The Oscars show impresses
By Ian Rapoport Executive Arts Editor When I sat down to watch the 87th-annual Academy Awards, I was disgruntled and annoyed at the thought of sitting through three hours of weak jokes and self-flattering speeches. […]
Movies
“Mockingjay Part 1” astounds
Directed by Francis Lawrence, “Mockingjay Part 1” showcases all of the greatest aspects of the novel “Mockingjay,” by Suzanne Collins, with intense emotions, a dark atmosphere and a powerful protagonist. In addition, the movie improves upon the book by removing plot holes and increasing action. The actors also make the film become more of a reality through displaying genuine feelings and reactions to the gruesome events throughout the film.
[…]
“V/H/S Viral” fails to muster up any genuine scares
While it has the most exciting narrative in the series to date, the film “V/H/S Viral” fails to achieve the terrifying and visceral heights of the series’ first two installments. The storytellers attempt new styles with mixed results, unfortunately relying on shock tactics, sexual imagery and pointless brutality in place of actual scares. […]
Nichols’ “Mud” interestingly explores love through a teen’s point of view
By Shaylyn Austin News Editor Originally premiering at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, “Mud” has found its way to the American big screen. Writer and director Jeff Nichols convincingly captures the culture and lives of […]
“Scary Movie V” marks worst installment in already-unenjoyable franchise
By Tj Ford Contributing Writer Dimension Films’ latest release, “Scary Movie V,” fails to live up to the already-abysmal standards of spoof comedies like its similarly horrible predecssors in the “Scary Movie” franchise. The film […]
“Oblivion” limited by generic elements
By Ari Howorth Arts Editor It is hard for science fiction films to develop stories and twists that haven’t been overdone before. Joseph Kosinski’s “Oblivion” suffers from this problem. “Oblivion” is unique stylistically and is […]
“The Lords of Salem” uses unnecessary raunchiness, poor attempts at horror
By Ian Rapoport Staff Writer Horror movies usually contain disgusting, guesome material, but Rob Zombie takes this to a terrible extreme with a repulsive use of sex and gore in his newest release, “The Lords […]
Academy Award short films deserve recognition for filmaking talent
By Ari Howorth Arts Editor While almost all of the viewers watching the 85th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24 were hoping to see their favorite feature films of the year receive recognition, another lesser-known […]
“Gangster Squad” proves shallow, cliche
By Dylan Fair Executive Arts Editor Although Los Angeles gangster movies have been long exhausted in Hollywood, the thought of Sean Penn portraying the notorious gangster Mickey Cohen seemed like a match made in heaven. […]