FEATURES

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Only God Forgives' proves to be brutal film with misunderstood meaning

It wouldn't take people longer than 30 seconds to type Nicholas Winding Refn's newest film, "Only God Forgives," into their search browser, float their mouse over any one of the film reviews, double-click and see that just about every major film critic from The Huffington Post to The New York Times wrote the film to ribbons. Simply put, they hated it. All of them. One particularly insulting review put it among "the top five worst films of all time," another marked it as "pretentious macho nonsense" and one even went as far as to say that "it can't be saved from itself." The similarities from review to review raised a slew of questions in my mind.

The Vineyard' ventures into new territory for ABC Family

ABC Family, the network best known for its hit teen soaps, has officially entered the reality field with the premiere of "The Vineyard." Set on Martha's Vineyard, the show centers on 11 locals and visitors who come together to take on what is sure to be an eventful summer. While the new series does show some promise, the question remains whether it can find the same success as the channel's scripted programming.

RED 2' is a locked and loaded summer hit

Once again the A-list cast of the 2010 action-comedy film "RED" has found its way back into the summer hits conversation with the premiere of the sequel "RED 2", which debuted in theaters July 19. Produced by DC Entertainment, "RED 2" is part of a recent neo-noir movement in Hollywood that is gaining popularity with its knack for quick-wit comedy infused with thrilling action scenes reminiscent of early 20th century gangster and crime genres.

Pacific Rim' blends good storytelling with blockbuster action

Guillermo del Toro, the writer and director of surrealist/sci-fi films such as "Pan's Labyrinth," "Hellboy" and "The Devil's Backbone," gives the world a work that's one-part roller coaster and two-parts virtual simulation: "Pacific Rim." Released July 12, his team of pseudo-stars such as Charlie Hunnam ("Sons of Anarchy," "Children of Men"), Rinko Kikuchi ("Norwegian Wood," "The Brothers Bloom") Idris Elba ("The Wire"), and Ron Perlman ("Drive"), offers a monstrous heavyweight of a film weighing in at 131 minutes long which is as dynamic as it's entertaining.

The Bridge' mixes culture clash with murder for compelling TV

FX sure picked the right time to premiere "The Bridge." After all, what better time is there to air a show set on the American-Mexican border than during Congress's ongoing debate about immigration reform? But "The Bridge" isn't a political series, at least not on the surface. Rather, it explores the differences between life in the United States and Mexico through murder. It's a unique concept that might just make for one of the most promising new programs of the summer.

Big Brother' off to intriguing start for 15th season

Summer brings about many things each year - warm weather, vacations ... and backstabbing? It certainly does in the Big Brother house. The reality show competition has returned for a fifteenth season on CBS, featuring 16 contestants living and competing against each other. Each week a player is eliminated, with the last person standing winning the grand prize of $500,000. Let the secret alliances begin!

ABC Family launches two addictive shows for summer

Despite production woes, "World War Z" triumphs

We are in the middle of a zombie renaissance. Ever since "The Walking Dead" completely revamped the genre, film and television studios have scrambled to produce their own projects featuring the undead. "World War Z" is the latest attempt to capitalize on the zombie craze. Though production woes (including having to shoot an additional third act) indicated it would be dead on arrival, the movie proved highly enjoyable - on par with the best of zombie lore.

No lie - 'Pretty Little Liars' returns on top

The mystery, secrets and murder are back as "Pretty Little Liars" returns for a fourth season on ABC Family. If the premiere is any indication, it's sure to be a great one. This time Spencer, Hanna, Emily and Aria not only must unravel the mystery behind their friend Alison's disappearance, they have to also find out who killed Detective Wilden.

Man of Steel' revitalizes the Superman franchise

Without question, Superman is the most iconic of all comic book heroes. That's not to say he's the best - it just means he's the benchmark to whom all other superheroes are compared. Not only is he one of the original heroes, he also possesses all the qualities one is expected to have: selflessness, super-human abilities and the like. In short, when most people hear the term "superhero," they think of Superman.

Secret Life' ends with disappointing finale

Since 2008, fans of the ABC Family show "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" watched in earnest as the characters struggled with the dramatic decisions, challenges and dilemmas of high school life. For them, the finale was supposed to be the meaningful culmination of five years of viewing. It was also going to answer the question five years in the making - which love interest would Amy choose? Instead, they got an unsatisfying answer and a rather lackluster series conclusion.

Interesting story lines ahead for third season of 'Falling Skies'

With so many different science fiction shows on television today ranging anywhere from zombie apocalypses, nightmarish urban legends and southern vampires, it is rare to see a program set itself apart from others quite like TNT's "Falling Skies," whose third season premiered Sunday, June 9. What makes it so much different? No other television show is as committed to the science fiction aspect of their content quite like this series. Not to say "Falling Skies" isn't packaged with a great plotline, but while other science fiction programs are mainly story-driven, this particular one is primarily concerned with inviting viewers to fully embrace its sci-fi elements.

Broadway's 'Annie' revival is "glee"ful

Are you a fan of "Glee"? If you like Sue Sylvester,take a trip to New York City soon to see her on the Palace Theatre stage. Making her Broadway debut, Jane Lynch is now starring as Miss Hannigan in the revival of "Annie" on Broadway.

The Bachelorette' returns with laughs, tears

Fans of rose ceremonies and reality show love have to wait no longer - the new season of "The Bachelorette" is here. This time Desiree "Des" Hartstock is in the title role. Hartsock was last seen being rejected by "Bachelor" Sean Lowe following a disastrous hometown date ruined by her crazy brother. Now it's the bridal stylist's chance for love, as she returns to the mansion in the midst of 25 new guys vying for her affection. The question is, will Hartstock finally find her Prince Charming?

Chesney releases island themed album

Kenny Chesney reminds fans to slow down and soak up the sun in his new island-themed album, "Life On A Rock," which was re­leased on April 30.

Pain and Gain' is far from painful

Ordinarily, a movie in which the main characters torture and kill innocent people would not be very pleasant to watch. It would be even worse if such a film were based on a true story. But the real events depicted in "Pain and Gain" are so bizarre and unbeliev­able that you can't help but find them humorous. Coupled with the sleek way Michael Bay tells the story and the excellent perfor­mances from his actors, the movie adds up to one highly enjoyable farce.

Iron Man' franchise returns with more edge

The "Iron Man" franchise is again in the spotlight as "Iron Man 3" debuts in theatres every­where May 3, another Marvel comic book-turned-movie that is sure to be a summer box office hit.

Married to Jonas returns to E!

"Married to Jonas," E!'s hit show that aired last summer and captured many young women's eyes, has come back for its second season.

Get creative with your cap and gown

With graduation fast approaching, the seniors are faced with a very important question: how will they decorate their caps?

Cruise's talent proved in recent sci-fi flick

Most actors popular in the science-fiction and action genres start to see their careers wane by the time they reach middle age, but for Tom Cruise things are different. At 50, Cruise is still at the top of his game with stellar performances in numerous block­buster films. His latest movie, "Oblivion," is no exception. Fea­turing an intriguing story, beauti­ful imagery and the usual excel­lent job by the long-time star, "Oblivion" indicates that Cruise's days as a box office hero are far from over.