135 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(01/26/06 1:34am)
January is almost over, but it's never too late for New Year's resolutions. Here's what Hollywood should consider trying in 2006.\nFirst, can we get rid of those unrated edition DVDs of R-rated movies? They're only like two minutes longer and not any funnier.\nLet's also get rid of celebrity couple name combinations. "Bennifer" made sense, but "Bradgelina" and "Vauniston" is overkill. Until we figure out a way to combine my name and Lindsay Lohan's, these celebrity blends need to stop. And speaking of Hollywood's fantastic four ... Brad and Angelina, don't give the baby a weird name, but do give it up for adoption. Brad, yes, you've been dying to be a dad, but that's going be one damn good looking kid, and once it's older it'll be a famous star like Mommy and Daddy. It won't be fair to poor Maddox and Zaharah. What are they supposed to do when youngest sibling is winning an Oscar and they're still the rescued orphans wanting to hang onto Mommy's breasts during a publicity shot? \nAnd as for you Jen, it's already been a year since the split, and we're still on team Aniston, but 2005 was supposed to be your year at the box office, and both your films barely made $40 million. Pathetic. Hopefully "The Break Up" helps your slump, but the problem is, you're still Rachel. And that's not a bad thing, everyone loves Rachel, so start a business where people pay you to come to their parties pretending to be her. Vince, keep up with the funny and maybe make a normal resolution, like to quit smoking.\nThe American public should vow to watch "Arrested Development." But no matter how many critics tell you to, you just won't listen. Showtime, you'd better save the show from cancellation. That's not advice, it's a threat. Also, I ask for audiences to shift their attention to other great rating challenged shows such as "The Office," "Scrubs," "The Comeback" and "Kitchen Confidential." The last two were already cancelled? Damn.\nPeter Jackson, keep on doing what you're doing. I was like a six-year-old wetting myself with excitement while watching "King Kong." I can't remember the last time I was that entertained; perhaps it was back in 2003 during "The Return of the King."\nWhen filming the "Narnia" sequel, "Prince Caspian," don't be afraid to get violent. Every time an awesome battle was about to start, the film wimped out and switched scenes. PG-13 didn't hurt business for "Star Wars" or "Harry Potter," so let's step it up.\nHeath Ledger, people respect you now, don't screw that up. Take more risky roles, but don't go over the top, you're not Johnny Depp yet.\nJ.K. Rowling, writing the last Harry Potter book will be an arduous task, but please don't kill Harry. There's obviously not going to be a happy ending, but it's not right to kill him for the sake of not having to write any more sequels. We've already lost so many beloved characters, if another needs to die at least make it, um, you know what? A happy ending sounds just fine.\nTom and Katie, where to begin ... seek therapeutic help. Oh, right, sensitive subject.\nDakota Fanning, time for you to go on a five year hiatus so we don't have to witness your awkward looking years, then come back as an experienced, respected teen.\nIt's graduation year for the cast of "The OC." Guys, you need to make the right, not easiest, college choice. Ryan, you're doing the right thing by choosing Berkley and staying close to the Cohen casa. Seth, you need to go to the East Coast where people will finally realize how cool your dorkiness is, don't let your man-crush for Ryan and sudden fondness for Newport stop this. Summer, you're no East Coast snow-bunny, go party in Arizona like you initially wanted. A long-distance relationship with Cohen will be hard, but entertaining for viewers. Marissa, college? Keep dreaming. \nWinona Ryder, make a movie please. We miss you.\nJin from "Lost," isn't it about time you learned English? Aren't you tired of only being able to communicate with your wife? Sure, everybody's going to be busy training for Jack's army against The Others, but somebody has to be willing to teach you.\nKelly Clarkson, make more "American Idol" appearances. You've completely dissed your "Idol" roots (understandable, considering the "From Justin to Kelly" fiasco), but you owe the fans that made you a star. Two appearances won't hurt your newly established street cred. You don't even have to speak, just rock out to "Because of You" on a result show, that way if this year's contestants suck, viewers have something to enjoy.\nWell, that's it. The chances of these people listening are less than the odds that "Brokeback Mountain" being shut out of the Oscar race, but only 2006 will tell.
(01/19/06 5:00am)
In "The Constant Gardener" Ralph Fiennes ("The English Patient," "Spider") plays Justin Quayle, a British High Commission member living in Kenya. After Quayle's civil rights activist wife, Tessa (Rachel Weisz), is brutally murdered, he begins a search to discover what happened to her. As Quayle investigates, he learns his wife was involved in uncovering the workings of a corrupt pharmaceutical company who might be testing deadly products on poor, HIV-positive Africans. Quayle decides to continue his wife's work despite rumors of her unfaithfulness and other risky reports. But it's not long until he becomes the hunted and is warned to stop his search, or he will meet the same fate as his wife.\nWhile "Gardener" commits many of the crimes of similar lackluster thrillers such as "The Bourne Identity" and "Chain Reaction" (Quayle is told by those with information that they should not be talking, sketchy sources offer help, and fast car chases occur) it manages to rise above these clichés because of its examination of African social problems and Western politics.\nFilmed in a similar style of director Fernando Meirelles' Academy Award-nominated "City of God," the film looks great because of the frequent use of rough cuts, shaky camera movements, wide shots of the vast African landscape, gritty cinematography and intense score; all of which help make the film work as a thriller by creating a continuing sense of anxiety. At times, the film can be unsettling and hard to watch because of its representation of African life, however, seeing certain aspects of the Kenyan culture is interesting.\nThe DVD doesn't offer much when it comes to its few decent, but similar special features. There are a few deleted scenes that were understandably cut. The making of the feature plays like a long trailer, featuring an annoying narration and is composed of mostly clips from the film. In another feature, John le Carré, author of the novel which the film is based on, discusses where his inspiration for the story came from. While "The Constant Gardener" is not based on a true story, after speaking with large pharmaceutical firms, le Carré believes that what happens in the film could easily occur in real life. \nIn another feature about shooting on location in Kenya, the crew discusses its ecstasy of being able to create an authentic film by not having to shoot in South Africa, where most African-set movies are filmed. Unfortunately, we are told this about 50 times. However, the African backdrops and scarce, poverty-ridden communities are still truly fascinating.\nNominated for Golden Globes in the best director, supporting actress, and motion picture drama categories, "The Constant Gardener" is a good film, but stole a nominee spot from another, more deserving, political thriller, "Munich"
(01/19/06 2:04am)
In "The Constant Gardener" Ralph Fiennes ("The English Patient," "Spider") plays Justin Quayle, a British High Commission member living in Kenya. After Quayle's civil rights activist wife, Tessa (Rachel Weisz), is brutally murdered, he begins a search to discover what happened to her. As Quayle investigates, he learns his wife was involved in uncovering the workings of a corrupt pharmaceutical company who might be testing deadly products on poor, HIV-positive Africans. Quayle decides to continue his wife's work despite rumors of her unfaithfulness and other risky reports. But it's not long until he becomes the hunted and is warned to stop his search, or he will meet the same fate as his wife.\nWhile "Gardener" commits many of the crimes of similar lackluster thrillers such as "The Bourne Identity" and "Chain Reaction" (Quayle is told by those with information that they should not be talking, sketchy sources offer help, and fast car chases occur) it manages to rise above these clichés because of its examination of African social problems and Western politics.\nFilmed in a similar style of director Fernando Meirelles' Academy Award-nominated "City of God," the film looks great because of the frequent use of rough cuts, shaky camera movements, wide shots of the vast African landscape, gritty cinematography and intense score; all of which help make the film work as a thriller by creating a continuing sense of anxiety. At times, the film can be unsettling and hard to watch because of its representation of African life, however, seeing certain aspects of the Kenyan culture is interesting.\nThe DVD doesn't offer much when it comes to its few decent, but similar special features. There are a few deleted scenes that were understandably cut. The making of the feature plays like a long trailer, featuring an annoying narration and is composed of mostly clips from the film. In another feature, John le Carré, author of the novel which the film is based on, discusses where his inspiration for the story came from. While "The Constant Gardener" is not based on a true story, after speaking with large pharmaceutical firms, le Carré believes that what happens in the film could easily occur in real life. \nIn another feature about shooting on location in Kenya, the crew discusses its ecstasy of being able to create an authentic film by not having to shoot in South Africa, where most African-set movies are filmed. Unfortunately, we are told this about 50 times. However, the African backdrops and scarce, poverty-ridden communities are still truly fascinating.\nNominated for Golden Globes in the best director, supporting actress, and motion picture drama categories, "The Constant Gardener" is a good film, but stole a nominee spot from another, more deserving, political thriller, "Munich"
(01/12/06 5:00am)
As winter approaches many IU students become more hesitant when it comes to going out at night into the cold. And while the Bloomington bar scene may not be far from most off-campus housing, there is often a walk involved for the weekend bar-hopper. \nBut when the temperature drops lower than the legal drinking age, some begin to question whether or not it's worth enduring the brrr for the beer.\nSome students believe coat checks would be convenient at bars throughout the winter months.\nThe lack of coat checks in popular bars such as Kilroy's Bar N'Grill and Upstairs Pub prompts most people to leave their coats at home before going out.\n"I don't think many of the bars even have coat checks, so I usually don't bother bringing one," senior Molly Mengel says. "You just learn how to deal without it. It's not the end of the world if you're cold for a little."\nKristin Roemer, a senior and bar enthusiast, said she hardly enjoys walking to the bars in the dead of winter. \n"It's so inconvenient to bring a coat out with you," Roemer says. "Yeah, a coat will keep you warm for the five-minute walk to Kirkwood, but then it becomes a burden. You want to get dressed up all nice and look good to go out, but then if you have a heavy sweatshirt on or something it sucks once you get inside the bar."\nAn obvious solution to eliminate freezing on the walk to the bars would be to wear a coat. However, for various reasons, it's not common to see people in the bars with coats. \n"Then if you brought a coat it's like hmm, what do I do with it now," Roemer says. "Carrying it around all night would be a pain, and I don't want to just set it down somewhere. There's the possibility it could be stolen, but most likely I'd probably just forget about it and lose it." \nWhat many students don't know is, there are bars in the local area that have coat checks for customers.\nUncle Fester's House of Blooze is one of the Bloomington bars that does have a coat check. But Antwon Shade, manager of Uncle Fester's, says the coat check often remains empty.\n"We have a free coat check but few people use it," Shade says. "But you also don't see people carrying around their coats. I think most people catch a ride here and leave their coats in the car." \nStudents do use other means of transportation to avoid the freezing walk such as taking taxis, the Midnight Special bus shuttle, also known to many as the "drunk bus," or their own cars. The Midnight shuttle, provided by the University, runs from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday night when classes are in session. \nNick's English Hut provides free hangers for its customers. However, Neal Molengrast, manager of Nick's, says mostly women use them to hang their purses.\nIf a student complains about the cold or has second thoughts about going out at night because of the weather, they more often than not tough out the cold and end up at the bars. \nBoth Shade and Molengrast say their bar businesses do not decrease during the colder months.\n"It's more of winter break and students leaving campus that hurts business, not the weather," Molengrast says. "This is a college town. If college students want to go out and drink they're going to do it, regardless of what it's like outside"
(01/12/06 1:35am)
As winter approaches many IU students become more hesitant when it comes to going out at night into the cold. And while the Bloomington bar scene may not be far from most off-campus housing, there is often a walk involved for the weekend bar-hopper. \nBut when the temperature drops lower than the legal drinking age, some begin to question whether or not it's worth enduring the brrr for the beer.\nSome students believe coat checks would be convenient at bars throughout the winter months.\nThe lack of coat checks in popular bars such as Kilroy's Bar N'Grill and Upstairs Pub prompts most people to leave their coats at home before going out.\n"I don't think many of the bars even have coat checks, so I usually don't bother bringing one," senior Molly Mengel says. "You just learn how to deal without it. It's not the end of the world if you're cold for a little."\nKristin Roemer, a senior and bar enthusiast, said she hardly enjoys walking to the bars in the dead of winter. \n"It's so inconvenient to bring a coat out with you," Roemer says. "Yeah, a coat will keep you warm for the five-minute walk to Kirkwood, but then it becomes a burden. You want to get dressed up all nice and look good to go out, but then if you have a heavy sweatshirt on or something it sucks once you get inside the bar."\nAn obvious solution to eliminate freezing on the walk to the bars would be to wear a coat. However, for various reasons, it's not common to see people in the bars with coats. \n"Then if you brought a coat it's like hmm, what do I do with it now," Roemer says. "Carrying it around all night would be a pain, and I don't want to just set it down somewhere. There's the possibility it could be stolen, but most likely I'd probably just forget about it and lose it." \nWhat many students don't know is, there are bars in the local area that have coat checks for customers.\nUncle Fester's House of Blooze is one of the Bloomington bars that does have a coat check. But Antwon Shade, manager of Uncle Fester's, says the coat check often remains empty.\n"We have a free coat check but few people use it," Shade says. "But you also don't see people carrying around their coats. I think most people catch a ride here and leave their coats in the car." \nStudents do use other means of transportation to avoid the freezing walk such as taking taxis, the Midnight Special bus shuttle, also known to many as the "drunk bus," or their own cars. The Midnight shuttle, provided by the University, runs from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday night when classes are in session. \nNick's English Hut provides free hangers for its customers. However, Neal Molengrast, manager of Nick's, says mostly women use them to hang their purses.\nIf a student complains about the cold or has second thoughts about going out at night because of the weather, they more often than not tough out the cold and end up at the bars. \nBoth Shade and Molengrast say their bar businesses do not decrease during the colder months.\n"It's more of winter break and students leaving campus that hurts business, not the weather," Molengrast says. "This is a college town. If college students want to go out and drink they're going to do it, regardless of what it's like outside"
(12/01/05 7:11pm)
As 7 p.m. approaches, the last few people straggle into screening room 251 of the TV and Radio Building and sit in the available seats. A man in a khaki coat approaches the audience and welcomes them to the weekly City Lights film series. He announces tonight's presentation is Robert Altman's 1975 film "Nashville" and discusses what films will screen in the weeks to come. The lights go down and clicking noises comes from the back of the room. It's coming from the projector and it's a noise today's moviegoers are no longer used to hearing. \nCity Lights is a weekly film series sponsored by the department of Communication and Culture. The screenings specialize in showing old classic Hollywood and foreign films. \n"We try to show films that might not be shown publicly otherwise," says Jasmine Trice, a PhD student who runs City Lights. The series started in 1998 when several CMCL grad students became aware of the various films in the IU archives that were sitting unused. Many of the films were on their last legs until a team of archivists began restoration. \n"There were a lot of film series featuring classic Hollywood cinema that sprang up on college campuses in the '60s and into the '70s. City Lights is continuing in the spirit of those series, which were dedicated to bringing classic Hollywood to people in a film format. We're just a little late to join the bandwagon, we're the tail end of that movement," says Matt Yockey, another PhD student who helps run the program. \nThe City Lights group would like to see more IU students attend the screenings. "The majority of our audience tends to be older crowds," says Jason Sperb, who works with Trice and Yockey. On average there are about 20 to 30 audience members at each showing Sperb says. "Watching movies in this format is a much different experience," Trice says. "Even if you've seen some of these old '30s gangster movies more than a thousand times in your dorm room, it's still great to see these films on the big screen." Trice loved the experience of watching one of these gangster films. When they screened 1931's "Public Enemy" there was a surprisingly large number of students in the audience, which lead Trice to believe that some class was offering extra credit to students who went to see the film. "Most of the students had never seen the film and were so surprised by how brutal and effective the ending was. Everyone in the audience was just floored." \nSperb sees the City Lights as an opportunity for students to expose themselves to films they've never seen before. "It's important for these great films to be seen," Sperb says. "By watching these films people will be able to see where today's biggest filmmakers like Tarantino, Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson got their inspiration from."\nAdmission to the screenings is free and takes place every Friday night at 7 p.m. in the TV and Radio Building. It has been difficult for Trice to find films to screen lately. "It's a matter of what we have available to screen," says Trice. "We have a limited number of films to choose from." However, the series has looked to other screening outlets such as the Audio Visual Department, Black Film Center, the David Bradley Collection and the Chester Glime Collection. They also have been receiving films from a distributor in Iowa. \nInstead of viewing the other film screening in Bloomington as competition, the City Lights has joined together with other groups such as the Ryder, Underground and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater's Golden Age series to raise awareness about film preservation and viewing. This weekend the City Lights and the Underground will work together to hold a weekend dedicated to French director Jean-Luc Godard.\nThe 16mm reels are shown on two old projectors that, according to Trice, are "literally propped up on pieces of lumber and held together by scotch tape." Scope lenses are used for widescreen films. They also keep a DVD backup in case of technical difficulties. Trice had to resort to the "Nashville" DVD when the film wasn't working properly. After attempting to fix the shaking visual effect and clarity problems of the film several times, Trice was forced to use the DVD. Apologizing for the problem several times, Trice was disappointed the film could not be seen in its original format. The audience didn't seem to mind except for three men who opted to leave, muttering French obscenities on the way out.\nThe fall 2005 series has been underway since school started and has contained films such as the classic Hitchcock film "Strangers on a Train," the French favorite "Jules et Jim," and a Halloween double feature with "The Bride of Frankenstein" and "Nosferatu The Vampyre." The fall series continues until Dec. 2 and will resume again in the spring.\nBloomington residents Desiree Valentine and James Gillie came to the screening in search of "something fun to do on a Friday night." While it was Valentine's first time attending City Lights, Gillie had come once before. "It's been a while since I've come. I'd forgotten it was even going on, but coming here tonight made me remember what a good time I had the last time I came"
(12/01/05 5:00am)
As 7 p.m. approaches, the last few people straggle into screening room 251 of the TV and Radio Building and sit in the available seats. A man in a khaki coat approaches the audience and welcomes them to the weekly City Lights film series. He announces tonight's presentation is Robert Altman's 1975 film "Nashville" and discusses what films will screen in the weeks to come. The lights go down and clicking noises comes from the back of the room. It's coming from the projector and it's a noise today's moviegoers are no longer used to hearing. \nCity Lights is a weekly film series sponsored by the department of Communication and Culture. The screenings specialize in showing old classic Hollywood and foreign films. \n"We try to show films that might not be shown publicly otherwise," says Jasmine Trice, a PhD student who runs City Lights. The series started in 1998 when several CMCL grad students became aware of the various films in the IU archives that were sitting unused. Many of the films were on their last legs until a team of archivists began restoration. \n"There were a lot of film series featuring classic Hollywood cinema that sprang up on college campuses in the '60s and into the '70s. City Lights is continuing in the spirit of those series, which were dedicated to bringing classic Hollywood to people in a film format. We're just a little late to join the bandwagon, we're the tail end of that movement," says Matt Yockey, another PhD student who helps run the program. \nThe City Lights group would like to see more IU students attend the screenings. "The majority of our audience tends to be older crowds," says Jason Sperb, who works with Trice and Yockey. On average there are about 20 to 30 audience members at each showing Sperb says. "Watching movies in this format is a much different experience," Trice says. "Even if you've seen some of these old '30s gangster movies more than a thousand times in your dorm room, it's still great to see these films on the big screen." Trice loved the experience of watching one of these gangster films. When they screened 1931's "Public Enemy" there was a surprisingly large number of students in the audience, which lead Trice to believe that some class was offering extra credit to students who went to see the film. "Most of the students had never seen the film and were so surprised by how brutal and effective the ending was. Everyone in the audience was just floored." \nSperb sees the City Lights as an opportunity for students to expose themselves to films they've never seen before. "It's important for these great films to be seen," Sperb says. "By watching these films people will be able to see where today's biggest filmmakers like Tarantino, Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson got their inspiration from."\nAdmission to the screenings is free and takes place every Friday night at 7 p.m. in the TV and Radio Building. It has been difficult for Trice to find films to screen lately. "It's a matter of what we have available to screen," says Trice. "We have a limited number of films to choose from." However, the series has looked to other screening outlets such as the Audio Visual Department, Black Film Center, the David Bradley Collection and the Chester Glime Collection. They also have been receiving films from a distributor in Iowa. \nInstead of viewing the other film screening in Bloomington as competition, the City Lights has joined together with other groups such as the Ryder, Underground and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater's Golden Age series to raise awareness about film preservation and viewing. This weekend the City Lights and the Underground will work together to hold a weekend dedicated to French director Jean-Luc Godard.\nThe 16mm reels are shown on two old projectors that, according to Trice, are "literally propped up on pieces of lumber and held together by scotch tape." Scope lenses are used for widescreen films. They also keep a DVD backup in case of technical difficulties. Trice had to resort to the "Nashville" DVD when the film wasn't working properly. After attempting to fix the shaking visual effect and clarity problems of the film several times, Trice was forced to use the DVD. Apologizing for the problem several times, Trice was disappointed the film could not be seen in its original format. The audience didn't seem to mind except for three men who opted to leave, muttering French obscenities on the way out.\nThe fall 2005 series has been underway since school started and has contained films such as the classic Hitchcock film "Strangers on a Train," the French favorite "Jules et Jim," and a Halloween double feature with "The Bride of Frankenstein" and "Nosferatu The Vampyre." The fall series continues until Dec. 2 and will resume again in the spring.\nBloomington residents Desiree Valentine and James Gillie came to the screening in search of "something fun to do on a Friday night." While it was Valentine's first time attending City Lights, Gillie had come once before. "It's been a while since I've come. I'd forgotten it was even going on, but coming here tonight made me remember what a good time I had the last time I came"
(11/17/05 7:50pm)
I don't know too much about indie rock music, but if Seth Cohen likes it, it's good enough for me.\nAs an "O.C." aficionado, nothing brings me greater joy than a release of any new "O.C." product. The "O.C." producers know how to match scenes with the perfect music. Herein lies my favorite thing about the "O.C." mixes. Every time I hear a song I remember the scene in which it was played and get to relive the moment for four minutes or so. "The O.C. Mix 5" includes some of the songs from the series' best moments. There's Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek," which played as Marissa shot Ryan's brother Trey during season 2's intense finale. The soothing voice and electronics of Heap are very relaxing, but with a second listen the deepness of the song can be heard. \nAnd no "O.C." mix would be complete without a cover of an 80s favorite. This time it's Alphaville's "Forever Young" performed by Youth Group. Youth Group has ditched the synthesizers and the song is now a more enjoyable tranquil piece of reflection instead of a computerized dance number. The song fit perfectly at the End of Summer dance where evil Taylortrash Townsend told Harbor students to "enjoy themselves, because it really is the end of summer," making a threat to my girl, Summer. Stupid Taylor, I was actually starting to feel bad for her and then she tries to steal Seth. Oh, yeah. Back to the music. \nThere's also a new mellow, acoustic version of the show's theme song "California" by Phantom Planet, which played as Marissa and Ryan left the Kick-off Carnival after being expelled (sooo Sid and Nancy). While nothing beats the original, the new version is cool too, mainly because it's one of the few songs I can think of that contains whistling. There's also some great tracks from the Kaiser Chiefs, Of Montreal and LCD Soundsystem. Inexplicably missing is Coldplay's "Fix You." Yes, the song is already a huge hit, but it suited Caleb's death scene so well (oh Cal, you were such a dick, but we miss you).\n"Mix 5" is much more upbeat when compared to past mixes' emo feels (sorry, Seth I'm just not a big emo fan, but can we still be friends?). "O.C." fans should at least buy this not for the music, but for the cover booklet. The booklet is set up as the Harbor yearbook and includes hilarious yearbook signings from each character including Captain Oats, the long-departed Anna and all the regulars.
(11/17/05 5:00am)
I don't know too much about indie rock music, but if Seth Cohen likes it, it's good enough for me.\nAs an "O.C." aficionado, nothing brings me greater joy than a release of any new "O.C." product. The "O.C." producers know how to match scenes with the perfect music. Herein lies my favorite thing about the "O.C." mixes. Every time I hear a song I remember the scene in which it was played and get to relive the moment for four minutes or so. "The O.C. Mix 5" includes some of the songs from the series' best moments. There's Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek," which played as Marissa shot Ryan's brother Trey during season 2's intense finale. The soothing voice and electronics of Heap are very relaxing, but with a second listen the deepness of the song can be heard. \nAnd no "O.C." mix would be complete without a cover of an 80s favorite. This time it's Alphaville's "Forever Young" performed by Youth Group. Youth Group has ditched the synthesizers and the song is now a more enjoyable tranquil piece of reflection instead of a computerized dance number. The song fit perfectly at the End of Summer dance where evil Taylortrash Townsend told Harbor students to "enjoy themselves, because it really is the end of summer," making a threat to my girl, Summer. Stupid Taylor, I was actually starting to feel bad for her and then she tries to steal Seth. Oh, yeah. Back to the music. \nThere's also a new mellow, acoustic version of the show's theme song "California" by Phantom Planet, which played as Marissa and Ryan left the Kick-off Carnival after being expelled (sooo Sid and Nancy). While nothing beats the original, the new version is cool too, mainly because it's one of the few songs I can think of that contains whistling. There's also some great tracks from the Kaiser Chiefs, Of Montreal and LCD Soundsystem. Inexplicably missing is Coldplay's "Fix You." Yes, the song is already a huge hit, but it suited Caleb's death scene so well (oh Cal, you were such a dick, but we miss you).\n"Mix 5" is much more upbeat when compared to past mixes' emo feels (sorry, Seth I'm just not a big emo fan, but can we still be friends?). "O.C." fans should at least buy this not for the music, but for the cover booklet. The booklet is set up as the Harbor yearbook and includes hilarious yearbook signings from each character including Captain Oats, the long-departed Anna and all the regulars.
(11/10/05 5:00am)
I love looking into other people's dorm rooms. I don't necessarily care to meet those who inhabit them. I don't really care about how the beds are set up or the fancy lamp shades. My attention goes straight to the posters on the wall. \nLately this game has become a bore. Every room seems to have the same posters. It's time for people to be different. We need to escape the lure of what I deem the "college posters." \nThere are several overused posters. The first is the "Pulp Fiction" poster featuring Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta. Don't get me wrong, I love "Pulp Fiction." I laugh hysterically every time Christopher Walken freaks out at a young Bruce Willis for not appreciating that he kept his father's watch up his ass. But it's not the movie that's being celebrated when someone buys this poster. It's the idea of two badass hit men pointing a gun at you. It's the image of cool. The same goes for the bloodied and beaten Brad Pitt "Fight Club" poster. After having the crap kicked out of him, Pitt is still alive and crazy as ever. Other examples are "Goodfellas," "The Boondock Saints" -- and don't even get me started on "Scarface." Do people really think these characters are that cool? Or do they know these images are established as being cool and therefore they should buy them? Choosing these posters is a small form of conformity. It's as if coming into college, people have seen these posters on older college students' walls and think this is something they need to emulate; it is what's expected of them. \nThe female equivalent to the "cool" posters is the close-up picture of Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn has always been an icon representing fashion, glamour and style. Obviously many girls want their rooms to be stylized by the presence of Audrey. Upon walking into a girl's room and seeing the Audrey poster, I asked her what her favorite Hepburn movie was. "Breakfast at Tiffany's," she replied, a justified response that I would agree with. I then asked if she had any other favorites. "Ummm… ya know, that one where she sings," she answered. Hmmm...the one where she sings. I'm assuming she means "My Fair Lady," but if she knew enough about Hepburn, she'd know those weren't actually Hepburn's vocals. I doubt this girl was even aware of Hepburn's other great work like "Funny Face" or "Roman Holiday." \nThe most overused example of the college poster is the John Belushi "Animal House" poster. Once again this poster probably isn't hung because people love the movie, a shame because it's one of the funniest films of all time. The poster symbolizes the college lifestyle. It's the idea of going out and getting wasted and having a hell of a lot of fun doing it. The poster basically is a sign used to say "I party." And who doesn't, especially at a party school like IU? But do people have to be so blatant about it? Good. You party. We all do. Maybe we should party together. Just don't be so obnoxious about it. \nI realize I'm being a little harsh and judging people for something as trivial as posters. However, there's one instance that I can't forgive. While at a poster sale I overheard a girl ask her friend, "Should we buy this Jim Belushi poster?" At first I just thought she made a mistake. John and Jim are similar names that are easy to mix up, but she kept saying "Jim." "This Jim Belushi poster would look great in the living room," she said. Was she serious? Was she really giving credit for John's comedic genius to his untalented, jackass brother -- the man responsible for "According to Jim?" I hope that living room wall crumbled down the second the poster was hung. \nSo since I know so much about dorm room decorating, you're probably dying to know what takes up my wall space. Well, truthfully my room is nothing special. I even commit some of the sins I judge. I have a "Pulp Fiction" poster, though I opted for the Uma Thurman version. Next to Uma there's a poster of my girlfriend, Lindsay Lohan. There's also "OC," "Royal Tenenbaums" and "Sopranos" posters.\nNot everyone has the same posters up. Among the colored drapes and pictures of high school friends I've seen everything from random bands to "Full House," and I applaud these people. I understand most of us buy our posters from the same places and there isn't always the biggest selection available. But let's try to be a little more original.
(11/10/05 1:56am)
I love looking into other people's dorm rooms. I don't necessarily care to meet those who inhabit them. I don't really care about how the beds are set up or the fancy lamp shades. My attention goes straight to the posters on the wall. \nLately this game has become a bore. Every room seems to have the same posters. It's time for people to be different. We need to escape the lure of what I deem the "college posters." \nThere are several overused posters. The first is the "Pulp Fiction" poster featuring Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta. Don't get me wrong, I love "Pulp Fiction." I laugh hysterically every time Christopher Walken freaks out at a young Bruce Willis for not appreciating that he kept his father's watch up his ass. But it's not the movie that's being celebrated when someone buys this poster. It's the idea of two badass hit men pointing a gun at you. It's the image of cool. The same goes for the bloodied and beaten Brad Pitt "Fight Club" poster. After having the crap kicked out of him, Pitt is still alive and crazy as ever. Other examples are "Goodfellas," "The Boondock Saints" -- and don't even get me started on "Scarface." Do people really think these characters are that cool? Or do they know these images are established as being cool and therefore they should buy them? Choosing these posters is a small form of conformity. It's as if coming into college, people have seen these posters on older college students' walls and think this is something they need to emulate; it is what's expected of them. \nThe female equivalent to the "cool" posters is the close-up picture of Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn has always been an icon representing fashion, glamour and style. Obviously many girls want their rooms to be stylized by the presence of Audrey. Upon walking into a girl's room and seeing the Audrey poster, I asked her what her favorite Hepburn movie was. "Breakfast at Tiffany's," she replied, a justified response that I would agree with. I then asked if she had any other favorites. "Ummm… ya know, that one where she sings," she answered. Hmmm...the one where she sings. I'm assuming she means "My Fair Lady," but if she knew enough about Hepburn, she'd know those weren't actually Hepburn's vocals. I doubt this girl was even aware of Hepburn's other great work like "Funny Face" or "Roman Holiday." \nThe most overused example of the college poster is the John Belushi "Animal House" poster. Once again this poster probably isn't hung because people love the movie, a shame because it's one of the funniest films of all time. The poster symbolizes the college lifestyle. It's the idea of going out and getting wasted and having a hell of a lot of fun doing it. The poster basically is a sign used to say "I party." And who doesn't, especially at a party school like IU? But do people have to be so blatant about it? Good. You party. We all do. Maybe we should party together. Just don't be so obnoxious about it. \nI realize I'm being a little harsh and judging people for something as trivial as posters. However, there's one instance that I can't forgive. While at a poster sale I overheard a girl ask her friend, "Should we buy this Jim Belushi poster?" At first I just thought she made a mistake. John and Jim are similar names that are easy to mix up, but she kept saying "Jim." "This Jim Belushi poster would look great in the living room," she said. Was she serious? Was she really giving credit for John's comedic genius to his untalented, jackass brother -- the man responsible for "According to Jim?" I hope that living room wall crumbled down the second the poster was hung. \nSo since I know so much about dorm room decorating, you're probably dying to know what takes up my wall space. Well, truthfully my room is nothing special. I even commit some of the sins I judge. I have a "Pulp Fiction" poster, though I opted for the Uma Thurman version. Next to Uma there's a poster of my girlfriend, Lindsay Lohan. There's also "OC," "Royal Tenenbaums" and "Sopranos" posters.\nNot everyone has the same posters up. Among the colored drapes and pictures of high school friends I've seen everything from random bands to "Full House," and I applaud these people. I understand most of us buy our posters from the same places and there isn't always the biggest selection available. But let's try to be a little more original.
(11/03/05 5:00am)
There's no format like DVD...There's no format like DVD... The new special edition 2-disc "The Wizard of Oz" has arrived just in time for, um, the film's 66th anniversary? Well, there may not be a reason for the release, but that doesn't mean this isn't a DVD to celebrate. Packed with more than ten hours of special features, the disc is a real delight. \nAs far as the film "The Wizard of Oz" goes, I'm not going to even bother reviewing it. "The Wizard of Oz" is a classic film that ranks among the best of all time. Don't even try to say you don't like this movie. Everyone grew up on it and it's just as much fun to watch now as it was when you were four. "Oz" is one of the most visually pleasing films ever and it looks better than ever due to a process known as Ultra resolution.\nThe numerous special features include retrospective features hosted by Angela Lansbury. These features tell the rich history and production story of "Oz." Yes, we all know "Oz" was originally supposed to be a Walt Disney-produced film starring Shirley Temple. But did you know those adored ruby slippers were originally supposed to be silver and Dorothy was supposed to be blond? Did you know the Kansas scenes were technically filmed in sepia, not black and white? \nOne of the best features is footage from the 1940 Academy Awards ceremony. It's so interesting to see how the Oscars have changed since then. Back in the 1940s guest sat at dinner tables in front of a tiny stage filled with couches. There are also several deleted and extended scenes. The most enjoyable is the extended version of the Scarecrow's "If I Only Had a Brain" song. It's a shame that the catchy "Jitterbug" number was never filmed. \nOther treats include features on the merchandising of "Oz" (be prepared to meet the creepiest 40-year-old doll collector man ever), the international appeal of the film (the Wicked Witch is even more terrifying in German) and the renewed popularity through television airings during the 1950s. \nIt may get a little sappy when people continually talk about how "magical" and "enchanting" the film is, but it's true. So go follow the yellow brick road down to a store and buy this DVD. There may be no place like home, but right now we're all living at college. So "Oz" is just as good a place to be.
(11/03/05 5:00am)
Have you ever found yourself flipping through channels late at night and settling for reruns of "Kids Say the Darndest Things?" Do you then laugh hysterically at the kids on screen? If so, then "Mad Hot Ballroom" is the movie for you. However, just laughing at the kids' random comments may cause you to miss the point of the film.\n"Mad Hot Ballroom" is a documentary about a group of underprivileged New York City fifth graders who compete in an annual ballroom dancing competition. The mandatory program is used to keep children safe and off the streets.\nThe film is also a study of adolescent behavior. At first the girls and boys are too shy to dance with each other. They avoid making eye contact and have to bite their lips to keep from laughing. And of course, nobody wants to dance with the fat kid (damn, kids can be mean). It is amusing to watch the children interact with each other and see how involved and committed they become. Though, it's hard to believe there isn't at least one boy who doesn't want to ballroom dance. \nWhile "Mad Hot Ballroom" is interesting, there's not a lot in the film that actually tells the story. Director Marilyn Agrelo relies too much on footage from dance practices. The film resorts to using voice-overs from teachers to tell how the children's behaviors have improved since getting involved with the program. We aren't given much insight into the lives of the children who participate. There is minimal footage of life outside of school. It would have been very helpful to see the home lives of these children. Even more interviews from the children would help to get to know them better. Granted, "Mad Hot Ballroom" is a documentary, so it may not have been possible to film these aspects. However the lack of variety of footage becomes monotonous.\nThe competition's finale greatly picks up the films often slow pace. It's very entertaining to watch these kids tango, meringue, rumba and salsa. At first their moves are awkward, but by the finals their ability is damn impressive. You'll get just as excited and anxious watching the dance finals as you would from watching any sporting event. \nUnfortunately the DVD contains no special features. What the hell? Where's the instructional dance video? I want to learn how to meringue too!
(11/03/05 2:01am)
Have you ever found yourself flipping through channels late at night and settling for reruns of "Kids Say the Darndest Things?" Do you then laugh hysterically at the kids on screen? If so, then "Mad Hot Ballroom" is the movie for you. However, just laughing at the kids' random comments may cause you to miss the point of the film.\n"Mad Hot Ballroom" is a documentary about a group of underprivileged New York City fifth graders who compete in an annual ballroom dancing competition. The mandatory program is used to keep children safe and off the streets.\nThe film is also a study of adolescent behavior. At first the girls and boys are too shy to dance with each other. They avoid making eye contact and have to bite their lips to keep from laughing. And of course, nobody wants to dance with the fat kid (damn, kids can be mean). It is amusing to watch the children interact with each other and see how involved and committed they become. Though, it's hard to believe there isn't at least one boy who doesn't want to ballroom dance. \nWhile "Mad Hot Ballroom" is interesting, there's not a lot in the film that actually tells the story. Director Marilyn Agrelo relies too much on footage from dance practices. The film resorts to using voice-overs from teachers to tell how the children's behaviors have improved since getting involved with the program. We aren't given much insight into the lives of the children who participate. There is minimal footage of life outside of school. It would have been very helpful to see the home lives of these children. Even more interviews from the children would help to get to know them better. Granted, "Mad Hot Ballroom" is a documentary, so it may not have been possible to film these aspects. However the lack of variety of footage becomes monotonous.\nThe competition's finale greatly picks up the films often slow pace. It's very entertaining to watch these kids tango, meringue, rumba and salsa. At first their moves are awkward, but by the finals their ability is damn impressive. You'll get just as excited and anxious watching the dance finals as you would from watching any sporting event. \nUnfortunately the DVD contains no special features. What the hell? Where's the instructional dance video? I want to learn how to meringue too!
(11/03/05 1:50am)
There's no format like DVD...There's no format like DVD... The new special edition 2-disc "The Wizard of Oz" has arrived just in time for, um, the film's 66th anniversary? Well, there may not be a reason for the release, but that doesn't mean this isn't a DVD to celebrate. Packed with more than ten hours of special features, the disc is a real delight. \nAs far as the film "The Wizard of Oz" goes, I'm not going to even bother reviewing it. "The Wizard of Oz" is a classic film that ranks among the best of all time. Don't even try to say you don't like this movie. Everyone grew up on it and it's just as much fun to watch now as it was when you were four. "Oz" is one of the most visually pleasing films ever and it looks better than ever due to a process known as Ultra resolution.\nThe numerous special features include retrospective features hosted by Angela Lansbury. These features tell the rich history and production story of "Oz." Yes, we all know "Oz" was originally supposed to be a Walt Disney-produced film starring Shirley Temple. But did you know those adored ruby slippers were originally supposed to be silver and Dorothy was supposed to be blond? Did you know the Kansas scenes were technically filmed in sepia, not black and white? \nOne of the best features is footage from the 1940 Academy Awards ceremony. It's so interesting to see how the Oscars have changed since then. Back in the 1940s guest sat at dinner tables in front of a tiny stage filled with couches. There are also several deleted and extended scenes. The most enjoyable is the extended version of the Scarecrow's "If I Only Had a Brain" song. It's a shame that the catchy "Jitterbug" number was never filmed. \nOther treats include features on the merchandising of "Oz" (be prepared to meet the creepiest 40-year-old doll collector man ever), the international appeal of the film (the Wicked Witch is even more terrifying in German) and the renewed popularity through television airings during the 1950s. \nIt may get a little sappy when people continually talk about how "magical" and "enchanting" the film is, but it's true. So go follow the yellow brick road down to a store and buy this DVD. There may be no place like home, but right now we're all living at college. So "Oz" is just as good a place to be.
