Save the cheerleader, save the World

As we all know, the US produces classic TV shows time and time again. The list is endless: Lost, Prison Break, The OC, 24 and so on and so on... Guess what? They've done it again, with the simply named 'Heroes.'

The only show I can mention which is vaguely familiar is Smallville... I know, I didn't like it either, but there really is nothing out there quite like it. Think of a superhero show and what comes to mind? Invincibility, invisibility, time travel, flying... Everything you can think of is covered and in fine detail too.

Don't expect anything like X-Men with superhero action left, right and centre, instead you will appreciate the deeper stories as our 'Heroes' work out their powers slowly and begin to learn their role in saving the world. It all comes together brilliantly to leave you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next episode.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly why this is so good, but in my mind it definitely surpasses most of what I've seen on TV for years, it really is that good. We're lucky enough to know people who can get us the episodes as they are shown in the US, but the rest of you will have to wait until it is shown on BBC 2, after the Sci-Fi channel has shown it, having already paid for the rights... Until then here is a compilation from YouTube to get your mouth watering with anticipation!

Chuck out the house brick phone

If you're growing concerned about the comments about your 'brick' of a phone, perhaps you need to swallow your pride and get a damn upgrade! It's the easiest thing in the world to do with phone shops everywhere you look and on the web, they don't have feelings, just get rid.

If your claim is "I can't be bothered to find a new one, this does everything I need..." Firstly you're wrong, you DO need a phone with all the latest gadgets, it's sexy and secondly... Look at our list here, all the hard work is done, there is now no excuse!

Nokia N95 - Here you have your portable Sat-Nav, digital camera, wireless Internet connection... Oh, and you can make phone-calls as well. Nokia have taken another huge step in advancing mobile technology with their latest instalment to the N series. In theory, there is no need to bring a laptop and digital camera around with you, thanks to the Internet connection and massive 5 megapixel camera, this phone does it all. So you are just vain like a lot of us, and just want to look cool at the office with your latest gadget then we highly recommend this. Varying in price from O2.

Samsung U600 - Onto Samsung's latest attempt at the Ultra Generation phone. The U600 is simpler than its Nokia counterpart, but being much thinner and lighter it is super cool. Also, is unlikely to freeze as much as the Nokia whose predecessors had a habit of doing so. Its 3.2 megapixel camera is still high for today's standards and will take a great picture but is definitely far more suited to the user who wants a phone to look good rather than do everything. If that's you, then give it a try. Available from free from O2.





Prada phone from LG - The style conscious among you will probably want to go for the new Prada phone from LG. Not boasting the latest technologies, only a 2 megapixel camera, but Prada owners are unlikely to care I'm sure. This is definitely a phone for the stylish and probably people who don't text a lot because touch-screen buttons can be insanely hard to get used to. Also, as a fashion phone it is very costly, costing up to £400 non-contract, so think wisely if you just want to look good or have a phone that can double up as a desktop computer! Also available from O2.

Spiderman 3

Ok, so I've joined the list of people who have been to see this film over the opening weekend, with thanks to my over-eager housemate.... (love him really)

Hot, packed, sweaty cinemas aren't my forte, but I'll look beyond that and comment on the film.

The first two Spiderman films had massive worldwide success so the third one was always likely to have an air of complacency surrounding it, which is evident. Not necessarily lacking in content, rather the approach is somewhat different and it seems rather more experimental, particularly Tobey Maguire's 'darker' character. This isn't a bad thing and certainly adds depth to the film, but this depth could just as easily be read as un-necessary content, creating a longer film than required.

Maguire once again did a good job of playing the 'geek' Peter Parker, although when called upon to be a 'bad-ass' he and most likely the audience too, never felt comfortable. Not entirely his fault, but he did fail to convince me in parts. The rest of the cast however, were solid as usual.

Action sequences and the special effects were once again impressive, but unfortunately somewhat limited and even the final battle was perhaps shorter than it was built up to be. I went into the film with action on my mind and for what there was of it, it didn't disappoint.

So the plot... Annoyingly, very predictable, I found myself calling everything that was going to happen next. I;m not giving anything away when I say a certain to people will end up kissing (you'll see what I mean.) One more thing I will say is just how lucky it was that the meteor that crashed into earth at the beginning came equipped with a silencer...

If we could give half ratings, this would be a 2.5... Unfortunately we can't so I'm going to have to round it down to a 2/5. Worth watching, but don't go out of your way to book seats.

View the trailer here if I've not convinced you to see the movie:

Arctic Monkeys - Too little too soon?

Roughly a year ago, The Arctic Monkeys burst onto the scene, smashing album sales records as they went. But before the sun has had a chance to go down they're back with the tricky second attempt.

It's a brave move by them, in my opinion as for a lot of people 'Whatever people say I am, That's what I'm not' still had legs and wasn't quite in the 'old news' category (Think Kaiser Chiefs' 'Employment').

The album itself contains quite a varied range of songs, and they seem to have moved on from the catchy, bouncy tunes such as 'I bet you look good....' Quite why they changed a winning formula I'm not entirely sure, as now this album has to be given more time to get used to than the original. If you do so however, you'll really appreciate some of the lyrics and will get the feeling that they have, if you like, matured in style.

In fairness, for them to produce an album of such quality after a year is nothing short of amazing and respect has to be given for that, but I can't help but feel even another six months work could well have delivered another mind blower.
It is definitely worth a purchase and The Style High street gives it a solid 3/5