh Aire Christmas" or even "Fresh Aire V" to get a taste of what Mannheim once was. I love the early albums but Davis has sullied his reputation in recent years.

After the dismal effort that was "St. Anger", I was eager to see whether Metallica could redeem themselves on "Death Magnetic". I was wrong. Although the band has brought back the guitar solos that were missing from SA, this album is mediocre at best. The songs are bloated and appear to be a random bunch of older Metallica riffs overtop of SA leftovers. James' lyrics are cliched and uninspired stuff such as "What don't kill you make you more strong" from "Broken, Beaten and Scarred". He also continues to sing in the style he adopted during "Load" and I longed for his more aggressive 80's growl. "Cyanide" is another weak song lyrically with it's misguided musings on death and suicide. It's all been done before. A friend of mine didn't get through the whole album because he decided it was just too boring. There is also the issue of sound quality as the sound seems quite distorted and Lars' snare drum is just too overbearing. The only highlights of the album are occasional Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath inspired riffs, particularly in "The Day That Never Comes". This is better than the last few Metallica efforts but there is much better metal out there these days. Go check out Warbringer for some modern thrash or Trivium who have taken what Metallica started in the 80's and made it their own. Quite frankly, Metallica has been left behind in the metal world and should consider hanging up the guitars and packing away the drum kit. I've given up hope for these guys. Only die-hard Metallica fans who worship anything the band does could possibly give this album 4 or 5 stars. Poor misguided souls.

Fans of In Flames are divided between those who long for a return to the pure melodic death metal stylings from the Jester Race/Whoracle era and newer fans who have been attracted to their more mainstream sound since Reroute to Remain. A Sense of Purpose will probably be a disappointment to those who think Whoracle was the pinnacle of melodic death metal. The band retains their newer sound throughout this album with simpler song structures and Anders doesn't have the same death metal growl he once had, preferring to use cleaner vocals and the "Anders Yelp".

The sound is similar to RTR with tinges of old In Flames, particularly on "I'm the Highway", "Drenched in Fear" and"March to the Shore" where Jesper and Bjorn treat the listener to some excellent riffage and even bring back the classic dual guitar harmonies at times. "Sleepless Again" and the interlude in "Alias" got me excited as it was reminiscent of Acoustic Medley-era songwriting but quickly transitioned to modern In Flames. The album works overall although some may say that "The Chosen Pessimist" doesn't fit mid-album with it's slowed tempos. The weak spot on the album is "Disconnected" where Anders lyrics are pretty juvenile...you'll see for yourself. I found myself longing for the days when IF lyrics dealt with sci-fi themes rather than this new angst-ridden material. I would have given this album 3.5 stars given the option.

Fans of more recent In Flames albums will enjoy this one but don't expect another Colony or Whoracle or you will be disappointed. Lets face it, musical integrity is one thing but if you want to make it in the music business, you have to pander to the common denominator. In Flames has put out a decent disc that keeps them moving forward and I'd rather listen to this album than no new In Flames at all.