A&E

Three years after his last album "Songs for Silverman," Ben Folds is back. His latest work, "Way to Normal," was released with a bang despite some surrounding controversy. In mid-July, some new tracks were "leaked" online and were later declared fake by Folds himself. Despite the scandal, the real album, released on Sept. 30 strikes a chord with Folds fans.

Growing hatred coupled with unconditional love, internal and physical pain followed by utter joy, precious laughter alongside overbearing anger—these are just a few of the raw emotions that "Rachel Getting Married" produces. This direct and stripped-down experience delves into the realm of dysfunctional lives and invites viewers into an experience that may not be their own, but helps them understand the plight of others.

"BioShock" the film, once a rumor kept afloat by Internet postings, has become an official production. Gore Verbinski, director of the "Pirates" trilogy, is to helm the project that was penned by "Sweeney Todd" writer John Logan. It is one of the more grand examples of Hollywood's relationship with the most successful of video games. The reason we do not see every single game that grosses over 500,000 copies on the silver screen is that, historically, video game-to-movie transitions have been one of the least successful collaborations between the two industries.

Every once in a while, there is a new band that makes you stop for a moment and listen intently. That new band is Irvine's very own The Jakes, a band that brings together classic pop with the urgency of the Strokes to create a unique, accessible blend of soothing, yet rocking and groovy music with up-tempo beats and rhythms.

ASUCI refused to falter in its entrance to the new school year by inviting local darlings The Jakes and Newport Beach's own Saosin for a free show in the seldom-used Aldrich Park. Oh, yeah. William Tell was there, too.

Disturbing images of children, men and women being brutally shot made many of those in the audience cringe. Shameful situations of blatant racism had viewers shifting in their seats. As blood flowed down the river, blank stares from dead faces left haunting images in everyone's mind. However, each marking of blood, nudity, hurtful slurs and passionate tears make "Miracle at St. Anna" a fascinating and memorable experience that moviegoers will appreciate.

Capcom's modern classic, "Mega Man 9," warps players straight back to the glory days of the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). Working within the framework of the 1989 "Mega Man 2" engine, glitches and all, the developers have crafted a 2-D action platform experience unrivaled in the 20 years since the 8-bit era.

TV on the Radio is the kind of band that continually embraces a very experimental nature. Each track is a cohesive exploration of sound and harmony, a sign that the band continues to seamlessly transcend genres and styles.

Ne-Yo's third album, "Year of the Gentleman" is a bit less gentlemanly than hoped for, but it still has many redeeming qualities.

When initially listening to the Cold War Kids, it's difficult to describe the band without name-dropping those who came before them. Their debut "Robbers & Cowards" brought natural comparisons with indie heavyweights such as The French Kicks and The Walkmen.

When choosing a script for the next production he was to direct, Robert Cohen looked no further than to the man who gave him the initial spark of inspiration that began his professional career as a director and scholar: Samuel Beckett.

Many of you are familiar with Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Fight Club" as well as the film adaptation starring Brad Pitt. Fox has made...