DVDs I, ROBOT

Coppa: Based on the classic Isaac Asimov novel--yeah, like you've read it--I, Robot stars Will Smith as a detective who's on the case of a murderous robot. Are all machines destined to kill man? Short answer: Yes. But before you trash your toaster, remember this is just fiction.

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY

Coppa: The rare sequel that's better than the original, Matt Damon reprises his Bourne Identity role as amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne. After retiring to the beach, he's tracked down and framed for murder. Now he must bring the pain to everyone on his tail. Great car chases, refreshingly original fight scenes, and a twist-filled plot will leave you glad to be Bourne again.

Yao: I watch a lot of movies, but my favorites right now are Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and The Day After Tomorrow. They both have great special effects.

VIDEO GAMES

HALO 2 (XBOX)

Coppa: The long-awaited follow-up to one of the greatest video games ever created, Halo 2 amps up the first-person shooting intensity. The new Xbox Live functionality allows up to 16 players to face off online against gamers anywhere in the world. Plus you can double-fist weapons as you try to save Earth from a bunch of punk-ass aliens.

THE GETAWAY: BLACK MONDAY (PS2)

Coppa: With 25 square miles of painstakingly re-created London streets as your backdrop, you partake in a series of events that leads to the ultimate gang war. Its cinematic look is distinctive and multidimensional for a game that has scads of possible outcomes.

Yao: I like Warcraft and Counter-Strike. I like fighting games. I play video games just about every day. As a kid, I loved video games, but I had no money, so I'd steal my mom's money.

CDs

VARIOUS ARTISTS FAHRENHEIT 9/11 (SOUNDTRACK)

Coppa: The election may be over and this controversial, Bush-skewering documentary out of theaters, but its soundtrack is full of memorable artists. They include Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and other left-leaning lords of rock. The standout track is "Masters of War," a gritty live turn by Pearl Jam. It doesn't matter whom you voted for, if you enjoy heartfelt performances, you'll support this disc.

JIMMY CLIFF BLACK MAGIC

Coppa: Recognized as a classic innovator of reggae, Cliff started making music in the '60s in Jamaica, And as a contemporary of Bob Marley he helped create a worldwide reggae revolution. His latest CD--Cliff's first in six years--incorporates hip-hop, R&B, and cameos by Wyclef Jean, Joe Strummer, and Sting. This rudeboy's still got some magic in him.

Yao: My favorite CDs are Chinese, so you probably wouldn't know them.

Bonus Q+A

More Yao for you

Coppa: What's the NBA like?

Yao: I'm trying my best to get used to it, but the physicality of the game is tough. Though playing with the best athletes on the planet is very fulfilling.

Coppa: Is there a language barrier on the court?

Yao: I don't really have a problem communicating with my teammates. At least I don't shoot on my own basket!

Coppa: How is it living with your parents now?

Yao: Our house is very quiet. If anything on the outside hurts me--like somebody yelling "Yao sucks!"--when I get home, I close the door and everything from outside stops.

Coppa: You ever talk trash on the court in Chinese?

Yao: No.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group