J.J. Abrams’s 2009 Star Trek was an exhilarating breath of fresh air for a franchise that had become stale and somewhat antiquated, despite its futuristic setting. By injecting his trademark cinematic flair and knack for gripping action, the reboot soared to heights not reached on the big screen since 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Low expectations four years ago made Abrams’s job easier; his follow-up arrives with much larger hype and much closer scrutiny.
Star Trek Into Darkness is reflective of a new trend in recent blockbusters, where over-the-top action sequences…

For many people music is just entertainment.  A series of sounds that is pleasing to the ear. For me, the most pleasing collection of sounds and words are performed by California Thrash Metal band Slayer.
Comprised of members Tom Araya (Bass/Vocals), Kerry King (Guitar), Dave Lombardo (Drums) and the late Jeff Hanneman (Guitar), the band quickly cemented its place in music history by becoming one of the Big Four. The Big Four were some of the original thrash metal bands that came to prominence during the 80’s thrash scene in California. Along with Anthrax,…

Located between the Caribbean and the Pacific, in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica has something for every traveler. Nature lovers can explore national parks. Adrenaline junkies can conquer the numerous mountains and rivers. Athletes can fixate themselves on the waves. Those just wanting to relax can do so at one of many resorts and spas across the country and those with families have a host of options to fill their time. From the Monteverde Cloud Forest to numerous waterfalls and volcanoes, famous surf beaches, ziplining, etc., Costa Rica will fill your vacation…

There comes a time in every horror fan’s life when they have to see one of their cherished classics remade. Often these remakes disappoint, and leave you pining for the original. That was not the case with Evil Dead, a remake of the cult 80’s classic.
Fans of the original trilogy remember and love the overacting, the cheesy effects and the gallons of clearly fake blood spewing forth every other scene. The new incarnation drops the overacting and cheese, replacing them with believable actors and modern effects. Happily, the watery blood we all remember…

GritLIT has once again returned to the Hammer. Hamilton’s literary festival kicked off last Wednesday evening in fine form, beginning with a Battle of the Books at the Hamilton Central Library in Jackson Square.
The event, hosted by CH’s Annette Hamm, saw a panel of ten local personalities who defended the book that had been assigned to them from the Ontario Library Association’s 2013 Evergreen reading list.
Hamm, a panelist during last year’s literary battle, said she was “thrilled” to be back.
“This year it’s great to be back as MC because I didn’t…

The photography exhibition Still Exposed, which features the work of Mohawk’s photography students, may have come to an end. But don’t fret: students who missed the exhibit during the week will have a chance to see the photographs again. Over the summer, the prints will remain on display in Mohawk’s Fennell Campus.
The subject of all the photographs was “still life”. Kimberley Benicasa, a student at Mohawk and one of the group of organizers of Still Exposed, said the event was a part of an assignment for students taking the project management course.
“They’re…

Poetry and prose graced the ears of the audience during the second event of Hamilton’s GritLIT festival last Thursday evening at the Sheraton Hotel. The event featured poetry readings from celebrated poets Roo Borson and Brian Henderson, as well as presentations from novelists Vincent Lam, Tanis Rideout, and Elizabeth Ruth.
Borson, whose collection of poems Rain; road; an open boat won the Griffin Poetry Prize, discussed the mechanics of what distinguishes writing poetry from prose.
“For me, it’s imagery and sound,” said Borson. “The images seem to almost glow when you’re writing poetry.”
Borson…

When Jurassic Park first roared into theatres in 1993, it enthralled audiences, ushered in the era of CGI, and ultimately went on to became the highest-grossing movie to that point. For the 20th anniversary re-release, Universal has spared no expense in converting it to 3D.
Converting 2D movies into 3D is one of the biggest poxes on cinema right now. The question at the heart of the decision to do it with Jurassic Park is the same one echoed by Jeff Goldblum’s character in the film: Were they so pre-occupied with whether or not…

Since its first release in 2006, Sony’s MLB: The Show has been wowing sports gamers – and this years installation is no different.  With lifelike gameplay and a super-addictive season mode, MLB 13: The Show is sure to entice any sports gamer, or baseball fan for that matter.
As with any gaming franchise, the usual expected improvements are evident: graphics and gameplay.  But the thing that jumps out most is the simplified modes that Sony has added to The Show.  Starting with a beginner mode, which gradually gets harder as you start to play…

I met Roger Ebert once. It was in the fall of 2008, on the heels of the release of his book Scorsese. I went to a book signing of his with a friend of mine, and after a long wait in line, I found myself face-to-face with the man who’d shaped my love of movies more than any other.
It was a bittersweet experience. Meeting your idol is a blessing not everyone receives and I was thrilled at the opportunity. At the same time, when I did finally get to approach and speak to…