TECH
PSP
Sony’s new handheld streets this spring and gives a glimmer of hope to all those who have sought to weaken Nintendo’s stranglehold on the market. The PSP’s lush graphics and stylish design (along with a reduced pricetag) should make a huge splash.
Gran Turismo 4
Bigger, faster and wilder than before, GT 4 will be the new gold standard in high performance racing. Sony is pulling out all the stops to bring the heat and leave the rubber on the pavement.
Zelda
Nintendo’s Link returns in 2005 for a new (and highly secretive as of yet) adventure. Not much has been released, but the few screen shots indicate that Nintendo has left the beautiful yet childlike, cell-shaded look for a realistic, harder edge.
FIFA Street
EA’s popular Street franchise spreads its influence to the world's game. The tough treatment will have players square off in 4-on-4 match-ups or 1-on-1. Either way, look for big hits and high flying bicycle kicks.
Advance Wars DS
The Orange Star Army faces off once again against the evil forces of the Black Hole Army and Lord Sturm. This time Intelligent Systems will be working with all the splendors of the new DS. recess thinks this battle could get a little ugly.
FLICKS
Sin City
Tarantino protege Robert Rodriguez brings comic book phenom Frank Miller’s neo-noir opus to the big screen. Highly stylized with star power to boot, Sin City promises to deliver on all the generic goods.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
American auteur Tim Robbins remakes this classic Roald Dahl story with a little help from Johnny Depp. With Hollywood’s it-guy in the leading role, this retread will utilize new technologies and techniques to completely reimagine the devilish world of the Chocolate Factory.
Batman Begins
This on-again-off-again property rocketed to the top of recess’ list of must-sees when Memento director Christopher Nolan signed on board. With a cast of talented actors, this comic book exploration has the chance to set a new bar for perfection within the genre.
The New World
Reclusive director Terrence Malick has emerged as a powerful player in 2005 with his lush exploration of John Smith’s clash with Native American’s in the 17th century. Working on only his fourth feature and first in seven years, Malick will again have to prove himself worthy of the hype.
Kingdom of Heaven
Director Ridley Scott returns with a massive retelling of the crusades of the 12th century. If he can match even a tenth of the look and feel of his Oscar winner Gladiator, then Kindom of Heaven will be a success.
TUNES
M.I.A.
The Sri-Lankan MC has already appeared on the October cover of music magazine Fader with only one single under her belt, and her profile is increasing all over the music media world in anticipation of her February debut Arular. Sounding sort of like an edgier version of Ms. Dynamite, she raps over beats that are half-banghra and half-dancehall-inspired and perhaps the freshest sound of 2005.
Annie
Norway's Annie has some of the most saccharine club beats this side of the millenium on her debut Anniemal. Her bubblegum-pop will leave you partying in true 1999 fashion in no time.
Kasabian
The newest Britpop/'80s revival band patterns itself after electro-rock mavens The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. Named after Linda Kasabian, Charles Manson's getaway driver, the group has already topped Britain's charts, and it's only a matter of time before they invade America.
Pitbull
Last year, Pitbull's “Culo” infiltrated radio stations everywhere. This Cuban-American rapper however is not just another one-trick Spanish crossover. With impending singles from his Lil' Jon-produced debut Money Is A Major Issue (M.I.A.M.I.) and a nifty rap in a current radio hit (Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina"), Pitbull's musical bite is bigger than his bark.
SOUNDteam
With the South by Southwest Festival looming large and Austin’s top acts moving to the forefront, this group is positioned for a breakout year in ’05. The band is expected to release their debut album this year and unleash their super-melodic synth/guitar creations upon us all.
TUBE
Arrested Development
TV’s funniest sitcom is back on Fox, and the laughs roll out stronger than ever. This dysfunctional family keeps it primed for another solid run, only this time, audiences will be tuning in.
Nip/Tuck
FX’s Golden Globe winner returns for a triumphant third season. Nip/Tuck, like the beauty its plastic surgeons strive for, shows that television, too, can be more than skin deep.
Reality TV Mainstays
Survivor, American Idol and The Amazing Race have all proven that they have more than just reality appeal. Each returns in 2005, and while we might not admit it in public, recess will be watching.
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