(M) The Queen (Stephen Frears, 2006) Grade: B+
Helen Mirren has portrayed Elizabeth I and II in two separate films, and though I have yet to see Elizabeth I, I can say that Mirren pulls off II quite well. Centering mainly around Princess Diana’s untimely death, the film was surprisingly funny in parts. The highlight of the film was a scene in which Elizabeth tells Tony Blair (played by Michael Sheen) that the public’s favor always changes. And the audience had to laugh at its relevance when considering Blair’s immense popularity then to his recent leave of office.

(G) Asobi Seksu @ The Echo, Oct. 6 Grade: B
I’ve never seen so many Asians at the Echo as this night for this Japanese fronted New York band. Overall, it was a solid performance and singer Yuki is charming. The only quibble I had was with the vocals, which I couldn’t hear very well (and I was right up front). But I suppose Yuki’s singing style is somewhat soft and that’s always hard to hear above drums and loud guitars.