Ryan Recommends : 1. Gatsby, Odd, Paramore, and More

Movies:

Directed by Baz Luhrman, the story of Jay Gatsby is brought to life on the big screen once again, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He graces the screen with his obsessive, yet heartfelt portrayal of the famous millionaire along with Tobey Macguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, and Isla Fisher. The glossy vision of Luhrman is near-perfect for the tale of Gatsby. The only criticisms I'd have are the overuse of CGI animation, and constant Jay-Z songs. Yes, I know he was a producer of this film, but his music stuck out like Amanda Bynes at an adult gym, whatever that is.

On the other hand, the music provided by Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine and The xx are perfect for a movie of this type.

Trailer:

2. Star Trek Into Darkness - IMDb

JJ Abrams is at it again, only this time he expands on the close-to-home Star Trek film of 2009 with touches of his own, meaning he goes bigger and better, and adds a little bit of flavor to the characters we're already familiar with. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana and Benedict Cumberbatch, Into Darkness tosses the audience into a world full of action, suspense, and major character twists and turns.

I couldn't help it.

I guess the only criticism here would be the fact that these guys are lucky I had the slightest idea as to who the villain was... If I didn't, the big 'announce' halfway through the film would have left the room silent and awkward.

Trailer:

Books:

1. Odd Apocalypse, by Dean Koontz - Official Website

If you're a Dean Koontz fan like I am, then you follow the stories of Odd Thomas and wait pretty impatiently for each installment.

In this fifth part of the ongoing saga of the quirky fry cook, Odd and his new friend, the pregnant Annamaria, wind up at the Roseland estate, an ominous place kept in tip-top shape even though Odd never sees anyone actually tidying up. Of course, Odd meddles around and not only runs into a horde of strange creatures, but he also stumbles upon a secret so important and dangerous that the lives of many are at stake.

I loved this book, as I've loved all the other installments, however- like the third book, Brother Odd, I found that it got a little bit too into the fantasy aspect for me. The concepts Koontz plays around with are great, but Odd's got a lot more going on that I've been more interested in. However, Odd Apocalypse still kept me on the edge of my seat and left me wanting more.

Also, check out the sixth installment, Deeply Odd, in stores now.

2. It Takes Balls, by Josh Wolf - Official Website

This one's for all you comedy-seekers out there! Chelsea Lately alum Josh Wolf is the latest of the writers of the hit late-night talk show to release a book of tales, and just like he is on the show, the stories he has to tell are nothing short of hilarious. Wolf's carefree personality mixed with being a father and working for television mix together hysterically for a great laugh.

All I wondered upon finishing the book was: "Is that it? I want more."

Let's pray to Kelly Clarkson that Josh releases another book with more stories asap.

Catch more Josh on Chelsea Lately on weeknights, and also his radio show "Josh and Ross" on the Toadhopnetwork.

Music:

1. Thirty Seconds to Mars - Love, Lust, Faith + Dreams - Band Website

Mars is back with their fourth studio release, following 2010's This Is War. The band takes a more electronic turn this time around, spicing things up since their alt-rock background that began in 1998. Mars has evolved through the years, and although this isn't my favorite album, Love, Lust, Faith + Dreams is promising and has many more elements to offer.

Thirty Seconds to Mars is: Jared Leto, Shannon Leto, and Tomo Miličević.

Check out the band's first single off this album, called 'Up in the Air:'

2. Paramore - Paramore - Band Website

We're in the business of misery again with the return of Paramore.

Please excuse that God-awful pun.

With the new lineup and a stylish new look, Paramore has improved upon their mature sound from Brand New Eyes. While some songs simply don't add up to the levels of others, Paramore still has its rock-out moments while remaining grown-up and polished.