This holiday season is providing plenty of potential gifts for anyone addicted to pop culture. With video games, DVDs, CDs and books in high demand this winter, here are a few titles for you to consider as you shop for the perfect, entertaining gift. However, I’m sure the new sweater you receive from Grandma will be just as exciting as the “Modern Warfare 3” that most of you are probably still playing as you read this.
Video Games
“Assassin’s Creed: Revelations”
Available Nov. 15
In the fourth title in the very successful Assassin’s Creed chronicles, Ubisoft brings what looks to be another free-world-style game but with a few key additions to keep it fresh. One of these twists is a new weapon, called the hookblade, that can be used to zipline around the city or pull enemies close in order to use a combo attack. Another addition is the ability to play the game on a 3D television, which makes the massive game map feel even more realistic.
“Mario Kart 7”
Available Dec. 4
Making the jump to Nintendo’s new handheld device, the Nintendo 3DS, “Mario Kart 7” continues a long tradition of Mario Kart games that dates back to 1992 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Enjoying massive success in the handheld market – “Mario Kart DS” was ranked as the best overall Mario Kart game according to gametrailers.com – “Mario Kart 7” is hoping to take advantage of the system’s 3D capabilities and deliver another solid title in the series.
DVDs
“Kung Fu Panda 2”
Available Dec. 13
In a year full of disappointing sequels by most critics’ standards, one of the sequels that most say was just as good, if not better than the original was Dreamworks’ “Kung Fu Panda 2.” With the original cast reprising their previous roles, Jack Black’s Po is forced to take down an even greater enemy than before, while at the same time trying to discover the truth about his real parents.
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
Available Dec. 13
A film that surprised most critics with its heartfelt storyline, solid performances and breathtaking animation, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” turned into one of the most successful blockbusters of the summer. James Franco stars as a scientist who mistakenly starts the evolution of apes ruling over humans – for anyone familiar with the “Planet of the Apes” storyline. Andy Serkis portrays the main ape Ceaser in another critically acclaimed motion capture performance, just like his work in “Lord of the Rings” and “King Kong.”
CDs
“El Camino” by The Black Keys
Available Dec. 6
After the success of their last album, “Brothers,” which won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Recording Package at last year’s awards, The Black Keys’ new album has an 11 track listing that features the same blues-rock melodies that has brought the group acclaim over the last year. Look for this album to be a hot seller in hipster Secret Santa circles.
“Revolver” by T-Pain
Available Dec. 6
Already with the single “5 O’Clock,,” featuring the unlikely duo of Lily Allen and Wiz Khalifa that has already enjoyed some radio airplay, “Revolver” has taken two years to record for the famously “auto-tuned” hip-hop artist. Sure to be filled with dance jams and club hits, the album features appearances from Allen, Khalifa, Young Jeezy, Chris Brown and Rick Ross. The album’s cover is styled with the two R’s of “Revolver” faded so the word “evolve” is illuminated, which T-Pain says was deliberate as he is trying to tell his fans that he has evolved as an artist.
Books
“Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” by Mindy Kaling
Available Nov. 1
An Emmy-nominated writer and the actress famous for playing Kelly Kapoor on “The Office,” Kaling brings us a non-fiction book of personal anecdotes, witty essays and observations on life, love and pop culture. Kaling is an original performer and her new laugh-out-loud book is a must-read this holiday season.
“Micro” by Michael Crichton
Available Nov. 22
Before his death in 2008, “Jurassic Park” writer Michael Crichton worked on his next novel “Micro” but unfortunately died after only completing about a third of the book. Using his notes and research, Crichton’s publishing company hired on Richard Preston, an avid recreational tree climber and writer of many New York Times best sellers, to finish the novel. Details are limited to the plot, however, look for the same writing style and adventure that made Crichton’s earlier works such a success.
“Locked On” by Tom Clancy
Available Dec. 13
The successful writer brings readers another title this December in the Jack Ryan series, which continues the storyline introduced in “The Hunt for Red October.” Clancy’s impressive streak of New York Times best sellers doesn’t look to be in jeopardy as his latest novel sets one of his most beloved characters, John Clark, in the middle of an international man-hunt across the world.
This holiday season’s best pop culture gifts
Daily Emerald
November 14, 2011
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