$1 Cheeseburger Showdown

There's been a lot of mudsling lately, and no I'm not talking about Tuesday's off-year elections- that stuff is for nerds.

I'm talking about who deserves the $1 double cheese crown.

Raditude Review

Ratitude drops today. And Weezer's seventh album boast their most studio refined album yet; to the point of over doing it. The album jacket list five different producers, and another seven additional musicians. Most notable, Lil Wayne on the discs most annoying song "I Can't Stop Partying".

None of the songs really stand out. They all seem to blur together as most pop albums tend to do. I can already picture most of these songs blasting during the lame montage of every coming of age teen comedy next summer.

I do have to give credit when credit is due. Weezer has never been a band to make the same album twice. Each time they seem like something new, it's just this time, i wish it was something old.

The bottom line: if you like Beverly Hills, pick this up and enjoy it. If you like Pinkerton, skip this disc and wipe the tear from behind your black rimmed glasses.

Rating:5/10

At least the boys still have a sense of humor:

Trick 'r Treat Review

Make room on your DVD shelf for Trick 'r Treat. This straight to DVD holiday horror brings together four Halloween tales set in suburban Warren Valley, Ohio. Each story is tied together by the creepy half-pint pumpkin headed Sam.

This movie has a great mix of scares, gore, vampires, werewolves, drinking, and of course, classic cheesiness; keep an eye out for all the menacing candy bars.

There isn't a single thing I can think of wrong with this movie. Trick 'r treat is undeniable one of the best modern Halloween movies because it sticks to classic effects while still keeping an edgy contemporary feel. Just fast forward to the werewolf scene if you don't believe me.

In reality though, I can see why Warner Bros. sent this straight to DVD. Yes, this is a solid Halloween movie, but I can't see this doing well in theatres for more than two or three weeks before Halloween. But now, everyone will be putting Trick 'r Treat into their Halloween movie marathon.

Rating: 9/10

Statesville Haunted Prison

Statesville Haunted Prison has been one of the top rated haunted houses around, and after watchign the watching their trailer, I was really excited about going. Two Haunted houses for the prices of one. Sounds pretty good, right?

Wish List: Rick Bayless's Xoco

Mexican, and Chicago, cuisine icon Rick Bayless is putting the focus on street food at his new restaurant Xoco (pronounced SHO-ko). The Top Chef Masters winner has put together a sleek menu featuring a variety of tortas, soups, and salads.

Rick won't have to go too far to keep an eye on his new digs. Xoco is located right next to his already well established Frontera Grill in River North.

Something about Rick mixing his culinary experience, great ingredient selection, and Mexican street fare sounds very appealing. It reminds me of gyros with Cristal. Wait. That doesn't sound good at all. Maybe more like apple fritter crepes.

Marcus Leshock, one of my favorite reporters, beat to Xoco, and put together this great preview.