Evan Ross

Guerrero: Requiem
$23.98
Guerrero is one of that extraordinary triumvirate of Spanish Renaissance polyphonists. In his own day, he was more celebrated even than Victoria. And this superb recording explains exactly why. You can't go wrong with Noone's wonderfully subtle reading of this marvellous music.

Life Is Hot In Cracktown
$26.97
I got this movie a few months ago as part of the Vine Program. I tried on several occasions to watch it but could never find a reason to watch it more than a few minutes at a time. I finally just gutted it out and forced myself to wait it out until the end. I think I managed to finish it on my sixth try.

This is easily one of the least pleasant movies that I have ever seen. It starts with the characters. The film is essentially an anthology show, telling the story of a number of characters in an area of a city that has been destroyed by drug culture. OK, this is all well and good, but regardless of intent, a film is only as good as its characters. I can honestly say that there was not a single character that I cared about even in the least. I can honestly say that there was not a single minute of the film that I cared for in the least. The film is an unremitting exploration of the inconceivably bleak existence of a string of completely unlikeable characters. The film has no redeeming qualities. The writing is wretched, the acting adequate but unable rise above the horrid material, and the narrative bleak without redemptive features.

Not many movies have left me feeling as bored and soiled as this one. Honestly, if I had not felt obligated by getting it through the Vine Program, I would not have finished it or reviewed it.

Gardens of the Night
$26.98
The movie was well done, although disturbing. Ryan Simpkins, Gillian Jacobs, Jermaine Scooter Smith, Kevin Zegers, and Tom Arnold were excellent in their various roles. This is one of those films I believe every parent and therapist should see with time set aside after watching for returning to normal. The first half of the movie surpassed the second half, although terrifying for any parent of young children due to the content. The movie is one of those that comes along every so often that can easily twist and wrench one's heart as one sees the abhorrent result of child abduction and defilement. The director's comments do help in clarifying some aspects of the film.

Emma Episode 1
$1.99