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(04/30/04 3:41pm)
Boy #1 is friends with girl.\nBoy #2 meets girl.\nBoy #1 is in love with girl.\nBoy #2 falls for girl.\nSound familiar?\nWell, the only thing that separates this romantic-comedy from others is the fact that boy #2 is a famous movie star named Tad Hamilton.\nAlthough I won't spoil the ending for you, the movie is especially entertaining with a supporting cast which includes Nathan Lane and Sean Hayes (both of whom play Hamilton's management team) and Ginnifer Goodwin as the kooky best friend of Rosalee (Kate Bosworth) who wins the date with Hamilton. Topher Grace from "That '70s Show" and Josh Duhamel from "Las Vegas" play the roles of Boy #1 and Boy #2 respectively.\nThe DVD has a handful of special features which include a gag reel showing that, yes, actors do screw up their lines and they do it a lot! There are also over 15 deleted scenes, cast info, a photo gallery and some production notes to make this DVD worth your money. \nIf you are a fan of the flick then the DVD is an easy buy. With all of the bonus features and the cheesily hilarious premise of winning a date with your favorite movie star, this is an amusing watch.
(04/29/04 4:00am)
Boy #1 is friends with girl.\nBoy #2 meets girl.\nBoy #1 is in love with girl.\nBoy #2 falls for girl.\nSound familiar?\nWell, the only thing that separates this romantic-comedy from others is the fact that boy #2 is a famous movie star named Tad Hamilton.\nAlthough I won't spoil the ending for you, the movie is especially entertaining with a supporting cast which includes Nathan Lane and Sean Hayes (both of whom play Hamilton's management team) and Ginnifer Goodwin as the kooky best friend of Rosalee (Kate Bosworth) who wins the date with Hamilton. Topher Grace from "That '70s Show" and Josh Duhamel from "Las Vegas" play the roles of Boy #1 and Boy #2 respectively.\nThe DVD has a handful of special features which include a gag reel showing that, yes, actors do screw up their lines and they do it a lot! There are also over 15 deleted scenes, cast info, a photo gallery and some production notes to make this DVD worth your money. \nIf you are a fan of the flick then the DVD is an easy buy. With all of the bonus features and the cheesily hilarious premise of winning a date with your favorite movie star, this is an amusing watch.
(04/24/04 12:24am)
It's pretty much assumed that college students know how to throw a good party. But what if you could throw a party every day? Or better yet, what if you could earn a living by throwing parties?\nThat is exactly what senior Danna Hawley had in mind when she decided to major in "Music Venue Design and Management," a major she created within the Individualized Major Program. \nThe program offered Hawley, who is graduating in May, the opportunity to dip her hands into aspects of management, audio, acoustics, music, telecommunications, marketing and entrepreneurship.\nA musician for over 11 years, Hawley decided to apply for the IMP after spending her freshman year as an audio major and finding out it wasn't right for her. She became an exploratory major her second semester and took a variety of classes to see which majors she would enjoy.\n"I always knew I wanted to work in the music business," Hawley says. "I've been a musician … I love to play, but always hated performing. I was much more interested in owning a label, agency or owning a venue … There's nothing more rewarding than someone sincerely telling you how much fun they had."\nAs an avid fan of concerts and clubs, Hawley would always attend events and critique them by analyzing the crowd, their reactions, the design of the club, the acoustics -- and then would figure out what she would have done differently. \nAfter discovering and applying to the IMP, Hawley then began looking for two sponsors to support her in her major. She was required to find one sponsor in music and one in business. She found audio professor Konrad Strauss as her music sponsor and marketing professor Joseph Miller as her business sponsor. In retrospect, Hawley says finding a business sponsor was difficult, stating that most professors urged her simply to get a minor in business instead of incorporating it into her major.\n"They couldn't understand why I would ever want to not follow the strict restrictions of their majors," Hawley says. "Personally, I think the music business is completely separate from other businesses and therefore cannot be fully encompassed in a business or management minor. There would be too many aspects left uncovered."\nStrauss, impressed with her enthusiasm and intriguing major, worked with Hawley on her course choices and discussed the scope of her final project.\n"I encouraged her to go abroad and gain some real-world experience," Strauss says. "Regarding her final project, she had big dreams ... probably the best advice I gave her was to limit the scope of the project -- and make it more manageable."\nAlthough the title of her major seems as if it holds a lot of restrictions of its own, Hawley says she actually had a lot of flexibility and was even able to fit in a semester studying abroad in London. While in London, Hawley began working for her favorite record label, Trouble on Vinyl, a successful drum and bass label.\nHawley began working closely with Clayton Hines, a promoter and owner of TOV, and they developed a solid friendship.\n"We'd have these inspiring, long conversations," Hawley says. "He'd give me great advice … I learned the different aspects of owning a label, how he does business and, most importantly, how I would love to become a promoter."\nWhen she returned from her semester in London, Hawley began interning at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, working closely with theater director Danielle McClelland. While there, Hawley saw more of the business side of promoting and managing such as working on contracts, forming a database of promoters and agencies and house managing the theater for shows.\nAfter discovering her love for travel and realizing the amount of work required to own a venue, Hawley decided to put her dream of owning a venue on hold and focus more on booking and promoting shows.\nHawley then returned to London during the summer and was hired as the head of promotions and street team leader for Movement, another drum and bass promotion company located in London and Brazil. Although Hawley realized the environment at Movement was different than the one she was used to at TOV, she also realized that seeing a variety of managerial techniques allowed her to use some of their techniques and create a managerial style of her own.\nLately, the majority of her focus has been on her senior project. Although the IMP gives its students a variety of options such as writing a paper or having an internship, Hawley decided to develop a creative project. She wanted to show off the skills she had been developing by promoting a benefit concert and giving all proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club.\n"My mom works in early childhood development and one of her friends actually runs the Boys & Girls Club in Chicago, so I'm appreciative of their efforts and know that it's an extremely solid organization," Hawley says. "I love what they stand for and really wanted to support them."\nThroughout the semester Hawley worked hard to promote her concert, The Midwest Hip Hop Throwdown held April 6, at the Bluebird. Hawley chose to have the concert at the Bluebird because she favors their sound system and identifies them with holding strong underground hip-hop acts. Artists such as Pugslee Atomz and Psalm One from Chicago, The Mudkids from Indianapolis and two IU students: Half Blown and The Prophet participated in the show.\nSenior Micah Haskell-Hoehl, a.k.a The Prophet, has been friends with Hawley since their freshman year. \n"It was the first project that she planned," he says. "She was stressed, but … the amount of work she put in -- she packaged and organized everything -- was very professional."\nSince she developed this project on her own, Hawley had a lot of duties throughout the night of the concert. \n"Since she is in charge, all of the performers go to her for everything and everyone involved in the venue goes to her for everything," Haskell-Hoehl says. "She has to keep a lot of people happy at the same time."\nThroughout the process of creating her senior project, Hawley had a difficult time finding support and sponsors for the concert. \n"People kept telling me disheartening things like 'It's not as easy as you think,' 'Don't be surprised if things don't work out,'" Hawley says. "I'm not that lame. I don't need to be told the music business isn't easy. I don't need someone to tell me to appreciate the aspects of the business and you know what? Things did work out!"\nHawley says she is really fortunate she had the opportunity to be in the IMP.\n"It [the IMP] gave me a remarkable education and showed me tons of options," she says. "A lot of kids are terrified to graduate and enter the real world, but because of the knowledge I've gained, I can't wait."\nStrauss remains supportive of Hawley as she prepares for graduation.\n"I'm extremely proud of her. She had big goals and the drive to achieve them," he says. "She encountered some major obstacles along the way, but managed to find creative solutions and all the while remaining positive about the experience."\nAs for the future, Hawley still dreams of owning a club someday. However, she plans on moving back to London in June and is planning on working for a record label there.\n"This major became a reality more than a dream," adds Hawley. "That's what a college education does -- it makes your dreams a reality"
(04/22/04 4:00am)
It's pretty much assumed that college students know how to throw a good party. But what if you could throw a party every day? Or better yet, what if you could earn a living by throwing parties?\nThat is exactly what senior Danna Hawley had in mind when she decided to major in "Music Venue Design and Management," a major she created within the Individualized Major Program. \nThe program offered Hawley, who is graduating in May, the opportunity to dip her hands into aspects of management, audio, acoustics, music, telecommunications, marketing and entrepreneurship.\nA musician for over 11 years, Hawley decided to apply for the IMP after spending her freshman year as an audio major and finding out it wasn't right for her. She became an exploratory major her second semester and took a variety of classes to see which majors she would enjoy.\n"I always knew I wanted to work in the music business," Hawley says. "I've been a musician … I love to play, but always hated performing. I was much more interested in owning a label, agency or owning a venue … There's nothing more rewarding than someone sincerely telling you how much fun they had."\nAs an avid fan of concerts and clubs, Hawley would always attend events and critique them by analyzing the crowd, their reactions, the design of the club, the acoustics -- and then would figure out what she would have done differently. \nAfter discovering and applying to the IMP, Hawley then began looking for two sponsors to support her in her major. She was required to find one sponsor in music and one in business. She found audio professor Konrad Strauss as her music sponsor and marketing professor Joseph Miller as her business sponsor. In retrospect, Hawley says finding a business sponsor was difficult, stating that most professors urged her simply to get a minor in business instead of incorporating it into her major.\n"They couldn't understand why I would ever want to not follow the strict restrictions of their majors," Hawley says. "Personally, I think the music business is completely separate from other businesses and therefore cannot be fully encompassed in a business or management minor. There would be too many aspects left uncovered."\nStrauss, impressed with her enthusiasm and intriguing major, worked with Hawley on her course choices and discussed the scope of her final project.\n"I encouraged her to go abroad and gain some real-world experience," Strauss says. "Regarding her final project, she had big dreams ... probably the best advice I gave her was to limit the scope of the project -- and make it more manageable."\nAlthough the title of her major seems as if it holds a lot of restrictions of its own, Hawley says she actually had a lot of flexibility and was even able to fit in a semester studying abroad in London. While in London, Hawley began working for her favorite record label, Trouble on Vinyl, a successful drum and bass label.\nHawley began working closely with Clayton Hines, a promoter and owner of TOV, and they developed a solid friendship.\n"We'd have these inspiring, long conversations," Hawley says. "He'd give me great advice … I learned the different aspects of owning a label, how he does business and, most importantly, how I would love to become a promoter."\nWhen she returned from her semester in London, Hawley began interning at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, working closely with theater director Danielle McClelland. While there, Hawley saw more of the business side of promoting and managing such as working on contracts, forming a database of promoters and agencies and house managing the theater for shows.\nAfter discovering her love for travel and realizing the amount of work required to own a venue, Hawley decided to put her dream of owning a venue on hold and focus more on booking and promoting shows.\nHawley then returned to London during the summer and was hired as the head of promotions and street team leader for Movement, another drum and bass promotion company located in London and Brazil. Although Hawley realized the environment at Movement was different than the one she was used to at TOV, she also realized that seeing a variety of managerial techniques allowed her to use some of their techniques and create a managerial style of her own.\nLately, the majority of her focus has been on her senior project. Although the IMP gives its students a variety of options such as writing a paper or having an internship, Hawley decided to develop a creative project. She wanted to show off the skills she had been developing by promoting a benefit concert and giving all proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club.\n"My mom works in early childhood development and one of her friends actually runs the Boys & Girls Club in Chicago, so I'm appreciative of their efforts and know that it's an extremely solid organization," Hawley says. "I love what they stand for and really wanted to support them."\nThroughout the semester Hawley worked hard to promote her concert, The Midwest Hip Hop Throwdown held April 6, at the Bluebird. Hawley chose to have the concert at the Bluebird because she favors their sound system and identifies them with holding strong underground hip-hop acts. Artists such as Pugslee Atomz and Psalm One from Chicago, The Mudkids from Indianapolis and two IU students: Half Blown and The Prophet participated in the show.\nSenior Micah Haskell-Hoehl, a.k.a The Prophet, has been friends with Hawley since their freshman year. \n"It was the first project that she planned," he says. "She was stressed, but … the amount of work she put in -- she packaged and organized everything -- was very professional."\nSince she developed this project on her own, Hawley had a lot of duties throughout the night of the concert. \n"Since she is in charge, all of the performers go to her for everything and everyone involved in the venue goes to her for everything," Haskell-Hoehl says. "She has to keep a lot of people happy at the same time."\nThroughout the process of creating her senior project, Hawley had a difficult time finding support and sponsors for the concert. \n"People kept telling me disheartening things like 'It's not as easy as you think,' 'Don't be surprised if things don't work out,'" Hawley says. "I'm not that lame. I don't need to be told the music business isn't easy. I don't need someone to tell me to appreciate the aspects of the business and you know what? Things did work out!"\nHawley says she is really fortunate she had the opportunity to be in the IMP.\n"It [the IMP] gave me a remarkable education and showed me tons of options," she says. "A lot of kids are terrified to graduate and enter the real world, but because of the knowledge I've gained, I can't wait."\nStrauss remains supportive of Hawley as she prepares for graduation.\n"I'm extremely proud of her. She had big goals and the drive to achieve them," he says. "She encountered some major obstacles along the way, but managed to find creative solutions and all the while remaining positive about the experience."\nAs for the future, Hawley still dreams of owning a club someday. However, she plans on moving back to London in June and is planning on working for a record label there.\n"This major became a reality more than a dream," adds Hawley. "That's what a college education does -- it makes your dreams a reality"
(04/08/04 5:13am)
"Something's Gotta Give" revolves around the lives of two individuals -- Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) and Erica Barry (Diane Keaton) -- whose lives are suddenly forced together after Harry experiences chest pains at Erica's Hampton mansion, where he was vacationing with Erica's daughter, Marin (Amanda Peet). However, while staying in Erica's house to recover, Erica and Harry soon form a friendship and then fall for one another, a change for Harry since he is noted for gallivanting with young women around New York.\n"Something's Gotta Give" is the perfect tale to preach about finding love at any age and to poke fun at the older man/younger woman syndrome and even the older woman/younger man relationship Erica finds with a handsome doctor (Keanu Reeves). Not only are there incredible sparks between Keaton and Nicholson in this movie, but there is a sweetness about it which makes younger viewers not want to stop the film when the two are having elderly troubles during a love scene.\nAlthough the DVD is a worthy buy, especially to see Keaton in her Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated role, I was a bit disappointed with the special features on the DVD. Sure, it includes commentary with Keaton and writer/director Nancy Meyers, and then a separate commentary with Meyers and Nicholson, filmographies, a bunch of previews, a tour of the Hampton mansion and one deleted scene, but I really would've liked to have seen an onscreen interview with Keaton and Nicholson together, or a behind-the-scenes look, or even a gag reel. I think the most important part of this film was Keaton and Nicholson's chemistry, and I would have loved to have seen how that translated off-screen.
(04/08/04 4:00am)
"Something's Gotta Give" revolves around the lives of two individuals -- Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) and Erica Barry (Diane Keaton) -- whose lives are suddenly forced together after Harry experiences chest pains at Erica's Hampton mansion, where he was vacationing with Erica's daughter, Marin (Amanda Peet). However, while staying in Erica's house to recover, Erica and Harry soon form a friendship and then fall for one another, a change for Harry since he is noted for gallivanting with young women around New York.\n"Something's Gotta Give" is the perfect tale to preach about finding love at any age and to poke fun at the older man/younger woman syndrome and even the older woman/younger man relationship Erica finds with a handsome doctor (Keanu Reeves). Not only are there incredible sparks between Keaton and Nicholson in this movie, but there is a sweetness about it which makes younger viewers not want to stop the film when the two are having elderly troubles during a love scene.\nAlthough the DVD is a worthy buy, especially to see Keaton in her Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated role, I was a bit disappointed with the special features on the DVD. Sure, it includes commentary with Keaton and writer/director Nancy Meyers, and then a separate commentary with Meyers and Nicholson, filmographies, a bunch of previews, a tour of the Hampton mansion and one deleted scene, but I really would've liked to have seen an onscreen interview with Keaton and Nicholson together, or a behind-the-scenes look, or even a gag reel. I think the most important part of this film was Keaton and Nicholson's chemistry, and I would have loved to have seen how that translated off-screen.
(03/25/04 5:00am)
Writer/director David Koepp adapts Stephen King's novella "Secret Window, Secret Garden," which concerns a writer, Mort Rainey (Johnny Depp), who secludes himself in a cabin after discovering his wife cheating on him after 10 years of marriage. While hiding out in the cabin, Rainey sleeps all day, talks to his dog and walks around the house in his pajamas eating Doritos. It isn't until Rainey is approached by a Mississippi native by the name of John Shooter (John Turturro), who accuses Rainey of plagiarism, that a series of mysterious and unfortunate incidents begin.\nThe most attractive part of this movie is Depp himself. After scoring incredible popularity and praise for "Pirates of the Caribbean," viewers will be happy to see their favorite pirate once more in this psychological thriller. And although "Secret Window" tends to lose its suspense in sporadic moments throughout the film, male viewers can use these low points in the movie to envy their new idol, Depp, and female viewers can dream about what it would be like to curl Depp's newly dyed-blonde hair around their fingertips. \nEven though this movie is considered more of a drama, there are a few moments throughout the film during which I found myself chuckling along with my fellow audience members. And although Depp makes a few comical comments during the film, I was most amused with Turturro's character, John Shooter. Shooter can be classified as the typical hick. He extends all of his syllables and speaks in a very drawn-out, southern accent. He walks slowly and he also wears a black hat (which looks like something one might find in an old chest in the attic) to intimidate his rival, Rainey. \nOther characters who appear in the film include Rainey's soon-to-be-ex-wife (Maria Bello), the new man in her life (Timothy Hutton) and Rainey's lawyer (Charles S. Dutton).\nI must say, even though several moments throughout the film lacked suspense, I enjoyed it overall. Since I had not read King's book before watching the film, I did not foresee the ending -- which is a plus to me since I hate figuring out an ending while only a half-hour in.
(03/24/04 8:46pm)
Writer/director David Koepp adapts Stephen King's novella "Secret Window, Secret Garden," which concerns a writer, Mort Rainey (Johnny Depp), who secludes himself in a cabin after discovering his wife cheating on him after 10 years of marriage. While hiding out in the cabin, Rainey sleeps all day, talks to his dog and walks around the house in his pajamas eating Doritos. It isn't until Rainey is approached by a Mississippi native by the name of John Shooter (John Turturro), who accuses Rainey of plagiarism, that a series of mysterious and unfortunate incidents begin.\nThe most attractive part of this movie is Depp himself. After scoring incredible popularity and praise for "Pirates of the Caribbean," viewers will be happy to see their favorite pirate once more in this psychological thriller. And although "Secret Window" tends to lose its suspense in sporadic moments throughout the film, male viewers can use these low points in the movie to envy their new idol, Depp, and female viewers can dream about what it would be like to curl Depp's newly dyed-blonde hair around their fingertips. \nEven though this movie is considered more of a drama, there are a few moments throughout the film during which I found myself chuckling along with my fellow audience members. And although Depp makes a few comical comments during the film, I was most amused with Turturro's character, John Shooter. Shooter can be classified as the typical hick. He extends all of his syllables and speaks in a very drawn-out, southern accent. He walks slowly and he also wears a black hat (which looks like something one might find in an old chest in the attic) to intimidate his rival, Rainey. \nOther characters who appear in the film include Rainey's soon-to-be-ex-wife (Maria Bello), the new man in her life (Timothy Hutton) and Rainey's lawyer (Charles S. Dutton).\nI must say, even though several moments throughout the film lacked suspense, I enjoyed it overall. Since I had not read King's book before watching the film, I did not foresee the ending -- which is a plus to me since I hate figuring out an ending while only a half-hour in.
(02/26/04 5:00am)
For those who love a good legal drama with a surprise twist ending, "Runaway Jury" is the movie to see. Based on the John Grisham novel, "Runaway Jury" gives an inside look at jury selection and how legal councils determine who will serve on their jury. The movie follows one ruthless jury consultant (Gene Hackman) on his quest to secure a verdict during a well-publicized trial on the negligence and liability of gun use. What he does not anticipate includes a blackmailer (Rachel Weisz), a juror who can spin the verdict (John Cusack) and a passionate lawyer with a love for the goodness of the law (Dustin Hoffman).\nThe DVD comes in widescreen and full-frame and contains loads of special features. Extras include deleted scenes, director commentary, scene commentaries with Hackman and Hoffman along with two documentaries starring the two veteran actors, a behind-the-scenes ensemble piece, a making-of featurette and a behind-the-scenes look at the cinematography, production design and editing of the movie. \nSo, not only is this movie worth your rental or purchase fee based solely on its intriguing plot, but by the amount of informative special features. Besides, it's a treat to see Hackman and Hoffman co-star together for the very first time in both of their long, respective careers.
(02/26/04 3:52am)
For those who love a good legal drama with a surprise twist ending, "Runaway Jury" is the movie to see. Based on the John Grisham novel, "Runaway Jury" gives an inside look at jury selection and how legal councils determine who will serve on their jury. The movie follows one ruthless jury consultant (Gene Hackman) on his quest to secure a verdict during a well-publicized trial on the negligence and liability of gun use. What he does not anticipate includes a blackmailer (Rachel Weisz), a juror who can spin the verdict (John Cusack) and a passionate lawyer with a love for the goodness of the law (Dustin Hoffman).\nThe DVD comes in widescreen and full-frame and contains loads of special features. Extras include deleted scenes, director commentary, scene commentaries with Hackman and Hoffman along with two documentaries starring the two veteran actors, a behind-the-scenes ensemble piece, a making-of featurette and a behind-the-scenes look at the cinematography, production design and editing of the movie. \nSo, not only is this movie worth your rental or purchase fee based solely on its intriguing plot, but by the amount of informative special features. Besides, it's a treat to see Hackman and Hoffman co-star together for the very first time in both of their long, respective careers.
(02/12/04 5:00am)
In a world full of shoddy sequels, "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" not only generates laughs constantly throughout, but stands to be one of the best comedic sequels ever.\n"Barbershop 2" opens acknowledging prominent black societal figures and trends, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jackson and the popular hair trend -- the Afro, all to the great beat of the Black Eyed Peas. The first scene begins with a flashback of Cedric the Entertainer's character, Eddie, before he began working in the barbershop. Flashbacks of his life are shown in bits and pieces throughout the film to bring more depth to his character beyond the wisecracking jokes. The flashbacks, including a scene that occurred after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, show the importance of Calvin's (Ice Cube) barbershop to the neighborhood and to black culture as a whole. \nIn the first film, Calvin fought against having to sell his barbershop. In the sequel, he has to fight for the barbershop again, but he also has to compete against Nappy Cutz, a franchise that has state of the art hair accessories and an indoor basketball court. Again, Calvin speaks up about the importance of the barbershop and tries to save both his business and the neighborhood from industrialization.\nThis film not only includes the original cast, but also introduces new characters who are also affected by the opening of Nappy Cutz. Gina (Queen Latifah) is introduced as a former girlfriend of Calvin's, who owns the salon next to his barbershop. Watch out for a spin-off called "Beauty Shop" starring Latifah. Before the movie started, there was already an advertisement for the spin-off, where you can expect the girls in her shop to talk about politics, men and well… men. \n"Barbershop 2" has an even better soundtrack than the original. In fact, as the end credits were rolling down the screen I was tempted not to leave only because the music was so energetic and rhythmic. Besides the Black Eyed Peas, there are also songs by Eve and Mary J. Blige, who released their single "Not Today" from the Barbershop 2 Soundtrack.\nCedric the Entertainer scores most of the laughs in this film, including his controversial political opinions such as calling the D.C. sniper, "the Jackie Robinson of crime." Besides providing laughs and an overtly wholesome message, viewers should expect a little romance as well. I would tell you who's involved, but I'd rather you go the theater and see for yourself -- it's worth it.
(02/11/04 9:25pm)
In a world full of shoddy sequels, "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" not only generates laughs constantly throughout, but stands to be one of the best comedic sequels ever.\n"Barbershop 2" opens acknowledging prominent black societal figures and trends, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jackson and the popular hair trend -- the Afro, all to the great beat of the Black Eyed Peas. The first scene begins with a flashback of Cedric the Entertainer's character, Eddie, before he began working in the barbershop. Flashbacks of his life are shown in bits and pieces throughout the film to bring more depth to his character beyond the wisecracking jokes. The flashbacks, including a scene that occurred after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, show the importance of Calvin's (Ice Cube) barbershop to the neighborhood and to black culture as a whole. \nIn the first film, Calvin fought against having to sell his barbershop. In the sequel, he has to fight for the barbershop again, but he also has to compete against Nappy Cutz, a franchise that has state of the art hair accessories and an indoor basketball court. Again, Calvin speaks up about the importance of the barbershop and tries to save both his business and the neighborhood from industrialization.\nThis film not only includes the original cast, but also introduces new characters who are also affected by the opening of Nappy Cutz. Gina (Queen Latifah) is introduced as a former girlfriend of Calvin's, who owns the salon next to his barbershop. Watch out for a spin-off called "Beauty Shop" starring Latifah. Before the movie started, there was already an advertisement for the spin-off, where you can expect the girls in her shop to talk about politics, men and well… men. \n"Barbershop 2" has an even better soundtrack than the original. In fact, as the end credits were rolling down the screen I was tempted not to leave only because the music was so energetic and rhythmic. Besides the Black Eyed Peas, there are also songs by Eve and Mary J. Blige, who released their single "Not Today" from the Barbershop 2 Soundtrack.\nCedric the Entertainer scores most of the laughs in this film, including his controversial political opinions such as calling the D.C. sniper, "the Jackie Robinson of crime." Besides providing laughs and an overtly wholesome message, viewers should expect a little romance as well. I would tell you who's involved, but I'd rather you go the theater and see for yourself -- it's worth it.
(02/05/04 5:00am)
What do you get when you combine a few dangerous affairs, the French language and a mysterious painting? Your answer: the movie, "Le Divorce."\nBefore pressing the 'play' button on my remote, I thought this film would follow two women's exciting journeys through France. And although it did just that, I must say that I found their so-called adventures to be both boring and needlessly prolonged.\nFocusing on two American sisters, Isabel (Kate Hudson) and Roxy (Naomi Watts), the movie begins with the former arriving in France to visit the pregnant latter. Suddenly, Roxy's French husband leaves her to be with another woman. Isabel tries to help her sister, but she soon finds herself involved in a steamy affair of her own with a well-known politician. And while all of this is taking place a dangerous stalker and a coveted painting make their way into the not-so-clear plot.\nThe movie is based on the book, "Le Divorce," by Diane Johnson. The novel was highly acclaimed and was a finalist for the National Book Award. Unfortunately, the movie did not prove itself worthy of any award much less the full attention of moviegoers.\nAlthough the film attempts to make many political, social, sexual and cultural commentaries about both the French and Americans, the fuzzy plot and unappealing performances from Hudson and Watts drag the movie on longer than needed. Even the DVD itself is unappealing. The disc includes your basic scene selection and the opportunity to listen to the whole film in French. There are no making-of featurettes, no commentaries and no special features. It's as if the filmmakers were trying to change the title from "Le Divorce" to "Le Terrible"
(02/05/04 1:45am)
What do you get when you combine a few dangerous affairs, the French language and a mysterious painting? Your answer: the movie, "Le Divorce."\nBefore pressing the 'play' button on my remote, I thought this film would follow two women's exciting journeys through France. And although it did just that, I must say that I found their so-called adventures to be both boring and needlessly prolonged.\nFocusing on two American sisters, Isabel (Kate Hudson) and Roxy (Naomi Watts), the movie begins with the former arriving in France to visit the pregnant latter. Suddenly, Roxy's French husband leaves her to be with another woman. Isabel tries to help her sister, but she soon finds herself involved in a steamy affair of her own with a well-known politician. And while all of this is taking place a dangerous stalker and a coveted painting make their way into the not-so-clear plot.\nThe movie is based on the book, "Le Divorce," by Diane Johnson. The novel was highly acclaimed and was a finalist for the National Book Award. Unfortunately, the movie did not prove itself worthy of any award much less the full attention of moviegoers.\nAlthough the film attempts to make many political, social, sexual and cultural commentaries about both the French and Americans, the fuzzy plot and unappealing performances from Hudson and Watts drag the movie on longer than needed. Even the DVD itself is unappealing. The disc includes your basic scene selection and the opportunity to listen to the whole film in French. There are no making-of featurettes, no commentaries and no special features. It's as if the filmmakers were trying to change the title from "Le Divorce" to "Le Terrible"
(01/29/04 5:00am)
Beginning in January, Robert Randolph and the Family Band will be co-headlining a tour with O.A.R. (Of a Revolution), an acclaimed indie-rock band which has gained popularity over the past few years, especially on college campuses. The two bands will be making a stop in Bloomington on Saturday, Feb. 2 to perform for the IU community. \nCo-headlining a tour may cause a power struggle for some bands, but Jerry DePizzo, saxophonist for O.A.R., says the band is excited to be touring with RRFB.\n"It's a great experience to be performing live shows for thousands of kids," DePizzo says. "And RRFB are very talented and are great guys."\nThe two bands first met while touring together on the Sprite Liquid Mix Tour. DePizzo says the bands instantly clicked, and while hanging out and playing music together one night, they thought of co-headlining their own tour. Fortunately for both groups, the idea panned out and for the next month they will perform together 12 times. \nJake Rohn, former concerts director of the Union Board, booked the bands to perform at the IU Auditorium. \n"It was kind of Jam (Productions') and our idea," Rohn says. "I got a call when talking to their agency and we beat Clear Channel to get (the concert) here and not in Indianapolis."\nRohn says he believes the IU community is the perfect audience for these bands. \n"O.A.R. has been classified as 'frat rock' and they even performed at Kappa Sigma," he says. "Their popularity has grown and (RRFB) has gained momentum and more notoriety than when they performed on John Mayer's tour."\nThe popularity of both bands has grown during the last couple years. Although O.A.R. was formed in 1996, they recently signed with major label Lava Records and released their CD, In Between Now and Then, in May 2003. The album debuted at #54 on the Billboard Top 200. \nDePizzo says the transition to a new label has given the band more opportunities to broaden its audience. \n"The arms of a major label are very large, so we are able to have more records in more stores and have opportunities… where we can hear our songs played on the radio," he says. "We have more promotional opportunities as well, such as appearing on David Letterman, Conan O'Brien and MTV."\nMany of O.A.R.'s fans have been supportive during its transition to a major label. DePizzo says the band announced it was being signed to a major label by posting it on its fan message boards. DePizzo adds that 99 percent of the feedback O.A.R. received was congratulatory.\n "It's up to us to keep (fans) involved," he says. \nBesides having its first single, "Hey Girl," hit radio stations, the group also put together a montage of its live performances for a video to accompany the song. The video was "just a way to get our foot in the door," DePizzo says. The band's next single, "Right on Time," is being introduced to radio stations now. DePizzo insists the band's video for "Right on Time" will be a more traditional video, with a video shoot and director.\nDePizzo says signing with a major label hasn't stifled O.A.R.'s creativity. "We always do what we do. There is no pressure for our music to be swayed. Different artists may be swayed, but we are fortunate to steer away from that."\nDePizzo also acknowledges that file-sharing has helped O.A.R. gain popularity. \n"We didn't have radio play back then and file-sharing was a way for us to get our music out there," he says. "We embrace it, but we want people to go buy our CD, come to our shows and if they want, tape the live shows and share them with their friends. As long as people aren't gaining a personal profit from it, then its okay."\nRRFB has also gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. \nSenior Stephanie Gabarik remembers seeing RRFB perform at Bonnaroo, an annual summer music festival in Manchester, Tenn. \n"It was a Saturday afternoon and about 100 degrees, the hottest day of the summer," she says. "Everyone was hot, everyone was dehydrated and everyone was dancing. It was 10,000 people that forgot about everything else in the world except for the music."\nWith their spiritual rock sound and the amazing talents of Randolph on his pedal steel guitar, the band has earned two nominations for this year's Grammy Awards. They earned nominations for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the song "Squeeze" and Best Rock Gospel Album for their latest album Unclassified. The band will also perform during the 2004 Grammy Award show with OutKast, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, and Earth, Wind and Fire for a tribute to funk. RRFB has also recorded "Purple Haze" for a Jimi Hendrix tribute album due out in May 2004.\nRRFB is signed with major record label Warner Bros., where they created Unclassified with producer Jim Scott, who has also worked with Celine Dion and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Songs such as "I Need More Love" and "Good Times" illustrate their spiritual rock talents with positive, upbeat dance music. \nGabarik, who is also an assistant director of the Union Board concerts committee, began listening to RRFB when they toured with John Mayer. \n"The music is very unpretentious and the band really personifies that," she says. "They get up there with their eclectic sound and make good, happy music."\nO.A.R. and RRFB will perform Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at the I.U. Auditorium. \nTickets are $23 for students and $25 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at all available Ticketmaster locations, the IU Auditorium box office and the student activities desk in the Indiana Memorial Union.
(01/28/04 10:30pm)
Beginning in January, Robert Randolph and the Family Band will be co-headlining a tour with O.A.R. (Of a Revolution), an acclaimed indie-rock band which has gained popularity over the past few years, especially on college campuses. The two bands will be making a stop in Bloomington on Saturday, Feb. 2 to perform for the IU community. \nCo-headlining a tour may cause a power struggle for some bands, but Jerry DePizzo, saxophonist for O.A.R., says the band is excited to be touring with RRFB.\n"It's a great experience to be performing live shows for thousands of kids," DePizzo says. "And RRFB are very talented and are great guys."\nThe two bands first met while touring together on the Sprite Liquid Mix Tour. DePizzo says the bands instantly clicked, and while hanging out and playing music together one night, they thought of co-headlining their own tour. Fortunately for both groups, the idea panned out and for the next month they will perform together 12 times. \nJake Rohn, former concerts director of the Union Board, booked the bands to perform at the IU Auditorium. \n"It was kind of Jam (Productions') and our idea," Rohn says. "I got a call when talking to their agency and we beat Clear Channel to get (the concert) here and not in Indianapolis."\nRohn says he believes the IU community is the perfect audience for these bands. \n"O.A.R. has been classified as 'frat rock' and they even performed at Kappa Sigma," he says. "Their popularity has grown and (RRFB) has gained momentum and more notoriety than when they performed on John Mayer's tour."\nThe popularity of both bands has grown during the last couple years. Although O.A.R. was formed in 1996, they recently signed with major label Lava Records and released their CD, In Between Now and Then, in May 2003. The album debuted at #54 on the Billboard Top 200. \nDePizzo says the transition to a new label has given the band more opportunities to broaden its audience. \n"The arms of a major label are very large, so we are able to have more records in more stores and have opportunities… where we can hear our songs played on the radio," he says. "We have more promotional opportunities as well, such as appearing on David Letterman, Conan O'Brien and MTV."\nMany of O.A.R.'s fans have been supportive during its transition to a major label. DePizzo says the band announced it was being signed to a major label by posting it on its fan message boards. DePizzo adds that 99 percent of the feedback O.A.R. received was congratulatory.\n "It's up to us to keep (fans) involved," he says. \nBesides having its first single, "Hey Girl," hit radio stations, the group also put together a montage of its live performances for a video to accompany the song. The video was "just a way to get our foot in the door," DePizzo says. The band's next single, "Right on Time," is being introduced to radio stations now. DePizzo insists the band's video for "Right on Time" will be a more traditional video, with a video shoot and director.\nDePizzo says signing with a major label hasn't stifled O.A.R.'s creativity. "We always do what we do. There is no pressure for our music to be swayed. Different artists may be swayed, but we are fortunate to steer away from that."\nDePizzo also acknowledges that file-sharing has helped O.A.R. gain popularity. \n"We didn't have radio play back then and file-sharing was a way for us to get our music out there," he says. "We embrace it, but we want people to go buy our CD, come to our shows and if they want, tape the live shows and share them with their friends. As long as people aren't gaining a personal profit from it, then its okay."\nRRFB has also gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. \nSenior Stephanie Gabarik remembers seeing RRFB perform at Bonnaroo, an annual summer music festival in Manchester, Tenn. \n"It was a Saturday afternoon and about 100 degrees, the hottest day of the summer," she says. "Everyone was hot, everyone was dehydrated and everyone was dancing. It was 10,000 people that forgot about everything else in the world except for the music."\nWith their spiritual rock sound and the amazing talents of Randolph on his pedal steel guitar, the band has earned two nominations for this year's Grammy Awards. They earned nominations for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the song "Squeeze" and Best Rock Gospel Album for their latest album Unclassified. The band will also perform during the 2004 Grammy Award show with OutKast, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, and Earth, Wind and Fire for a tribute to funk. RRFB has also recorded "Purple Haze" for a Jimi Hendrix tribute album due out in May 2004.\nRRFB is signed with major record label Warner Bros., where they created Unclassified with producer Jim Scott, who has also worked with Celine Dion and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Songs such as "I Need More Love" and "Good Times" illustrate their spiritual rock talents with positive, upbeat dance music. \nGabarik, who is also an assistant director of the Union Board concerts committee, began listening to RRFB when they toured with John Mayer. \n"The music is very unpretentious and the band really personifies that," she says. "They get up there with their eclectic sound and make good, happy music."\nO.A.R. and RRFB will perform Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at the I.U. Auditorium. \nTickets are $23 for students and $25 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at all available Ticketmaster locations, the IU Auditorium box office and the student activities desk in the Indiana Memorial Union.
(12/11/03 5:00am)
Some critics have described Mona Lisa Smile as the Dead Poets Society for women. \nFortunately, I was given the opportunity to decide for myself during a sneak preview, and although the movie contains some parallels to Dead Poets Society, the story of Mona Lisa Smile is not only an educational story, but a more uplifting one as well. \nThe story takes place in New England in 1953 and centers on the renowned all-women's Wellesley College. Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), a free-spirited educator from California, arrives at Wellesley College to begin teaching an art history course for the upcoming academic year. While there, Watson befriends Nancy Abbey (Marcia Gay Harden), a professor of etiquette at Wellesley, who also offers Watson a place to stay while she teaches. \nWhen she arrives at her first class, she soon becomes intimidated by the students. After they named the artist, title, significance and time period to all of the paintings she was to discuss in class, Watson then realizes that she needs not to re-educate them about what they have read in their required texts but allow them to think freely about art and the different meanings it can posses. \nWatson's liberal method of teaching surely stirs up controversy not only within the Wellesley faculty but in the student body as well. Watson challenges the ideals and the conformities of the domesticated housewife, which makes her presence stand out not only within the institution but within the era as well. \nMona Lisa Smile not only includes an outstanding lead actor (Roberts) but also a stellar supporting cast including Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dominic West (Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phanton Menace, 28 Days), Topher Grace ("That '70s Show") and even a cameo from Tori Amos as a ballroom singer. \nI wouldn't be surprised if Roberts received an Oscar nomination for playing Watson, nor would I be surprised if Dunst, Stiles or Gyllenhaal received a nomination for a supporting role as well. The supporting cast shows potential in becoming "Roberts-level" superstars in the future. I was especially surprised with and delighted by Gyllenhaal's performance as the free-minded, promiscuous student Giselle Levy. Perhaps it is because she isn't as well known an actor as Stiles and Dunst, but this role could possibly be her "big break" as a mainstream Hollywood star.
(12/10/03 10:44pm)
Some critics have described Mona Lisa Smile as the Dead Poets Society for women. \nFortunately, I was given the opportunity to decide for myself during a sneak preview, and although the movie contains some parallels to Dead Poets Society, the story of Mona Lisa Smile is not only an educational story, but a more uplifting one as well. \nThe story takes place in New England in 1953 and centers on the renowned all-women's Wellesley College. Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), a free-spirited educator from California, arrives at Wellesley College to begin teaching an art history course for the upcoming academic year. While there, Watson befriends Nancy Abbey (Marcia Gay Harden), a professor of etiquette at Wellesley, who also offers Watson a place to stay while she teaches. \nWhen she arrives at her first class, she soon becomes intimidated by the students. After they named the artist, title, significance and time period to all of the paintings she was to discuss in class, Watson then realizes that she needs not to re-educate them about what they have read in their required texts but allow them to think freely about art and the different meanings it can posses. \nWatson's liberal method of teaching surely stirs up controversy not only within the Wellesley faculty but in the student body as well. Watson challenges the ideals and the conformities of the domesticated housewife, which makes her presence stand out not only within the institution but within the era as well. \nMona Lisa Smile not only includes an outstanding lead actor (Roberts) but also a stellar supporting cast including Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dominic West (Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phanton Menace, 28 Days), Topher Grace ("That '70s Show") and even a cameo from Tori Amos as a ballroom singer. \nI wouldn't be surprised if Roberts received an Oscar nomination for playing Watson, nor would I be surprised if Dunst, Stiles or Gyllenhaal received a nomination for a supporting role as well. The supporting cast shows potential in becoming "Roberts-level" superstars in the future. I was especially surprised with and delighted by Gyllenhaal's performance as the free-minded, promiscuous student Giselle Levy. Perhaps it is because she isn't as well known an actor as Stiles and Dunst, but this role could possibly be her "big break" as a mainstream Hollywood star.
(12/04/03 5:00am)
Eric Patrick of FOX-TV in Miami described Timeline as "Braveheart with a 21st Century twist."\nUmm … not so much.\nAlthough Timeline was interesting to watch with all of the historical inferences and multiple storylines, it fell short of a heroic epic such as Braveheart, and failed to piece together some looming holes between storylines.\nTimeline takes place in Dordogne Valley in France where a team of archaeology students and a teacher work together to uncover the ruins of a 14th century castle and its surrounding town of Castlegard. When Professor Edward Johnston (Billy Connolly) becomes suspicious of the benefactors of the dug up site, the International Technology Corporation, he confronts them at their headquarters in New Mexico. While the professor is in New Mexico, his students uncover a chamber that has been sealed for nearly 600 years. When two students are descended into the chamber, they uncover both a bifocal lens and a paper document dated 1357 which reads "Help Me" and is signed by Professor Johnston. \nThe plot then begins when students visit the ITC headquarters in New Mexico and are informed an invention that was suppose to advance the shipping industry by transmitting objects through space has not only opened a wormhole that is connected to the 14th Century but has also taken the Professor to the 14th Century and in the middle of a feud between the English and the French.\nBased on the best-selling Michael Crichton book about archaeology students racing back in time, Timeline was at times capturing and fun. That is, if you didn't take the storyline too seriously. For instance, once the students are transferred to the 14th Century, one student meets a woman later to be known as Lady Claire. When we first meet Lady Claire, she only speaks French. However, when alone with one of the students, she is able to speak well in English. \nAs far as the acting goes, the actors seem to have fit their roles except for Paul Walker who plays Professor Johnston's son, Chris. Walker is not involved in many of the action sequences in the film, a different step from his 2 Fast 2 Furious character, but an unbelievable one as well. I only wish they could have made his part a better, more significant one. For a leading man such as Walker, his character could've been played by anyone else in Hollywood.
(12/03/03 10:26pm)
Eric Patrick of FOX-TV in Miami described Timeline as "Braveheart with a 21st Century twist."\nUmm … not so much.\nAlthough Timeline was interesting to watch with all of the historical inferences and multiple storylines, it fell short of a heroic epic such as Braveheart, and failed to piece together some looming holes between storylines.\nTimeline takes place in Dordogne Valley in France where a team of archaeology students and a teacher work together to uncover the ruins of a 14th century castle and its surrounding town of Castlegard. When Professor Edward Johnston (Billy Connolly) becomes suspicious of the benefactors of the dug up site, the International Technology Corporation, he confronts them at their headquarters in New Mexico. While the professor is in New Mexico, his students uncover a chamber that has been sealed for nearly 600 years. When two students are descended into the chamber, they uncover both a bifocal lens and a paper document dated 1357 which reads "Help Me" and is signed by Professor Johnston. \nThe plot then begins when students visit the ITC headquarters in New Mexico and are informed an invention that was suppose to advance the shipping industry by transmitting objects through space has not only opened a wormhole that is connected to the 14th Century but has also taken the Professor to the 14th Century and in the middle of a feud between the English and the French.\nBased on the best-selling Michael Crichton book about archaeology students racing back in time, Timeline was at times capturing and fun. That is, if you didn't take the storyline too seriously. For instance, once the students are transferred to the 14th Century, one student meets a woman later to be known as Lady Claire. When we first meet Lady Claire, she only speaks French. However, when alone with one of the students, she is able to speak well in English. \nAs far as the acting goes, the actors seem to have fit their roles except for Paul Walker who plays Professor Johnston's son, Chris. Walker is not involved in many of the action sequences in the film, a different step from his 2 Fast 2 Furious character, but an unbelievable one as well. I only wish they could have made his part a better, more significant one. For a leading man such as Walker, his character could've been played by anyone else in Hollywood.