IOS Review: ‘Hip Hop Trivia Starring Murs’ Is Worth A Spin

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March 19, 2014

Growing up in the 1980s, I fashioned myself a hip-hop head, but the recent iOS release Hip Hop Trivia put me in my place. The game is hosted by revered indie hip hop artist Murs, who essentially serves as the de facto Pat Sajak in these proceedings.

Although you won’t be buying vowels with Hip Hop Trivia, place a finger on your screen to spin the wheel. Categories featured on the wheel include East, West, Midwest, South, Mainstream, Old School, New School and Underground. Obviously the Mainstream questions are the easiest ones to answer, and although I did embarrass myself with a slew of wrong answers (especially with the Underground section), I currently have over $113,000 in my hip hop bank account.

The goal is to reach $24,000 within eight rounds, and the faster you answer a question, the more money you’ll receive. For example, I was quick to the trigger with this Grey Album question, and I took home $2,000 for my troubles.

Multiplayer mode is also offered, as gamers will take turns using the same device to figure out who’s the true hip hop expert. It’s a great feature to have for players who both love this genre, and with the plethora of categories available on the wheel, there are enough variety of questions to keep things interesting.

Since my personal bank roll is a bit light these days, I love landing on the Big Money slot. Once the wheel stops at this section, you will spin another wheel to get immediate cash, and it’s a definite aid in reaching your 24K goal by the eighth round.

For just $0.99, hip hop fans will be able to test their knowledge of the art form, and as a simple Q&A game interspersed with commentary from Murs, it’s not such a bad deal. Towards the end of your round Murs tells fans to check back for further Hip Hop Trivia updates. Hopefully this rapper is true to his word, as more questions, and some added bonuses (maybe the chance to unlock a Murs song?) could seriously increase the app’s creative value.

Until then, Hip Hop Trivia is still a fun enough title to download, especially since once in a while, you’ll hit the jackpot. Even if it’s just a fiscal fantasy with my iPad, a wheel bonus cash reward isn’t something to complain about.

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Hip Hop Trivia: Version 1.01, Size: 242 MB, Rated 12+, Digital Dreams Entertainment LLC. $0.99 Compatible with iPhone, iPad, & iPod touch

As for Murs, he recently talked about his track “Everything” (from the 2008 album Murs for President), which he performed at South by Southwest:

This is my favorite song by me. If there is any song that I’ve made that sums up who I am as an artist and a human… http://t.co/AkuXzW5SNb

— Murs (@MURS) March 19, 2014

‘Money Talks’ Star Steve Stevens Is A “Master Closer”

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Greg Srisavasdi

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March 19, 2014

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March Madness is here, and this college basketball tourney translates into frenzied spending time for gamblers. For tips on how to spend your hard earned cash, CNBC may have the answer (that is, if you’re a betting man). The reality series Money Talks has sports handicapper Steve Stevens (aka Darin Notaro) ruling the roost with his Las Vegas based consulting agency VIP Sports. The goal for Stevens is to offer sage advice to his high powered clients so both sides prosper in the process.

Although the house always win rule should almost always apply, Stevens sees a certain science with betting. “Before I go into the day, there’s a set amount of games that I’ll play,” said Stevens, who was born and raised in Sin City. “I’ll either play one, or on the weekend I’ll play three. I’ll never play two. I’ll never play four because there’s a certain statistic of how you can hit playing three games and how you hit playing one game. You have better odds at playing three than you do at two. You have a better chance of winning at one than you do at two. It’s a formula to strategize the numbers. It’s a strategic and multi-billion dollar business and numbers are a very big part of it.”

During a recent interview with Stevens, I asked him why he considers himself a “master closer.” click on the video for Stevens’ answer:

Matthew Morrison On Glee’s 100th Episode: “It’s Been Quite A Ride”

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Greg Srisavasdi

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March 18, 2014

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The 100th episode of Glee airs Tuesday night, and for Matthew Morrison, his first scene on the show was opposite late actor Cory Monteith (when Will Schuester accused Finn Hudson of having weed in his locker).

With an impressive milestone achieved, Morrison can now appreciate 100 episodes worth of hard work. “Five and a half years later, here we are,” said Morrison. “It’s been quite a ride. We’ve had extreme highs and terrible losses as well, but it’s been a ride. We are such a family, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Emmy winning actress Jane Lynch has experienced a huge character arc as Sue Sylvester, a woman who’s known for her manipulative tendencies. Due to various tragedies and personal defeats over the seasons, Sylvester has show a welcome vulnerability that has endeared her to the New Direction crew as well as Mr. Schuester.

“One of the things about Sue is that she’s in the process of mellowing and realizing that she doesn’t have to wage a battle to get what she wants,” said Jane Lynch. “Now that she’s the principal, she’s actually genuinely concerned with the welfare of the school.”

Click on the media bar and listen to Jane Lynch give her take on Glee’s continued popularity:

Airing Tuesday night on FOX (8 pm et/pt), Glee’s 100th episode will also feature Chace Crawford as Quinn’s (Dianna Agron) new boyfriend.

http://youtu.be/Pvy9MtfLFkw

Gillian Anderson Describes ‘Crisis’ As An “Unbelievable Page Turner”

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Greg Srisavasdi

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March 16, 2014

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Premiering tonight on NBC (10 pm et/pt), Crisis centers on a group of kidnapped Washington, D.C. students who are the victims of a conspiracy plot that’s aimed at the president of the United States and a high powered executive named Meg Fitch (Gillian Anderson). Dermot Mulroney is Francis Gibson, a “slightly disgruntled CIA analyst” who is one of the adult chaperones that accompanied the teenagers, and Lance Gross is a wet behind the ears Secret Service agent tasked with protecting the President’s son.

“One of the great things about these characters is they all have a personal connection to the story, even as the story gets more wilder and extravagant,” said Mulroney, whose TV work includes a recurring role on New Girl and the HBO series Enlightened. “That’s the dramatic pull of the story, so as actors we would always bring our imagination and parts of our personal life to the character.”

The show was created by writer/director Rand Ravich, whose skills at crafting complex characters is evident in his previous TV series Life, a show which featured inspired work from Damian Lewis (Homeland) as a wrongly imprisoned cop whose surprisingly positive outlook masks his true intentions.

In the video below, Gillian Anderson, who describes tonight’s pilot as a total page turner, talked about what drew her into the world of Crisis:

Theo James Channels Paul Newman Swagger With ‘Divergent’

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Greg Srisavasdi

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March 14, 2014

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Theo James, along with the rest of the Divergent crew, has been doing their share of press these days, and the British actor received his share of YouTube notoriety (and we mean that in a good way) earlier this week by swallowing a raw egg on the Late Show with David Letterman. Since Sylvester Stallone and Letterman each downed two eggs earlier in the evening, the affable James was more than ready to follow suit.

It’s these type of appearances, but most importantly his much talked about role as Four in Divergent, which should see a huge uptick in James’ promising career. Displaying an easy charm that’s matched with a rugged sensibility, the actor is definite leading man material.

During a recent press conference held in Los Angeles, the actor, whose previous film credits include You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger and Underworld: Awakening, talked about making smart choices with his future roles now that Divergent is on his resume.

“I don’t think I’ve experienced it too much to be honest at the moment,” said James, who also headlined the CBS series Golden Boy. “The press tour we just did was interesting because suddenly we saw some of the fandom, but I don’t think perceptions of me has changed massively.”

“I think it will be important for me as I go on, because there are potentially three films, to make choices that are, as much as I love the character, to make smart choices that are different from him and the world that he everyone else in the film inhabits.”

In the following audio clip, Theo James talks about what makes Four a unique, masculine protagonist (he mentions Paul Newman in his response).

Divergent, co-starring Shailene Woodley (The Spectacular Now), opens March 21.

If you haven’t seen the egg swallow sequence on Letterman, check out the video below:

Ben Briley on ‘American Idol’ Exit: “Nobody Is Going To Outwork Me”

By

Greg Srisavasdi

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March 14, 2014

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Ben Briley was eliminated on this week’s American Idol, and if the adage that adversity builds character rings true, then this Tennessee native will still be standing long after this season is over.

“If you want something, you got to take it. You got to go out and get it,” said a determined Briley after his elimination. “And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

But first things first. Briley, who performed Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” this week, plans to take a much needed respite before hitting the boards once again. “I’m going go home, and I’m going to take a really long nap and hang out with my wife and have a glass of whiskey and a big ole steak for free, hopefully. I think I’ve earned that at least.”

The steak and whiskey comment, considering Briley’s candid and effusive personality, should be taken with a dash of humor. When it comes to his career, however, the singer is extremely serious and focused about his future opportunities.

Click on the audio bar to hear Ben Briley talk about his success, as well as his feeling of personal gratification, for the American Idol experience:

My favorite moment from Briley came with “Turning Home,” as it perfectly captured his down home, countrified persona. He also has solid vocal range, so take a gander below if you haven’t seen the performance:

Scarlett Johansson Goes ‘Under the Skin’ With Scotland Production

By

Greg Srisavasdi

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March 13, 2014

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In Under the Skin, Scarlett Johannson plays a mysterious being whose seductive siren song leads to its share of tragedy for the humans who are caught under her spell. The picture is directed by British filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, a visualist whose previous movies (***Sexy Beast,* Birth) has led to frequent comparisons to Stanley Kubrick and Roman Polanski.**

The picture is based on Michael Faber’s book of the same name, which centers on an alien who tracks down hitchhikers in the Scottish highlands, and for the production Glazer decided to shoot his film in Scotland. This creative choice led to a greater sense of anonymity during the production, and it’s this sense of space which should give the movie an added sense of atmosphere and narrative depth.

During the New York press conference for Under the Skin, Scarlett Johansson talked about how shooting in Glasgow helped Glazer fulfill his overall vision. “The way that Scotland looks itself, it’s so raw and is immensely beautiful, breathtakingly so,” said the actress, who was seen (or heard) last year in Her. “It’s almost other worldly.”

Click on the audio below to hear Johansson talk about working on the Scotland based production:

RPG Adventure ‘Dragon Fin Soup’ Heads to Kickstarter

By

Greg Srisavasdi

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March 13, 2014

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Dragon Fin Soup, the flagship title for nascent indie RPG game studio Grimm Bros, has started a Kickstarter campaign. The developers are targeting a minimum of $24,000 to “add additional polish, features and content” to their title, which is slated for release this year on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, and PlayStation Vita.

The game contains a pretty dark storyline (the darker the better in my opinion), as players take on the identity of Red Robin. An alcoholic and bounty hunter by trade, Robin loses her memory, and when she attempts to move on with her life, the past inevitably catches up with the present. Along with the pure joy that’s derived from supporting indie game developers, backers will be treated to art books, t-shirts, engraved crystals and hand-drawn illustrations.

“Dragon Fin Soup is our debut title, and we’ve been pouring our hearts and souls into crafting a fantastic game experience,” said Grimm Bros CEO Ash Monif. “As an indie studio comprised of veteran developers, we see Kickstarter as a great platform to connect with gamers and make Dragon Fin Soup a phenomenal experience.We’re indie because we really want to make the kind of games we would personally enjoy playing and don’t want to compromise our vision to outside influences. Dragon Fin Soup reflects that in every way.”

The game’s mixture of classic console RPG style storyline along with a dash of the dungeon crawling dynamic (not to mention the excellent title) has me intrigued. For more info on the game, check out its official page.

‘Growing Up Fisher’s’ Jenna Elfman On Origins of Comedic Timing

By

Greg Srisavasdi

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March 12, 2014

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With her work on Dharma & Greg, the short-lived 1600 Penn, and now Growing Up Fisher, Jenna Elfman has crafted a solid acting career that’s partly anchored by her impeccable sense of comedic timing. Of course, a bit of that elusive charm and a subtle sense of self-confidence are also part of the mix, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to place her in a lineage that includes Carole Lombard, Judy Holliday, and Carol Burnett.

During our interviews with the actress, Elfman talked about presenting Burnett collaborator Tim Conway with an 80th birthday cake. “That was awesome for me,” said Elfman, who also cites Harvey Korman, Lucille Ball, and Judy Holliday as influences. “I kind of couldn’t believe it, because I used to sit in front of the TV with bated breath waiting for them to break down laughing. I was obsessed with them.”

As for Growing Up Fisher, one hopes the show’s easy as pie chemistry among the leads and the solid comedic writing will constitute for a long TV life. Inspired by executive producer DJ Nash’s childhood, Growing Up Fisher airs Tuesdays on NBC (9:30 pm et/pt). The last episode, titled “The Date from Hell-nado” contains a memorable sequence in which Joyce Fisher (Elfman) is asked out on a date while shopping at the supermarket. Actually, the whole episode has a bunch of memorable moments (including Mel Fisher comparing his son to a Prius), so give the show a shot, especially if you value well executed comedy.

I’ve always wondered how Elfman developed her sense of comedic timing. Click on the video below and find out:

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Jason Bateman Directs ‘Bad Words’ With Perfect Timing

By

Greg Srisavasdi

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March 11, 2014

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With years of experience in the film and television medium, Jason Bateman was bound to direct his own feature. That moment came with Bad Words, an acerbic comedy about a middle aged malcontent named Guy Trilby (Bateman) who enters a spelling bee contest for reasons unknown.

One wise choice of Bateman’s was to cast himself as the lead, as it inevitably helped lower the project’s overall budget. Another excellent movie was his hiring of cinematographer Ken Seng, a DP he met on the set of the drama Disconnect. The pair are also collaborating on Bateman’s next directing effort, The Family Fang.

“I have been very, very lucky to have great experiences,” said Bateman. “And this was the best. So that’s saying a lot. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time and I wanted to make sure that I was responsible with picking the right time to do it, as far as knowing enough and making sure it didn’t derail the day job as well.”

“This just seemed liked the right time for that and the right material. I was thrilled that it was as comfortable as it was. It certainly wasn’t easy, and I was glad it wasn’t easy. I was hoping it would be challenging as it was, and it was one of the reasons I wanted to do it. But it called upon everything that I’ve learned and that was a real gift.”

Click on the audio below to hear Bateman talk about the challenges of directing and acting in Bad Words, and he also discusses the spirit of collaboration that was prevalent during production.

Bad Words hits select theaters March 14 and expands across the U.S. on March 21 and March 28.

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Deepest DreamWhere Dreaming Is Believing

IOS Review: ‘Hip Hop Trivia Starring Murs’ Is Worth A Spin

Growing up in the 1980s, I fashioned myself a hip-hop head, but the recent iOS release Hip Hop Trivia put me in my place. The game is hosted by revered indie hip hop artist Murs, who essentially serves as the de facto Pat Sajak in these proceedings.

Hip Hop Trivia: Version 1.01, Size: 242 MB, Rated 12+, Digital Dreams Entertainment LLC. $0.99 Compatible with iPhone, iPad, & iPod touch

As for Murs, he recently talked about his track “Everything” (from the 2008 album Murs for President), which he performed at South by Southwest:

‘Money Talks’ Star Steve Stevens Is A “Master Closer”

During a recent interview with Stevens, I asked him why he considers himself a “master closer.” click on the video for Stevens’ answer:

Matthew Morrison On Glee’s 100th Episode: “It’s Been Quite A Ride”

Click on the media bar and listen to Jane Lynch give her take on Glee’s continued popularity:

Gillian Anderson Describes ‘Crisis’ As An “Unbelievable Page Turner”

Theo James Channels Paul Newman Swagger With ‘Divergent’

If you haven’t seen the egg swallow sequence on Letterman, check out the video below:

Ben Briley on ‘American Idol’ Exit: “Nobody Is Going To Outwork Me”

Scarlett Johansson Goes ‘Under the Skin’ With Scotland Production

RPG Adventure ‘Dragon Fin Soup’ Heads to Kickstarter

‘Growing Up Fisher’s’ Jenna Elfman On Origins of Comedic Timing

Jason Bateman Directs ‘Bad Words’ With Perfect Timing

With years of experience in the film and television medium, Jason Bateman was bound to direct his own feature. That moment came with Bad Words, an acerbic comedy about a middle aged malcontent named Guy Trilby (Bateman) who enters a spelling bee contest for reasons unknown.

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