Contributor: Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

Pineapple Express

Hollywood’s R-rated sex comedy producer du jour, Judd Apatow, turns his attention to weed as he offers his hazy take on the stoner buddy flick.

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“I Love It”

Never underestimate the peculiar appeal of pop music acts from Sweden. (But has something changed? Somehow we can’t remember ABBA or Roxette getting this angry or profane.)

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Release the Panic

“We’re still a rock band,” says RED guitarist Anthony Armstrong, “[but] there are some poppier elements on this record that our fans aren’t used to.” OK. But how ’bout the message fronting that new sound?

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“Feel This Moment”

Savor the moment. Stop and smell the flowers. It’s great advice. But what happens when such sentiments slide off the tongues of superstars such as Pitbull and Christina Aguilera?

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Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Lasse Hallström pairs up Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt to reel viewers into a quirky, feel-good story about fish and friendship and falling in love. But a significant flaw lurks just below the surface.

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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Seven British retirees discover that the idyllic Indian hotel they travel to isn’t so idyllic after all … kind of like their lives so far. (And this movie, too.)

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Believe Acoustic

As the title Believe Acoustic implies, Justin Bieber’s latest chart-topping effort is an acoustic reworking of Believe … plus three new tunes to try to satiate the insatiable force of nature that is Biebermania.

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Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Escapist movies can be magical, sentimental and even inspirational. Sherlock Holmes can be violent, numbing and incomprehensible.

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Movie 43

What compelled Movie 43’s long litany of stars—many of them A-listers—to participate in its naughty, nasty and obscene gags is a massive mystery … not worth investigating.

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“Now”

Paramore’s first single since the acrimonious departure of two founding members blazes with fiery determination as the group tries to move beyond the hurts and conflicts of the past and focuses on a more positive future.

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Speed Racer

The makers of ‘The Matrix’ have reloaded and revolutionized a beloved cartoon classic, steering their eye-popping story straight at families. Should you jump out of the way or catch a ride?

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“Love Me”

Flanked by rappers Drake and Future, Lil Wayne cuts loose with another shame-free, drug-fueled (and popular) celebration of … female degradation.

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The Last Stand

He’s back. And that can only mean one thing: Bad guys better run, ’cause he’s gonna bust some heads. He’s certainly not going to let them go, is he?

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“Suit & Tie”

Justin Timberlake walks the musical runway again for the first time since 2006. Are his new lyrical outfits natty … or naughty?

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Vessel

If you’re wondering why on earth we’re reviewing an album that came out four years ago, read on.

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