China no fan of new Guns N’ Roses album

Guns N’ Roses album Chinese Democracy is a venomous attack on China, a Chinese newspaper charged Monday.

The Global Times, published by China’s ruling Communist party, referred to the title of the album but did not refer to specific lyrics in the songs.

In the article headlined “American band releases album venomously attacking China,” the Global Times said the album turns “its spear-point on China.”

The newspaper quotes internet users who called the album part of a plot to “grasp and control the world, using democracy as a pawn.”

China’s Foreign Ministry had no official comment on the album, which has been in the works since 1994.

The title song refers to the outlawed Falun Gong movement and contains the line “if your Great Wall rocks, blame yourself.”

Luhrmann offers "Australia" as an escape from fear

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The Outback epic “Australia” is director Baz Luhrmann’s first film since he dazzled audiences with “Moulin Rouge!” seven years ago, and critics are wondering if the $130 million drama can live up to its hype.

Early reviews are mixed but generally warm for the movie, which makes its U.S. premiere on Monday, and while some critics say it might be an Oscar contender, a best director Academy Award could prove tough — not that Luhrmann seems concerned.

“In a world where there’s a lot of fear, I hope you can come out of the cinema after a few hours and feel like its been an enriching experience,” he said in an interview, referring to the global financial crisis. “If you get a little bit of that and you have been entertained, then that is enough for me.”