More DVD consumption

I've been enjoying Blockbuster's free trial membership to their DVDs-by-mail service.

While I'm no fan of the chain store by any means, I'm more than willing to take advantage of some free movies on their dime.

The trial membership is two weeks only, but when I went to cancel, they offered an additional month at no charge.

So, that's six weeks worth of free DVD rentals along with four free in-store rental coupons. Not too shabby...

Anyway, I finally got around to seeing "Super Size Me" and thought it was an intriguing documentary.

It's less of an indictment against McDonald's and more a study of the American diet and sedentary lifestyle.

If that film doesn't encourage you to get back to the basics of eating well, exercising and feeling good about yourself, then you may be a hopeless case.

Shrek 2. The first Shrek was so fun and clever, but the sequel is neither. Too much story line, not enough laughs. What happened?

And since Eminem has a new album out, I figured I'd backtrack a little and check out his film "8 Mile."

There's no arguing Eminem is one talented mofo. His album, "The Marshall Mathers LP," is probably the strongest argument for him.

The film is pretty decent, but doesn't go that far in showcasing his unique and stylish rapping methods.

Fortunately one of the DVD extras is a 30-minute documentary that shows the rapper doing some improv battling which shows why he slays.

As for Eminem's new album, "Encore," there are some good moments, but overall it's not that thrilling.

What is up with Dr. Dre's production? The music is unimaginative and flat and really takes away from Eminem's otherwise solid rapping.

Topically, the album is kind of a retread of themes previously visited on "The Eminem Show" and doesn't break new ground in any significant manner.

But then what the hell am I expecting? It's just a rap album.

Peace out.