$50 iTunes Card
How would you blow 50 bucks on music, movies, books, TV shows, and apps?
The BFG Mark Rylance, Penelope Wilton, Ruby Barhill $19.99
Steven Spielberg and Roald Dahl are one hell of a match, and this new version of The BFG lets the renowned director mix the heart and flair he puts into his films with the creepiness and emotion of Dahl’s story. The film follows 10-year-old Sophie after she spots a mysterious figure lurking the streets after dark, and is whisked off to the world of giants, who aren’t all as kindly as the Big Friendly Giant. Visually, it’s just as inventive as it should be, too – especially the dream world. It’s very true to its source material, in the best possible way.
SteamWorld Heist Image & Form $6.99
We recently reviewed this turn-based game of cartoony robots having shoot-outs when it released on the Mac, and gave it a glowing verdict – and the iOS port works excellently. You’ll steer a ragtag crew of robots around a galaxy, trying to stop the threat of scrappers turning your rusty friends into spare parts through carefully aimed gunplay. Levels are freshly created every time you play, so it’s never quite the same, and different levels can have different restrictions or objectives, keeping things interesting. It’s really well written, and super fun.
Born to run Bruce Springsteen $14.99
No, not the album: the book. A few years off his 70th birthday, Bruce Springsteen reveals the full story of a life of rock and roll stardom with this autobiography, tracking everything from his musical awakening and religious upbringing, the early days of being a band leader in New Jersey, hitting the big time with the E Street Band, to his life now. It’s an amazingly open and honest book, where he reveals as many mistakes as triumphs, and doesn’t try to ignore or spin the low times. It tells you huge amount about the man behind the icon, giving you an ever greater insight into his music.
I’m Alone, No You’re Not Joseph $7.99
This second album from family band Joseph (made up of three sisters) is full of rich melodies driven by acoustic instruments. It moves deftly from ’70s-style harmonies and pounding drums, to more soulful fare that floats along through twanging guitar chords. It’s engrossing, really enjoyable stuff, perfect to lose yourself in for the cold winter days.