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'Jesus Christ Superstar will make you a believer

By Allison Rose Davis · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12:05 a.m.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber did not save the best for last this time. "Jesus Christ Superstar," the first of their many creations, is arguably the finest, and the cast of the National Tour that played Tuesday and Wednesday at the IU Auditorium made this great show a powerhouse performance.

Suggestions gone awry

By Alyson Brodsy · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12:03 a.m.

A recent study indicated that IU and Purdue University must become more focused on graduate education and research, and reduce the number of undergraduates accepted into the universities. The study was conducted by an independent panel appointed by the state legislature, the Indiana Daily Student reported Nov. 12.

Putin says Russia set to develop new nuclear missile systems

By Alyson Brodsy · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12:01 a.m.

MOSCOW -- President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia is developing a new form of nuclear missile unlike those held by other countries, news agencies reported.

Celebrate good times, come on

By Matt Mattucci · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

The NFL's end zones have become the next closest thing to being Studio 54. The players' creativity, originality and showmanship make touchdowns look like an old Vanilla Ice music video. Whether it's "The Robot," "The Sprinkler" or "The Squirrel," players are turning their end zone dances into their own highlight reels.

Reminiscent title, redundant film

By -Alec Toombs · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Brett Ratner is a director who unfairly gets a lot of flack among fanboys. For all intensive purposes he's just as bad as Michael Bay (who I also like), Renny Harlin (who I occasionally like), Jan de Bont (who directed "Speed," which gives him a wee bit of leeway) and Uwe Boll (who directed "House of the Dead," and thus deserves a lifetime in cinematic purgatory).

Mediocrity 'rules' on rapper's new CD

By Jimmy Rae · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Yes, the graspy sounding, thug-friendly voice of Ja Rule is back with his newest album, R.U.L.E. He's been a busy man since 1999's debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci, putting out an album every year for his hip-hop fans.

Let's talk about sex

By Adam Aasen · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Dr. Alfred Kinsey was a man who enjoyed nature in its most raw forms. He started out studying the lives of gall wasps, and ended up famous for studying human sexuality -- human nature at its most basic.

Many shades of Slim Shady

By John Barnett · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Eminem's major label debut, The Slim Shady LP, showcased Slim Shady, his manic and often twisted alter ego. His sophomore stunner, The Marshall Mathers LP, presented Marshall Mathers, a complex man with a dark past and a dysfunctional family.

Not your average swordsman

By Chris Wisner · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

With an epic film like "Hero" being released in theaters this past year, it isn't surprising that a film like "The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi" remained relatively unknown to fans of martial arts/samurai cinema. Where "Hero" exceeds at being an epic, "Zatoichi" excels at being a more personal and traditional sword-fighting narrative.

Living up to the 'Halo' hype

By Dan Patrick · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

There has been a cardinal rule within gaming that has stood since 2001 -- if you own a Microsoft Xbox and have a pulse, you also own "Halo."

Sequel teeters on edge of absurdity

By Amanda Trost · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

In Renee Zellweger's second attempt at the wildly-successful character of Bridget Jones, one must always keep in mind the movie title -- "The Edge of Reason" -- because that's exactly where the movie keeps you: hanging on the edge between reality and complete disbelief.

School days, 'Blue' nights

By Laura Kruty · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

The rain pours down, beating against the outside of a window on Woodburn Hall's second floor. A Miles Davis poster hangs on the wall, and piles of papers beckon from Jeff Isaac's desk and the square wooden table on which his foot is perched.

Wal-Mart: The great American hypocrisy

By John Barnett · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

The other night I jacked a biplane and flew low over the Las Vegas strip strafing the cars below with gunfire. After that, I helped a buddy of mine torch his marijuana crop before the Feds arrived, but when they arrived earlier than expected he and I took most of 'em out with our M16s before speeding off in a VW bus.

Album puts John on right 'road'

By -Nate Bethea · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Maybe it was Ryan White's, Giovanni Versace's or Princess Diana's death, but something made Elton John despondent and slowed-down for the entire duration of the '90s.

Loveable ogres return in sequel

By Monica Dix · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

I'll be the first to admit I am not one for sequels. So perhaps it was my low expectations for the film that led me to absolutely love "Shrek 2."

Animated Tom Hanks flick wrecks, burns

By Laurinda Lee · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Boys and girls, please welcome "The Polar Express," Hollywood's 21st century, $140 million dollar, computer generated picture book you can now read on the big screen.

Oscar-worthy film is a poignant portrait

By Tony Sams · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

It's been 25 years since IU was featured predominantly in a movie. That movie -- 1979's "Breaking Away" -- was a coming-of-age film set in Bloomington.

A 'Step' in the wrong direction

By Robert O'Connor · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Frank Oz first gained notoriety as a Muppeteer for famous felt legends like Fozzie Bear, Cookie Monster and even Yoda. But lately he has shifted his focus and become the director of some of the best ("Dirty Rotten Scoundrels") and worst ("Bowfinger") comedies of the past two decades.

Chucky's seed withers, dies

By Rhett Umphress · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

"Seed of Chucky" is the fifth film in the "Child's Play" series. The film takes a large step away from the four previous films in terms of style, however.

Why are you famous?

By Karen Green · Thursday, Nov. 18,2004 12 a.m.

Celebrities have always been at the top of the American social structure. Since the advent of the entertainment industry, people with the ability to entertain have been rewarded with fame and fortune.