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Christa

Christa Banister


Last Updated: 11/18/2009

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Gender: Female
Status: Married
Age: 33
Sign: Capricorn

City: SAINT PAUL
State: Minnesota
Country: US
Signup Date: 10/21/2006

Blog Archive
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Monday, November 23, 2009 
With a strikingly different tone than its swoony, spooky counterpart Twilight, New Moon actually answers the age-old question that most romantic comedy scripts never have the opportunity to:  What happens after the girl actually lands the man—or in this case, vampire—of her dreams?

Turns out, for Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), it's not exactly the happily-ever-after ending that she was probably hoping for. On the eve of turning 18, she's smack dab in the middle of a quarter-life crisis that's unfortunately arrived seven years too early. See, this is the first time she's going to be older than her forever young beau, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). And considering how sparkly and beautiful he is in the sunlight, not to mention easy on the eyes when it's dark, she isn't sure he's still going to love her when she's old and wrinkly.

Of course, Edward hasn't provided any indication that his love would ever waver, but Bella is still freaking out (in that sulky, moody way that she always does, mind you). In fact, instead of actually enjoying how everyone is doting on her, she'd prefer not celebrating her birthday at all. And given what happens next, well, that could've been a far better option.

Read the rest of this review here.
4:56 PM 
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Monday, November 23, 2009 


Since we're approaching that time of year when critics start making those "best-of" lists, I think it's safe to say that most of what released in 2009 easily proves the adage that dates all the way back to Ecclesiastes 1:9—ultimately, that there's "nothing new under the sun."

While recycling old ideas was basically status quo, surprisingly enough, borrowing from other otherworldly space-age flicks including Stars Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. and Alien actually elevates Planet 51's overall enjoyment factor.

Considering that the scriptwriters never really made the most of the somewhat original concept they started with, namely having aliens being deathly afraid of the humans (rather than the other way around), the sly references to far superior sci-fi fare prevent Planet 51 from being a total dud. In fact, it's sort of fun waiting to see what they'll spoof next.

Read the rest of this review here.
4:53 PM 
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Monday, November 23, 2009 

Be forewarned:  Precious is not a movie for the faint of heart or stomach. Not only is the portrayal of abuse (sexual, physical and otherwise) both grotesque and gritty in a decidedly in-your-face way, but never have I seen pigs' feet used to such gruesome effect.

Believe me, there are countless visuals you'll never forget when watching the story that was inspired by Sapphire's novel, Push.

That being said, there's definitely a reason this film is backed by the high-profile likes of Oprah and Tyler Perry and being talked about in such a praiseworthy way, and it's not solely because of the shock factor. Not only are there several Oscar-worthy performances here from newcomer Gabourey Sidibe as the movie's namesake and Mo'Nique, who is, hands down, one of the scariest movie villains since Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight, but director Lee Daniels gets the story just right by not shying away from the ugly truth of poverty, illiteracy and abuse.


Read the rest of this review here.

4:47 PM 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 
There's a little substance tucked away in all those country clichés on the predictably constructed Play On.

As Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood can definitely attest, it's good to be a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll these days.



In fact, 2009 has been very, very good to both country/pop singers. While Swift's widespread fame is still relatively new and documented blow-by-blow in all the tabloids, Underwood is now the seasoned pro with three big-sellers under her belt, thanks to her new album, Play On's recent chart-topping status.But given the public's obvious distaste for former American Idols who switch things up too much stylistically (yep that's you, Kelly Clarkson), it's probably no surprise that Underwood and everyone lending a hand on Play On play things pretty safe.

Read the rest of this review here.
4:53 AM 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 
Anyone expecting a cheerier, poppier Christmas album will be disappointed, but those who appreciate Sting's more artsy side will find plenty to like about If on a Winter's Night …

It's been said that a "picture is worth a thousand words," and that statement couldn't be more fitting for Sting's new album, If on a Winter's Night.

In fact, the photograph selected for the front cover perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the project as Sting walks alone in the snow-covered woods, his only companion, a lone furry friend whose whiskers are probably covered in ice.

Read the rest of this review here.
4:47 AM 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 
Thanks to Archuleta's stellar pipes, the season is merry and bright.

While a holiday album is still a rather curious choice for an artist's sophomore project, especially when the debut performed respectably like David Archuleta's did, traditional Christmas songs are actually a pretty great match for the American Idol alum's vocal range.

So perhaps, it really was a genius move after all.

But the proof's in the singing, of course, and Archuleta showcases tremendous diversity whether he sticks with tradition on the string-laden opening cut "Joy to the World" or gets a little experimental on "Pat-A-Pan," which is basically the French equivalent of "The Little Drummer Boy" tale. And while the thought of someone from American Idol singing in French might seem rather cringe-worthy, Archuleta actually pulls it off convincingly.

Read this review here.
4:39 AM 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 
Melancholy music is the order of the day on New Moon soundtrack.

Considering that many of the Twi-hards (a.k.a. those who can't get enough of Robert Pattinson and proudly sport the requisite "Team Edward" T-shirts) are also the people who heart the Jo Bros and Miley Cyrus, too, one might expect the highly anticipated New Moon soundtrack to take a few cues from its teeny-bopper fan base. Namely, less alt rock, more teen pop.

But since Twilight series author Stephenie Meyer has proudly proclaimed her love for under-the-radar rockers like Paramore and Muse (who have both catapulted to mass success as a result), it's probably best to stick with what worked the first time around. And that's precisely what the film's musical directors have done with New Moon's official soundtrack, but with even better results.

Read the rest of this review here.
4:33 AM 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 
A collection of ho-hum love songs falls flat long before Carey hits a high note.

While her voice is definitely in far better shape than fellow diva Whitney Houston's is on her recent "comeback" album I Look to You, listening to Mariah Carey's latest work, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel still yields a similar reaction:  disappointment.
Basically, it's a reminder that the glory days of "Vision of Love", "Hero" and "Emotions" have long passed and been replaced with yet another song about her "did-she-or-didn't-she?" affair with Eminem several years ago.

Now that Carey is newly married to fellow artist Nick Cannon, you'd think she'd let the subject die already; but that, along with her other tabloid baggage (Perez Hilton would be proud), plays front and center (albeit humorously so) in several of her songs.

Read the rest of this review here.
4:21 AM 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 
The boys (mostly) return to the sound that made them famous in the first place, a move that works, well, about half the time.

While they weren't completely inept at busting a choreographed move on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien recently, it was still a bit disconcerting watching Backstreet Boys (now all well into their 30s, save for Nick Carter, who's a sprightly 29), attempting to dance just like they did back in their boy band heyday.

Really, the only thing that was missing was a throng of screaming female fans as they belted out their new single, "Straight through My Heart," a catchy, mid-tempo tune that would've fit in nicely with any of the group's past efforts.

Read the rest of the review here.
4:13 AM 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 
Vertical Horizon's new songs are basically the old ones with fewer hooks.

With a steady stream of Seinfeld and Friends reruns still in constant rotation and new music from the likes of Third Eye Blind, Collective Soul and Sugar Ray hitting stores recently, it seems that ‘90s nostalgia is in full bloom.

Certainly no stranger to that decade musically speaking, it's fitting that Vertical Horizon is also making its comeback after a six-year hiatus, considering that songs like "Everything You Want," "You're a God" and "Best I've Ever Had" had a good, long run on Top-40 radio.

Read the rest of the review here.
4:05 AM 
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