THE GOOD
“The Book of Genesis Illustrated by R. Crumb”
(COMIC BOOK)
Robert Crumb has long been known for the atheistic irreverence in his controversial art. Instead of taking the obvious route of outright spoofing the book of Genesis, the king of underground comics employs a straightforward, scholarly approach. By staying as close as possible to the original translations of the first book of the Bible and Torah, R. Crumb’s illustrated interpretations of God and the characters of Genesis make his newest graphic novel stand out as the best of the year.
“The Venture Bros.”
(TV SHOW)
Adult Swim is airing a new season of the hilarious cartoon that lampoons “Jonny Quest,” “The Hardy Boys” and the entire action-cartoon genre. “Monarch” and the “Venture” family return with
Hitler assassination attempts and a retired superhero who is an obvious pedophile. The man genius, boy idiots and hired muscle of “Venture Bros.” spice up an Adult Swim line-up that has been lacking as of late.
THE BAD
“Party in the USA”
(SONG)
Miley Cyrus has been corroding tween minds and Wal-Mart shelves for years with her abysmal music. Her latest song is one of the most annoying things I’ve ever heard. Apparently the “Hannah Montana” star’s idea of a “Party in the USA” is listening to Britney Spears in a taxi. Disney Channel slaves like her and the Jonas Brothers are a scourge on society.
“The Resistance”
(ALBUM)
With “Absolution” and “Black Holes and Revelations,” Muse had been releasing a string of incredible albums, but the band takes a step back with “The Resistance.” Cheesy guitar wails and even cheesier politically-charged lyrics ruin otherwise creative song structures. Frontman Matthew Bellamy still shows he’s one of the most talented musicians performing today, but “The Resistance” leaves much to be desired.
THE UNDECIDED
“The Road”
(MOVIE)
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from the best author in America is being adapted to the big screen. Cormac McCarthy’s story of a man and his son’s epic journey through the end of civilization stars Viggo Mortenson, Robert Duvall and Charlize Theron. ‘Nuff said. The last McCarthy book to get film treatment was “No Country for Old Men.” ‘Nuff said, again.
“Planet 51”
(MOVIE)
“Planet 51” looks like a promising children’s movie that turns the alien invasion story on its ear. A human astronaut lands on an alien planet similar to Earth, where the green inhabitants treat the explorer like an enemy. The concept seems like a cute and simple way to convey society’s disdain for things it doesn’t understand.
