A&E

BANG: The latest game in the “Contra” series proves to be an exhilarating run-and-gun 2-D shooter.

This Sunday, it’s time to break out the ballots and turn on your television sets. You’re invited to the “biggest movie event of the year” - that’s right, it’s the 83rd Annual Academy Awards! Hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway (a choice of hosts obviously meant to attract younger audiences and boost ratings), the Oscars are coming to your home so that you can witness the celebration of 2010’s cinematic year.

ART: Visiting artist Chico MacMurtrie brings abstract forms to life at the Beall Center.

GRAMMYS: We answer America’s burning question of the week: “Who the heck is Arcade Fire?”

SIMON: Noise-rock alchemists Sonic Youth stick to sporadic sounds on their first film soundtrack.

SCI-FI: Disney’s new action thriller will please, with a hot young cast and superb special effects.

QUEEN: Arriving in her usual dramatic style, Lady Gaga unleashed “Born This Way” at the 2011 Grammys.

ELECTRONIC: The post-hardcore band enhances the listening experience of their latest album.

FIGHTING: The third entry into the “Marvel vs. Capcom” franchise offers too little features and misses the mark.

COMEDY: Fresh from his successful role in “The Hangover,” Ed Helms plays the same character here. By Wes Koseki

CARS: The latest entry into the old racing video game series fails to adapt to the next-gen gaming systems.

SYNTH: Cut Copy’s new album is a solid set of high-energym Eightie’s-inspired pop tracks.