1000 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
Like him or not, Woody Allen is a brilliant filmmaker who has had a long-standing career. Sure, as an actor, he is rambling, neurotic and would probably annoy even himself. But he does know when to put himself in front of the camera and when his genius is best served behind the lens. \n"Match Point," Allen's take on film noir set in present day Great Britain, is the perfect reminder of this. While the film was nearly shut out in the recently released Academy Award nominations, Woody Allen did garner a well-deserved nod for best original screenplay. \nOn the surface, "Match Point" is a story of a man's duplicity and infidelity, but the power of luck is the underlying theme of the film. Chris Wilton (Rhys Myers), a former tennis pro, says at the start of the film that he would rather be born lucky than good. He uses tennis as a metaphor for his philosophy: when a ball hits the top of the net, it can fall on either side of the net, and which ever way it falls can be the difference between a win and a loss. \nIf a few balls had bounced Chris' way, he may not have chosen to give up life in professional tennis. But after doing so, he finds a job teaching tennis to posh upperclass Brits at a wealthy country club. There he meets Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode). Tom introduces Chris to his wealthy family and Chris soon falls for Tom's sister Chloe (Emily Mortimer). Chris sees this potential union as a chance for him to enjoy the good life that tennis was never able to afford him, so he starts to date and eventually weds Chloe. Not long after, he meets beautiful Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), Tom's fiancée. After this, the ball changes courts. \nChris' competitive nature leads to his pursuit of Nola, which leads to an affair, which leads to Chris telling lie after lie in order to have everything he wants. In the end, luck is what will make or break Chris' fate.\n"Match Point" is an interesting film because it is an in-depth portrait of evil characters. Everyone has selfish motivations, and it is fascinating to watch how the characters use their strengths to get what they want. The dialogue is also excellent, and it is clear that Allen had fun writing from the perspective of an excessively polite Brit. Furthermore, the film is very intense, as low bass hums intermittently sound in order to accent moments of apprehension and guilt. \nThis film certainly should rank among Woody Allen's best. It makes one want to try and predict what will go wrong next, only to find out that the story is much too clever for the obvious plot twists. Good luck trying to figure this one out.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
The magic of Peter Sellers' presence in the original "Pink Panther" films of the '60s, '70s and even '80s, was his remarkable appearance of dramatic ineptitude: he did not seem to know that he was acting in a comedy film. Steve Martin, filling the shoes of Sellers, takes a much different approach in the 2006 remake, "The Pink Panther." \nMartin dives into his performance from the onset as an overtly silly and painstakingly gauche police officer. While Sellers was much loved for his subtle and nuanced performances, Martin has decided to reenergize the role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau. And, for the most part, it actually works.\nWhile most fans of the originals will no doubt lambaste this remake as juvenile and asinine, it is important to remember that inane slapstick gags were what made the Blake Edwards-directed classics so popular. The gags have been brought back in full force by Martin and his compatriots. There's the homage to Sellers' famous globe spinnings, a new take on Clouseau's random attacks on his assistant and of course, Clouseau does at one point electrocute his own testicles.\nWhile there are a variety of failed jokes in the film, there are enough successful antics by Steve Martin to validate this film's existence. The still limber 60-year-old comedian pulls off a number of legitimately hilarious physical shenanigans and delivers some funny (if usually ribald) one liners and jokes. \nThe film's ultimate redemption and the impetus for you to see this film is the solution to the whodunit mystery that drives the story forward. Martin fools the audience into thinking that a number of events in the ongoing murder case are trivial and ancillary to the plot, but these same events become hilariously important at the conclusion of the case. Director Shawn Levy and Martin should end the film after the case is solved, but instead they include a throwaway and thoroughly awkward gag consisting of Clouseau harassing the Chief Inspector (Kevin Kline) in the hospital.\nThe major failing of the film resides in Levy's attempts to establish some sweet and genuine moments between Clouseau and his assistant Ponton (Jean Reno). Because the film relies so heavily upon crude slapstick and idiotic behavior, the brotherly bond between the two detectives comes across as trite and even hackneyed. \nOverall though, this is a comedy worth seeing. Steve Martin is an extremely successful comedian for a reason. He has made a career of jumping around and acting like a lunatic, and he does so without class, but with high energy, yet again in this film. See "The Pink Panther," it will be worth the time.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
Before "Firewall," the last film Harrison Ford starred in was a buddy vehicle with Josh Hartnett called "Hollywood Homicide." If the title hasn't already given it away, that movie sucked. Ford then waited three years to release another movie, and if "Firewall" is the best he could come up with, you have to wonder if Ford really cares anymore. Because, you see, "Firewall" sucks too. \nFord is no longer a young man. In his latest release, audiences will be hard pressed to accept him as middle-aged Jack Stanfield, VP of security for a Seattle bank. He's got a loving wife and kids (who would be more convincing as his grandchildren), a really nice house and all sorts of neat, gadgety stuff lying around it; the kind of stuff you'd look at in The Sharper Image catalogue while going to the bathroom.\nAnyway, Paul Bettany and a bunch of no name thugs break in, hold the family hostage and force Ford to break through the bank's electronic barriers (which he so deftly designed) and steal $100 million for them. A nice, round number.\nTo describe the plot you should imagine what would happen if films like "Derailed" and "The Score" tag teamed "Homeward Bound" and they all had an illegitimate kid. It's full of the normal characters and clichés. Paul Bettany is sufficiently sadistic and Ford's son has severe allergies of which the movie makes predictable use. After the first half hour, it cashes in whatever ingenuity its setting in a high-tech bank allows for, and becomes the same old Ford "kicking the bad guy's ass" action flick.\nI will allow, though, that "Firewall" has a pretty impressive supporting cast. Check it out: Robert Patrick and Robert Forster both appear as Jack's co-workers, Virginia Madsen is Jack's wife, that one guy who played Seth Green's brother in "Rat Race" is one of Bettany's henchmen and Jack's daughter -- well, you'll never recognize her, but she's from the same small Midwestern town that I'm from, which wins her a special place in my heart. It doesn't matter that she's just an adorable face for Ford to save, we might have gone to the same high school and she's met Indiana Jones. Awesome!\nSo, if you're looking for a way to kill a couple hours because the Food Network reneged on its promise of an "Iron Chef" marathon, or some equally banal time killer falls through, fill that dead time with "Firewall." After all, this may be the last time we see Harrison Ford, the real American action hero. He needs to start acting his age, so this kind of movie can't, and probably won't, happen again.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
Much like the classic children's books by H.A. and Margaret Rey, "Curious George" will tickle your senses. The film takes some of the most memorable and known scenes from the books and combines them into a fun and pleasurable movie for the whole family. \nWill Ferrell plays the voice of Ted, or as he is more commonly known as The Man in the Yellow Hat. Ted happily works as a museum guide until he learns that the museum is in debt and will be closing. In an attempt to save the museum from closing, Ted travels to Africa to find and bring back an artifact to put on display. While in Africa, Ted finds more than just an exhibit when he meets a curious chimpanzee later to be named George. Forming an immediate bond, Ted and George embark on several adventures, all in hopes of keeping the museum open. \nWhile running just under an hour and a half, this movie manages to keep its young audience entertained without dragging on. "George" is nicely animated in bright colors, making it fun to watch and contains many scenes which will set children off in laughter. \nWill Ferrell does a wonderful job voicing Ted, with a very friendly and upbeat voice, contrary to many of the roles we are used to seeing him play. Also contributing to the voices in the film were Drew Barrymore, Eugene Levy and Dick Van Dyke. \nI have to admit that one thing aside from the story that kept me so entertained was the mellow musical stylings of Jack Johnson that is featured throughout the movie. Johnson has the perfect voice and style to accompany George on his many adventures. \nOverall, I would have to say that this movie is great for children and knows how to keep them entertained; I would even recommend this movie to an older audience. It is a wholesome and delightful film that will warm your heart. "George" is a fresh breath of air that is more low key than other animated tales like "Shrek" or "The Incredibles." George was adorable and curious, which left me walking out of the theater with a big bright smile.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
"Final Destination 3," of the 'Final Destination' horror trilogy, manages to go to some new levels. Unfortunately they are levels of terrible acting, predictability and nearly all other aspects of bad filmmaking. While many horror movies are expected to be below average in filmmaking quality, this cinematic monstrosity puts all other horror films at the podium for Best Picture.\nSimilarly to its predecessors, "Final Destination 3" centers around one main character and their effort to save their friends from death's ultimate plan. Instead of Devon Sawa or A.J. Cook who were the first two leading roles of the series, Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("The Ring 2") takes the helm as Wendy Christensen.\nAfter seeing premonitions about her and her friend's deaths, she teams up with classmate Kevin Fischer (Ryan Merriman) in an effort to thwart death's evil plans and save everyone's lives. In order to do this they tie together clues using the pictures of their student body so they can help prevent death from striking.\nThere is virtually no difference in this movie from the other two. The filmmakers basically used the same exact plot and mixed everything else up hoping that the audience would be dumb enough to buy into this. Sorry, but I'm not buying it and I don't think many other people were either. There were very few, if any screams in the crowd of high school girls who are normally scared out of their minds, usually an indication of good scares. Bottom line: this film is a horror movie, not a scary movie. The film went a little overboard on the excessive blood and guts - something that is intended to freak us out.\nIn the midst of all the gore and repetitive plot, the acting performances were quite lackluster, which caused more stirring in the seats than anything else. Obviously inexperienced, Winstead did a poor job at keeping the intensity high and did a great job at spelling out what exactly was going to happen as things progressed.\nHopefully studio execs will decide enough is enough with this series and try to find another type of plot to put into motion. In the mean time, if you are looking for a solid movie to go see that will send chills down your spine then this is one part of the trilogy that you can certainly do without.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
Prior to Belle & Sebastian's 2003 album Dear Catastrophe Waitress, the band's career appeared to be fizzling out. Dealing with the departure of two original members, Stuart David and Isobel Campbell, as well as critical sentiment that the band from Scotland had pigeonholed itself in an increasingly banal sound, Belle & Sebastian decided to hit the reset button.\nWith the aide of producer Trevor Horn, the band reinvented their sound while staying true to their music's best qualities -- soft '60s-style pop and whimsical, yet unsettlingly frank lyrics. A major U.S. tour directly followed the release of Dear Catastrophe Waitress, giving the band an enormous surge in worldwide popularity. A poll in a January 2005 issue of the Scottish publication The List even positioned them as the country's greatest band of all time; they beat out perennial favorites Simple Minds, Franz Ferdinand and Idlewild. \nBelle & Sebastian worked on their fifth album, The Life Pursuit with a lot of momentum, and they have obviously managed to keep it going. As it did in Waitress, the band tends to steer clear of the ultra-mellow twee pop sound that defined early works like If You're Feeling Sinister. Pursuit features a diverse array of styles from song to song, and frontman Stuart Murdoch's superb ability to weave chamber pop into each composition will most likely result in a number of hit singles (something unheard of before 2003).\nJust as If You're Feeling Sinister defined the band's early twee pop sound, The Life Pursuit defines its departure from the sound. Much of the album is composed of fun, playful harmonies that truly showcase Murdoch's ability to write an upbeat arrangement for the seven-piece band. "White Collar Boy" is highlighted by a heavily distorted base line and an even dirtier hard rock guitar. It gives a strong impression of Britpop, not unlike a Supergrass tune. This should come as no surprise since the producer of this album, Tony Hoffer, also produced Supergrass' Life on Other Planets. \nThe album's first single to be released, "Funny Little Frog," includes all the usual Belle & Sebastian ingredients: trumpet/keyboard-driven melody, jangling guitar and Murdoch's endearing lyrics which meander in and out of rhyming sequence with the utmost subtlety. This song features lyrics like, "You are the cover of my magazine/ you're my fashion tip, a living museum/ I'd pay to visit you on rainy Sundays/ I'll maybe tell you all about it someday," which can simultaneously come off as both sweet and heart-rending. \nBelle & Sebastian appear dedicated to their recently-acquired sunny sound. For a band that once used a picture of a girl who wasn't even in the band as its publicity photo, the band seems to be growing quite comfortable in its fame. Its success can't be expected to slow down any time soon, either. Murdoch's songwriting is growing richer now with each release, and his ability to shift gears as an artist make the band's music nothing short of transcendent.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
Jack Johnson seems like the perfect guy to write songs to fill an album called Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George. His soft brand of Hawaiian rock has built up quite a fan base in just five years. Well, Johnson-lovers come hither, because you will definitely enjoy this soundtrack. \nJohnson was presented with early animations and the story line of the new animated film in order to craft his songs from the perspective of a character that doesn't speak: George, himself. Having a soundtrack created in a manner like this, mostly written especially for the movie, it's hard to deny the uniqueness and success of such a creation.\nThe album opens with the first single, "Upside Down," a song that sounds like it belongs on any of Johnson other albums, nothing new here. Then we get to track number two and hear, "Broken," where Johnson dabbles in the electric guitar. It's an excellent love song, possibly the best track on the album. It even includes a little jam session near the end. \nLyrically, Johnson doesn't surprise us all that much, "Without you I was broken, but I'd rather be broke down with you by my side." Johnson plays copycat a few times in the album, on his take of the old Schoolhouse Rock tune, "Three is A Magic Number," with his environmental tune, "The 3 R's." \nPerhaps my favorite track on the album is Johnson's take on a White Stripes song made famous by the movie "Napoleon Dynamite," "We're Going to be Friends." The song isn't much different from Jack White's version, but with a more full background sound, provided by Johnson's band, we hear a different sound all together. The music-lover in me wants to judge the album on simple scales of creativity, musicality and quality of writing; however, I just don't think it's fair to put this album up to those standards. There's so much to consider: it's a soundtrack, written for a children's movie. \nThe album offers us three guests: Ben Harper, G. Love and Matt Costa. Each guest provides significant contributions both instrumentally and vocally. There is even a remash of "The 3 R's" rounding out the disc created by Money Mark. The album was crafted for children, but also so their parents wouldn't throw it out the window after it plays for the millionth time in the mini-van stereo. After understanding that, it's hard to deny that Jack Johnson hits a home-run. Best instrumental goes to "Jungle Gym (G. Love)." Best track vocals award goes to: "We're Going to Be Friends"
(02/16/06 5:00am)
Next time you're in a 300 person psychology lecture, take a good, long look at your classmates. At first glance the kid next to you is just a random dude minding his own business, scribbling notes from the overhead onto loose-leaf paper. \nLittle do you know that below the unassuming surface lies a bubbling amalgam of shameful regrets, skeletons in the closet and private thoughts he wouldn't dare let even his best friend (let alone anyone sitting next to him in psychology) in on. He is nothing special. Every single person in any lecture hall suffers from the same condition of keeping certain "distinguishing characteristics" strictly off limits. \nEveryone has a secret.\nBut with the wonder of the Internet, all that is about to change.\nWeb sites that feature "spill-it-all" blogs, in which users sign in and share their dirty little secrets with the world, are becoming increasingly popular in cyber space. At www.postsecret.com, for example, people send in postcards and artistically express their inner turmoil through graphic design and poems on those little pieces of paper. Some of the many memorable entries include, "I'm going to bang my English teacher this year" and "I wish I looked like an underwear model." And that's just the tip of the iceberg. New "secret postcards" are posted every Sunday, so the site is frequently updated with juicy admissions.\nSounds pretty intriguing, right? If something like that piques your interest, you may not have to look far to see the exposed secrets of your classmates. In fact, it's just a click away. It's Facebook.\nAs almost anyone can tell you, one of Facebook's many features is offering "groups" that are much like online clubs. The "groups" are based on any topic under the sun that could appeal to many types of IU students: devout watchers of "The OC," honors college students, Chicago natives or New England Patriots fans.\nFacebook groups have allowed people who may have similar "interests" to come together in a way that's funny, if not eyebrow-raising. The groups start off innocently enough: maybe your hidden vice is indulging in the never-ending entertainment of your friends' away messages.\nGroups continue to give way to humor with other popular picks like, "We Heart Penguins."\n"I joined the group because I want people to know how much I appreciate those lovable animals," says sophomore Tim Eich. "It's a great way to spread penguin awareness."\nOther lighthearted entries include, "I'm Afraid Of Most Of The Squirrels On Campus" and "I Skip Class Like It's My Job." \nBut some groups tend to be a little more "revealing" in nature. In fact, it can be downright jaw-dropping that some have amassed such a huge member count. What most people would consider deep, dark demons are things that hundreds of IU students can identify with one another. And many students have launched some Facebook groups, along with many "secrets," to the forefront.\n"I Urinate In The Dorm Showers," which is aimed at attracting "those of us who just don't feel like walking 15 feet to the toilet." The photo featured on the group's main page is an empty shower that just seems itching to have its ceramic tiles graced by the human waste of its floor's residents. Kind of drives home the advice of wearing flip-flops in dorm bathrooms, doesn't it?\nBut what if your secret involves seducing truckers while you're en route to Chicago? Never fear, there is a group for you too: "I Flirt With Truckers And Their Daughters While Driving To Chicago During Spring Break."\nWhile these groups are funny and memorable, some of the larger groups begin to enter the realm of more "serious" issues, such as having brushes with the law.\nMembers of the group "I've Been Busted by the Finest ... IUPD" declined for an interview, but the mission statement is obvious: "If you have been busted by IUPD's finest, or the average, or even a cadet on a F-ing bike ... This one is for you! Everyone knows they come from miles around to bust us, it is like shootin fish in the barrel and we all have been shot and floated to the surface," the group's description reads. \nBeing arrested may be something most people want to keep in that cupboard of dark secrets, but this is an example of Facebook serving as a platform for people to vent and find comfort by joining a group of people that have undergone a similar experience.\nHaving said that, could Facebook be the best free therapy on the net? Probably not, but it does let people spill their guts. "Thirsty Thursday Alliance" may not be the best appellation to have in your profile if professors or employers ever made a habit of frequenting Facebook. Many of the members of the "Alliance" are also members of the groups "Drunk Dialers Anonymous," "Alcohol ... We Like It Hard" and "Screw Class Let's Get Drunk." But that doesn't stop almost 3,000 IU students from sharing their penchant for pre-weekend boozing with other surfers on the Web site.\nSo whether it's a means to be funny or a means to identify yourself with like-minded Hoosiers, Facebook has and will continue to make students feel a little more comfortable to admit things they may not have otherwise. At this rate, the old adage "everyone has a secret" may become obsolete.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
I was walking through the public library the other day and I came across something of a treasure. There, sitting among the DVDs, was the complete second season of "Rocky and Bullwinkle." With no hesitation I grabbed the lot, rented it and hurried home to watch it. I originally checked it out because of the fond memories I had of watching it as a child, but after about six or seven episodes I started to realize that this show was still funny, and not giggle-to-yourself funny either. It is fall-on-the-floor-funny, and this is 46 years after it was written. \nOne peculiar thing about comedy is that it has a much shorter shelf-life than any other genre. A good drama is a good drama forever, but as cultures evolve, so to do the things that we find to be comical. That is what makes a show like "Rocky and Bullwinkle" so remarkable. Even as a poorly animated anachronism, its humor remains intact.\n"Rocky and Bullwinkle" is not the first, nor will it be the last to achieve this level of prosperity in comedy, but it certainly deserves to be listed among the truly great comedies. These are not necessarily the shows we find to be the funniest right now, because humor is a fragile thing and what is funny now may be cliché tomorrow. What makes them noteworthy is the way which they distinguish themselves by not being subject to the deteriorating effect which time has on comedy. Each of them is still as funny today as the day it was written and more importantly they have become the archetype for the style of humor which they each perfected. As far as I'm concerned there are only four that have really established themselves in this way.\n"I Love Lucy": It was the first show to realize the full potential of the television sitcom. It is also the truest example of successful situational comedy. The writers would simply take established characters and place them in the most outrageous situations possible. It had been done before, but never with such candor. Each time the show began to get stale they would find some inventive way to put a fresh spin on the concept. They spent a season on the road, a season in Hollywood and even in Europe, with each change in setting providing a new set of absurd situations. In this way, it surpassed its forerunners and became the measuring stick for all sitcoms to come.\n"Rocky and Bullwinkle": Trying to explain this show to someone who hasn't seen it is about as easy as using Pig Latin to explain quantum physics to a Watusi tribesman; your only response will be an empty stare. But watch it and you immediately become aware of the genius behind the show. The show is silly and satirical, constantly broke television conventions and never took anything seriously. The characters used puns, stereotypes and every cliché imaginable, but they did so in such a way that it became the ultimate farce. Every moment was meant to be funny. Even the jokes that fell short, like the puns that capped each segment, were hilarious because of how unfunny they actually were.\n"Monty Python's Flying Circus": If there is any show that totally embodies the art of absurdity, it is "Flying Circus." It is ingenious in its stupidity. On a given episode the comedy troupe could have a sketch which included an insightful look at the dogmatic roots of the communist philosophy, but the ultimate joke would be that Karl Marx knew relatively little about English Soccer leagues. They were rarely topical, and when they were, the joke was always broader than the issue itself. This is the main reason why Python's style is still as fresh today as it was 30 years ago.\n"The Simpsons": This show is the ultimate anti-sitcom. It is the pinnacle of that wry cynicism that infects all television today. If there is any show that is responsible for the sense of humor of our generation it is "The Simpsons." Most of us can't even remember a time when it wasn't on the air. It is the epitome of intelligent well-scripted comedy. Plus, it's really funny.\nHonorable Mention should also go to "Arrested Development," which is being cut down in its prime because FOX wants to waste all of its money on Seth MacFarlane cartoon comedies and another irritating season of "American Idol." If given the chance I think that it could have become something truly great.
(02/16/06 5:00am)
He's the talk of the town and the voice of IU's first sports TV show. Andy Tuholski, a junior studying business and political science, is also the host of IUSTV's sports show "On the Edge of Your Sport." The show airs at 8 p.m. every Thursday on campus channel two. The show covers every sport IU has to offer from varsity sports and intramurals to club sports and anything IU sports fans are passionate about.\n"For me, I play intramural basketball. I think it's really great that there is someone out there covering it. Just because you're not Marco Killingsworth, doesn't mean you're not going to be covered for this show."\nWhen this Indiana native isn't bogged down with homework or extracurriculars, here is what he's into:
(02/16/06 2:32am)
He's the talk of the town and the voice of IU's first sports TV show. Andy Tuholski, a junior studying business and political science, is also the host of IUSTV's sports show "On the Edge of Your Sport." The show airs at 8 p.m. every Thursday on campus channel two. The show covers every sport IU has to offer from varsity sports and intramurals to club sports and anything IU sports fans are passionate about.\n"For me, I play intramural basketball. I think it's really great that there is someone out there covering it. Just because you're not Marco Killingsworth, doesn't mean you're not going to be covered for this show."\nWhen this Indiana native isn't bogged down with homework or extracurriculars, here is what he's into:
(02/16/06 2:27am)
I was walking through the public library the other day and I came across something of a treasure. There, sitting among the DVDs, was the complete second season of "Rocky and Bullwinkle." With no hesitation I grabbed the lot, rented it and hurried home to watch it. I originally checked it out because of the fond memories I had of watching it as a child, but after about six or seven episodes I started to realize that this show was still funny, and not giggle-to-yourself funny either. It is fall-on-the-floor-funny, and this is 46 years after it was written. \nOne peculiar thing about comedy is that it has a much shorter shelf-life than any other genre. A good drama is a good drama forever, but as cultures evolve, so to do the things that we find to be comical. That is what makes a show like "Rocky and Bullwinkle" so remarkable. Even as a poorly animated anachronism, its humor remains intact.\n"Rocky and Bullwinkle" is not the first, nor will it be the last to achieve this level of prosperity in comedy, but it certainly deserves to be listed among the truly great comedies. These are not necessarily the shows we find to be the funniest right now, because humor is a fragile thing and what is funny now may be cliché tomorrow. What makes them noteworthy is the way which they distinguish themselves by not being subject to the deteriorating effect which time has on comedy. Each of them is still as funny today as the day it was written and more importantly they have become the archetype for the style of humor which they each perfected. As far as I'm concerned there are only four that have really established themselves in this way.\n"I Love Lucy": It was the first show to realize the full potential of the television sitcom. It is also the truest example of successful situational comedy. The writers would simply take established characters and place them in the most outrageous situations possible. It had been done before, but never with such candor. Each time the show began to get stale they would find some inventive way to put a fresh spin on the concept. They spent a season on the road, a season in Hollywood and even in Europe, with each change in setting providing a new set of absurd situations. In this way, it surpassed its forerunners and became the measuring stick for all sitcoms to come.\n"Rocky and Bullwinkle": Trying to explain this show to someone who hasn't seen it is about as easy as using Pig Latin to explain quantum physics to a Watusi tribesman; your only response will be an empty stare. But watch it and you immediately become aware of the genius behind the show. The show is silly and satirical, constantly broke television conventions and never took anything seriously. The characters used puns, stereotypes and every cliché imaginable, but they did so in such a way that it became the ultimate farce. Every moment was meant to be funny. Even the jokes that fell short, like the puns that capped each segment, were hilarious because of how unfunny they actually were.\n"Monty Python's Flying Circus": If there is any show that totally embodies the art of absurdity, it is "Flying Circus." It is ingenious in its stupidity. On a given episode the comedy troupe could have a sketch which included an insightful look at the dogmatic roots of the communist philosophy, but the ultimate joke would be that Karl Marx knew relatively little about English Soccer leagues. They were rarely topical, and when they were, the joke was always broader than the issue itself. This is the main reason why Python's style is still as fresh today as it was 30 years ago.\n"The Simpsons": This show is the ultimate anti-sitcom. It is the pinnacle of that wry cynicism that infects all television today. If there is any show that is responsible for the sense of humor of our generation it is "The Simpsons." Most of us can't even remember a time when it wasn't on the air. It is the epitome of intelligent well-scripted comedy. Plus, it's really funny.\nHonorable Mention should also go to "Arrested Development," which is being cut down in its prime because FOX wants to waste all of its money on Seth MacFarlane cartoon comedies and another irritating season of "American Idol." If given the chance I think that it could have become something truly great.
(02/16/06 2:25am)
Next time you're in a 300 person psychology lecture, take a good, long look at your classmates. At first glance the kid next to you is just a random dude minding his own business, scribbling notes from the overhead onto loose-leaf paper. \nLittle do you know that below the unassuming surface lies a bubbling amalgam of shameful regrets, skeletons in the closet and private thoughts he wouldn't dare let even his best friend (let alone anyone sitting next to him in psychology) in on. He is nothing special. Every single person in any lecture hall suffers from the same condition of keeping certain "distinguishing characteristics" strictly off limits. \nEveryone has a secret.\nBut with the wonder of the Internet, all that is about to change.\nWeb sites that feature "spill-it-all" blogs, in which users sign in and share their dirty little secrets with the world, are becoming increasingly popular in cyber space. At www.postsecret.com, for example, people send in postcards and artistically express their inner turmoil through graphic design and poems on those little pieces of paper. Some of the many memorable entries include, "I'm going to bang my English teacher this year" and "I wish I looked like an underwear model." And that's just the tip of the iceberg. New "secret postcards" are posted every Sunday, so the site is frequently updated with juicy admissions.\nSounds pretty intriguing, right? If something like that piques your interest, you may not have to look far to see the exposed secrets of your classmates. In fact, it's just a click away. It's Facebook.\nAs almost anyone can tell you, one of Facebook's many features is offering "groups" that are much like online clubs. The "groups" are based on any topic under the sun that could appeal to many types of IU students: devout watchers of "The OC," honors college students, Chicago natives or New England Patriots fans.\nFacebook groups have allowed people who may have similar "interests" to come together in a way that's funny, if not eyebrow-raising. The groups start off innocently enough: maybe your hidden vice is indulging in the never-ending entertainment of your friends' away messages.\nGroups continue to give way to humor with other popular picks like, "We Heart Penguins."\n"I joined the group because I want people to know how much I appreciate those lovable animals," says sophomore Tim Eich. "It's a great way to spread penguin awareness."\nOther lighthearted entries include, "I'm Afraid Of Most Of The Squirrels On Campus" and "I Skip Class Like It's My Job." \nBut some groups tend to be a little more "revealing" in nature. In fact, it can be downright jaw-dropping that some have amassed such a huge member count. What most people would consider deep, dark demons are things that hundreds of IU students can identify with one another. And many students have launched some Facebook groups, along with many "secrets," to the forefront.\n"I Urinate In The Dorm Showers," which is aimed at attracting "those of us who just don't feel like walking 15 feet to the toilet." The photo featured on the group's main page is an empty shower that just seems itching to have its ceramic tiles graced by the human waste of its floor's residents. Kind of drives home the advice of wearing flip-flops in dorm bathrooms, doesn't it?\nBut what if your secret involves seducing truckers while you're en route to Chicago? Never fear, there is a group for you too: "I Flirt With Truckers And Their Daughters While Driving To Chicago During Spring Break."\nWhile these groups are funny and memorable, some of the larger groups begin to enter the realm of more "serious" issues, such as having brushes with the law.\nMembers of the group "I've Been Busted by the Finest ... IUPD" declined for an interview, but the mission statement is obvious: "If you have been busted by IUPD's finest, or the average, or even a cadet on a F-ing bike ... This one is for you! Everyone knows they come from miles around to bust us, it is like shootin fish in the barrel and we all have been shot and floated to the surface," the group's description reads. \nBeing arrested may be something most people want to keep in that cupboard of dark secrets, but this is an example of Facebook serving as a platform for people to vent and find comfort by joining a group of people that have undergone a similar experience.\nHaving said that, could Facebook be the best free therapy on the net? Probably not, but it does let people spill their guts. "Thirsty Thursday Alliance" may not be the best appellation to have in your profile if professors or employers ever made a habit of frequenting Facebook. Many of the members of the "Alliance" are also members of the groups "Drunk Dialers Anonymous," "Alcohol ... We Like It Hard" and "Screw Class Let's Get Drunk." But that doesn't stop almost 3,000 IU students from sharing their penchant for pre-weekend boozing with other surfers on the Web site.\nSo whether it's a means to be funny or a means to identify yourself with like-minded Hoosiers, Facebook has and will continue to make students feel a little more comfortable to admit things they may not have otherwise. At this rate, the old adage "everyone has a secret" may become obsolete.
(02/16/06 1:57am)
Jack Johnson seems like the perfect guy to write songs to fill an album called Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George. His soft brand of Hawaiian rock has built up quite a fan base in just five years. Well, Johnson-lovers come hither, because you will definitely enjoy this soundtrack. \nJohnson was presented with early animations and the story line of the new animated film in order to craft his songs from the perspective of a character that doesn't speak: George, himself. Having a soundtrack created in a manner like this, mostly written especially for the movie, it's hard to deny the uniqueness and success of such a creation.\nThe album opens with the first single, "Upside Down," a song that sounds like it belongs on any of Johnson other albums, nothing new here. Then we get to track number two and hear, "Broken," where Johnson dabbles in the electric guitar. It's an excellent love song, possibly the best track on the album. It even includes a little jam session near the end. \nLyrically, Johnson doesn't surprise us all that much, "Without you I was broken, but I'd rather be broke down with you by my side." Johnson plays copycat a few times in the album, on his take of the old Schoolhouse Rock tune, "Three is A Magic Number," with his environmental tune, "The 3 R's." \nPerhaps my favorite track on the album is Johnson's take on a White Stripes song made famous by the movie "Napoleon Dynamite," "We're Going to be Friends." The song isn't much different from Jack White's version, but with a more full background sound, provided by Johnson's band, we hear a different sound all together. The music-lover in me wants to judge the album on simple scales of creativity, musicality and quality of writing; however, I just don't think it's fair to put this album up to those standards. There's so much to consider: it's a soundtrack, written for a children's movie. \nThe album offers us three guests: Ben Harper, G. Love and Matt Costa. Each guest provides significant contributions both instrumentally and vocally. There is even a remash of "The 3 R's" rounding out the disc created by Money Mark. The album was crafted for children, but also so their parents wouldn't throw it out the window after it plays for the millionth time in the mini-van stereo. After understanding that, it's hard to deny that Jack Johnson hits a home-run. Best instrumental goes to "Jungle Gym (G. Love)." Best track vocals award goes to: "We're Going to Be Friends"
(02/16/06 1:53am)
Prior to Belle & Sebastian's 2003 album Dear Catastrophe Waitress, the band's career appeared to be fizzling out. Dealing with the departure of two original members, Stuart David and Isobel Campbell, as well as critical sentiment that the band from Scotland had pigeonholed itself in an increasingly banal sound, Belle & Sebastian decided to hit the reset button.\nWith the aide of producer Trevor Horn, the band reinvented their sound while staying true to their music's best qualities -- soft '60s-style pop and whimsical, yet unsettlingly frank lyrics. A major U.S. tour directly followed the release of Dear Catastrophe Waitress, giving the band an enormous surge in worldwide popularity. A poll in a January 2005 issue of the Scottish publication The List even positioned them as the country's greatest band of all time; they beat out perennial favorites Simple Minds, Franz Ferdinand and Idlewild. \nBelle & Sebastian worked on their fifth album, The Life Pursuit with a lot of momentum, and they have obviously managed to keep it going. As it did in Waitress, the band tends to steer clear of the ultra-mellow twee pop sound that defined early works like If You're Feeling Sinister. Pursuit features a diverse array of styles from song to song, and frontman Stuart Murdoch's superb ability to weave chamber pop into each composition will most likely result in a number of hit singles (something unheard of before 2003).\nJust as If You're Feeling Sinister defined the band's early twee pop sound, The Life Pursuit defines its departure from the sound. Much of the album is composed of fun, playful harmonies that truly showcase Murdoch's ability to write an upbeat arrangement for the seven-piece band. "White Collar Boy" is highlighted by a heavily distorted base line and an even dirtier hard rock guitar. It gives a strong impression of Britpop, not unlike a Supergrass tune. This should come as no surprise since the producer of this album, Tony Hoffer, also produced Supergrass' Life on Other Planets. \nThe album's first single to be released, "Funny Little Frog," includes all the usual Belle & Sebastian ingredients: trumpet/keyboard-driven melody, jangling guitar and Murdoch's endearing lyrics which meander in and out of rhyming sequence with the utmost subtlety. This song features lyrics like, "You are the cover of my magazine/ you're my fashion tip, a living museum/ I'd pay to visit you on rainy Sundays/ I'll maybe tell you all about it someday," which can simultaneously come off as both sweet and heart-rending. \nBelle & Sebastian appear dedicated to their recently-acquired sunny sound. For a band that once used a picture of a girl who wasn't even in the band as its publicity photo, the band seems to be growing quite comfortable in its fame. Its success can't be expected to slow down any time soon, either. Murdoch's songwriting is growing richer now with each release, and his ability to shift gears as an artist make the band's music nothing short of transcendent.
(02/16/06 1:51am)
"Final Destination 3," of the 'Final Destination' horror trilogy, manages to go to some new levels. Unfortunately they are levels of terrible acting, predictability and nearly all other aspects of bad filmmaking. While many horror movies are expected to be below average in filmmaking quality, this cinematic monstrosity puts all other horror films at the podium for Best Picture.\nSimilarly to its predecessors, "Final Destination 3" centers around one main character and their effort to save their friends from death's ultimate plan. Instead of Devon Sawa or A.J. Cook who were the first two leading roles of the series, Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("The Ring 2") takes the helm as Wendy Christensen.\nAfter seeing premonitions about her and her friend's deaths, she teams up with classmate Kevin Fischer (Ryan Merriman) in an effort to thwart death's evil plans and save everyone's lives. In order to do this they tie together clues using the pictures of their student body so they can help prevent death from striking.\nThere is virtually no difference in this movie from the other two. The filmmakers basically used the same exact plot and mixed everything else up hoping that the audience would be dumb enough to buy into this. Sorry, but I'm not buying it and I don't think many other people were either. There were very few, if any screams in the crowd of high school girls who are normally scared out of their minds, usually an indication of good scares. Bottom line: this film is a horror movie, not a scary movie. The film went a little overboard on the excessive blood and guts - something that is intended to freak us out.\nIn the midst of all the gore and repetitive plot, the acting performances were quite lackluster, which caused more stirring in the seats than anything else. Obviously inexperienced, Winstead did a poor job at keeping the intensity high and did a great job at spelling out what exactly was going to happen as things progressed.\nHopefully studio execs will decide enough is enough with this series and try to find another type of plot to put into motion. In the mean time, if you are looking for a solid movie to go see that will send chills down your spine then this is one part of the trilogy that you can certainly do without.
(02/16/06 1:50am)
Much like the classic children's books by H.A. and Margaret Rey, "Curious George" will tickle your senses. The film takes some of the most memorable and known scenes from the books and combines them into a fun and pleasurable movie for the whole family. \nWill Ferrell plays the voice of Ted, or as he is more commonly known as The Man in the Yellow Hat. Ted happily works as a museum guide until he learns that the museum is in debt and will be closing. In an attempt to save the museum from closing, Ted travels to Africa to find and bring back an artifact to put on display. While in Africa, Ted finds more than just an exhibit when he meets a curious chimpanzee later to be named George. Forming an immediate bond, Ted and George embark on several adventures, all in hopes of keeping the museum open. \nWhile running just under an hour and a half, this movie manages to keep its young audience entertained without dragging on. "George" is nicely animated in bright colors, making it fun to watch and contains many scenes which will set children off in laughter. \nWill Ferrell does a wonderful job voicing Ted, with a very friendly and upbeat voice, contrary to many of the roles we are used to seeing him play. Also contributing to the voices in the film were Drew Barrymore, Eugene Levy and Dick Van Dyke. \nI have to admit that one thing aside from the story that kept me so entertained was the mellow musical stylings of Jack Johnson that is featured throughout the movie. Johnson has the perfect voice and style to accompany George on his many adventures. \nOverall, I would have to say that this movie is great for children and knows how to keep them entertained; I would even recommend this movie to an older audience. It is a wholesome and delightful film that will warm your heart. "George" is a fresh breath of air that is more low key than other animated tales like "Shrek" or "The Incredibles." George was adorable and curious, which left me walking out of the theater with a big bright smile.
(02/16/06 1:48am)
Before "Firewall," the last film Harrison Ford starred in was a buddy vehicle with Josh Hartnett called "Hollywood Homicide." If the title hasn't already given it away, that movie sucked. Ford then waited three years to release another movie, and if "Firewall" is the best he could come up with, you have to wonder if Ford really cares anymore. Because, you see, "Firewall" sucks too. \nFord is no longer a young man. In his latest release, audiences will be hard pressed to accept him as middle-aged Jack Stanfield, VP of security for a Seattle bank. He's got a loving wife and kids (who would be more convincing as his grandchildren), a really nice house and all sorts of neat, gadgety stuff lying around it; the kind of stuff you'd look at in The Sharper Image catalogue while going to the bathroom.\nAnyway, Paul Bettany and a bunch of no name thugs break in, hold the family hostage and force Ford to break through the bank's electronic barriers (which he so deftly designed) and steal $100 million for them. A nice, round number.\nTo describe the plot you should imagine what would happen if films like "Derailed" and "The Score" tag teamed "Homeward Bound" and they all had an illegitimate kid. It's full of the normal characters and clichés. Paul Bettany is sufficiently sadistic and Ford's son has severe allergies of which the movie makes predictable use. After the first half hour, it cashes in whatever ingenuity its setting in a high-tech bank allows for, and becomes the same old Ford "kicking the bad guy's ass" action flick.\nI will allow, though, that "Firewall" has a pretty impressive supporting cast. Check it out: Robert Patrick and Robert Forster both appear as Jack's co-workers, Virginia Madsen is Jack's wife, that one guy who played Seth Green's brother in "Rat Race" is one of Bettany's henchmen and Jack's daughter -- well, you'll never recognize her, but she's from the same small Midwestern town that I'm from, which wins her a special place in my heart. It doesn't matter that she's just an adorable face for Ford to save, we might have gone to the same high school and she's met Indiana Jones. Awesome!\nSo, if you're looking for a way to kill a couple hours because the Food Network reneged on its promise of an "Iron Chef" marathon, or some equally banal time killer falls through, fill that dead time with "Firewall." After all, this may be the last time we see Harrison Ford, the real American action hero. He needs to start acting his age, so this kind of movie can't, and probably won't, happen again.
(02/16/06 1:46am)
Like him or not, Woody Allen is a brilliant filmmaker who has had a long-standing career. Sure, as an actor, he is rambling, neurotic and would probably annoy even himself. But he does know when to put himself in front of the camera and when his genius is best served behind the lens. \n"Match Point," Allen's take on film noir set in present day Great Britain, is the perfect reminder of this. While the film was nearly shut out in the recently released Academy Award nominations, Woody Allen did garner a well-deserved nod for best original screenplay. \nOn the surface, "Match Point" is a story of a man's duplicity and infidelity, but the power of luck is the underlying theme of the film. Chris Wilton (Rhys Myers), a former tennis pro, says at the start of the film that he would rather be born lucky than good. He uses tennis as a metaphor for his philosophy: when a ball hits the top of the net, it can fall on either side of the net, and which ever way it falls can be the difference between a win and a loss. \nIf a few balls had bounced Chris' way, he may not have chosen to give up life in professional tennis. But after doing so, he finds a job teaching tennis to posh upperclass Brits at a wealthy country club. There he meets Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode). Tom introduces Chris to his wealthy family and Chris soon falls for Tom's sister Chloe (Emily Mortimer). Chris sees this potential union as a chance for him to enjoy the good life that tennis was never able to afford him, so he starts to date and eventually weds Chloe. Not long after, he meets beautiful Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), Tom's fiancée. After this, the ball changes courts. \nChris' competitive nature leads to his pursuit of Nola, which leads to an affair, which leads to Chris telling lie after lie in order to have everything he wants. In the end, luck is what will make or break Chris' fate.\n"Match Point" is an interesting film because it is an in-depth portrait of evil characters. Everyone has selfish motivations, and it is fascinating to watch how the characters use their strengths to get what they want. The dialogue is also excellent, and it is clear that Allen had fun writing from the perspective of an excessively polite Brit. Furthermore, the film is very intense, as low bass hums intermittently sound in order to accent moments of apprehension and guilt. \nThis film certainly should rank among Woody Allen's best. It makes one want to try and predict what will go wrong next, only to find out that the story is much too clever for the obvious plot twists. Good luck trying to figure this one out.
(02/16/06 1:46am)
The magic of Peter Sellers' presence in the original "Pink Panther" films of the '60s, '70s and even '80s, was his remarkable appearance of dramatic ineptitude: he did not seem to know that he was acting in a comedy film. Steve Martin, filling the shoes of Sellers, takes a much different approach in the 2006 remake, "The Pink Panther." \nMartin dives into his performance from the onset as an overtly silly and painstakingly gauche police officer. While Sellers was much loved for his subtle and nuanced performances, Martin has decided to reenergize the role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau. And, for the most part, it actually works.\nWhile most fans of the originals will no doubt lambaste this remake as juvenile and asinine, it is important to remember that inane slapstick gags were what made the Blake Edwards-directed classics so popular. The gags have been brought back in full force by Martin and his compatriots. There's the homage to Sellers' famous globe spinnings, a new take on Clouseau's random attacks on his assistant and of course, Clouseau does at one point electrocute his own testicles.\nWhile there are a variety of failed jokes in the film, there are enough successful antics by Steve Martin to validate this film's existence. The still limber 60-year-old comedian pulls off a number of legitimately hilarious physical shenanigans and delivers some funny (if usually ribald) one liners and jokes. \nThe film's ultimate redemption and the impetus for you to see this film is the solution to the whodunit mystery that drives the story forward. Martin fools the audience into thinking that a number of events in the ongoing murder case are trivial and ancillary to the plot, but these same events become hilariously important at the conclusion of the case. Director Shawn Levy and Martin should end the film after the case is solved, but instead they include a throwaway and thoroughly awkward gag consisting of Clouseau harassing the Chief Inspector (Kevin Kline) in the hospital.\nThe major failing of the film resides in Levy's attempts to establish some sweet and genuine moments between Clouseau and his assistant Ponton (Jean Reno). Because the film relies so heavily upon crude slapstick and idiotic behavior, the brotherly bond between the two detectives comes across as trite and even hackneyed. \nOverall though, this is a comedy worth seeing. Steve Martin is an extremely successful comedian for a reason. He has made a career of jumping around and acting like a lunatic, and he does so without class, but with high energy, yet again in this film. See "The Pink Panther," it will be worth the time.
