The Echo

'Friends with Benefits' succeeds with star chemistry

I didn’t think we needed two films with such similar premises released within the same year, but thanks to some undeniable chemistry and well-written dialog, this date movie turned out to be better than expected.

By Nick Spake | July 21, 2011

'Winnie the Pooh' true to whimsical nature

Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh” is not a rerelease of the 1977 classic “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” However, it is true to the innocently whimsy nature of that wonderful film.

By Nick Spake | July 14, 2011

Final ‘Harry Potter’ an outstanding send-off

Although the 18-hour-long film saga began unceremoniously, with a slew of doubtful critics and lackluster direction, a growing fan base of Rowling’s masterful septology stayed true to the series and the silver screen epic concludes wonderfully.

By Travis McKnight | July 14, 2011

F.E.A.R. 3 continues its ominous tone

If you’re a F.E.A.R. savant, the campaign will tie up the Alma saga quite nicely.

By Travis McKnight | July 10, 2011

'Horrible Bosses' an excellent buddy comedy

“Horrible Bosses” might not make half of what “The Hangover: Part II” grossed, but I guarantee that audiences will have a better time at this buddy comedy than at they did at that money vacuum.

By Nick Spake | July 7, 2011

'Zookeeper' comes off as lazy

The end result is one of the year’s dumbest comedies that makes any of the “Doctor Doolittle” movies look like “Babe.”

By Nick Spake | July 7, 2011

Death Cab finally drops loneliness on new album

And now long-time fans of Death Cab For Cutie are forced to wonder if his new release loses that aura, or if, God forbid … it’s happy.

By Colin Lecher | July 4, 2011

'Call of Duty' to host 'Modern Warfare 3' convention

On Labor Day weekend, “Call of Duty” enthusiasts will get the opportunity to experience the multiplayer from the upcoming, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” while participating in the first ‘Call of Duty XP’ convention.

By Travis McKnight | July 4, 2011

‘Page One’ delivers more than just headlines

When you are at the top, there is nowhere else to go but down – or so the saying goes at least. In the case of the New York Times, the fall from grace has been anticipated (and encouraged) by many.

By Jonathan Fortner | July 4, 2011

'Transformers' isn't saved by more explosions

All I can say is that there will be explosions, beautiful women, fast cars, terrible dialog, product placement, choppy editing, murky cinematography, and overacting galore.

By Nick Spake | July 4, 2011

'Larry Crowne' keeps a smile on your face

“Larry Crowne” is basically a brisk, refreshing walk through the park.

By Nick Spake | July 1, 2011

‘Child of Eden’ is a euphoric adventure

Although it’s short, “Child of Eden” is a unique and surreal voyage bursting with a lot of emotion, feeling, and drama.

By Travis McKnight | June 27, 2011

"Nine Types of Light" leads the year's top 5 albums

The middle of the year is right around the corner. With a number of notable releases still to come, taking a look back at some of what has already been released so far this year couldn’t hurt.

By Jonathan Fortner | June 26, 2011

Prepping for the Emmys: the best 2010-11 dramas

Although “Lost” is over and no new episodes of “Breaking Bad” aired, this year still brought us plenty of sharp dramas that are more than worthy for an Emmy.

By Nick Spake | June 26, 2011

Skrillex takes over The Venue in Scottsdale

From around eight o’clock until about two-thirty in the morning, electro/dubstep/house act Skrillex, along with his guests made the walls shake at The Venue in Scottsdale on June 23.

By Ben Karris | June 26, 2011

"Cars 2," drives in the same circles

Like the first “Cars,” “Cars 2” is just pretty good.

By Nick Spake | June 23, 2011

"Louie," what are you going to do next?

“Louie” manages to uncover and dust off those moments that seem to defy any kind of a rational response other than justified pessimism and apathy.

By Jonathan Fortner | June 23, 2011

New “Wilfred” full of bark and bite

Considering all that humankind has done for the dog, it is frightening to see the lengths in which our pets will go to bite us back.

By Jonathan Fortner | June 22, 2011

‘Alice’ is beautiful, but lacks cohesive appeal

“Alice: Madness Returns” is a beautiful and initially rewarding experience, but is eventually unsuccessful

By Travis McKnight | June 19, 2011

The best TV comedies from 2010-11

It’s time to take a look back at the best shows of the 2010-11 television season.

By Nick Spake | June 19, 2011

Notice