“The Haunting in Connecticut”: Predictable scares undermine existence of evil
The opening shot reveals that “The Haunting in Connecticut” is “based on a true story.” Whether it’s based on a true story or not, consider the possible reasons the filmmakers would consider it necessary to reveal this bit of information. Most movies that are “based on true stories” tend to be motivational or historical, and sometimes both. This movie has neither intention. By basing a horror film on true events, it should, in theory, be scarier than a ridiculous fiction. Why watch a fictional evil event when you can watch a real evil event that actually happened in Connecticut?
“I Love You, Man” successfully portrays lighthearted bro-mance
Tolkien deeply celebrated friendship when he had Samwise journey with the ringbearer all the way to Mount Doom. Even though “I Love You, Man” is a lightweight comedy, it seeks to celebrate that same type of hobbit friendship. It is a film that honors those friends who would jam with you to Rush's "Tom Sawyer," or would remember to be extra careful with your “Lost” season two DVDs, or who would even back you up in a fight against Lou Ferrigno if you unwisely chose to pick a fight with the star of “The Incredible Hulk.”
“Knowing” lacks consistent tone, discussion of deep ideas
If the earth would end today, would you really want to know? That is one of the central questions to “Knowing,” a sci-fi potboiler of disaster films, religious symbolism and fatherhood.
“Race to Witch Mountain”: Second re-make provides lighthearted alternative for younger audiences
Attention spans are much shorter than they were in 1975. At least, this is what film studios have in mind when remaking classic sci-fi movies. Disney is certainly no exception with their remake of “Escape to Witch Mountain” – the second remake, actually. The title change to “Race to Witch Mountain” pretty much says it all.
“Watchmen”: Superheroes story includes heavy philosophical issues
Both the graphic novel and film adaptation of “Watchmen” ask difficult questions about human nature from the molecular to the cosmic view.
“Jesus People”: Satire, clever comedy results in wide appeal
“Jesus People,” which will be submitted to major festivals, was screened after Kuney’s performance. The mockumentary begins with Pastor Jerry Frank (Joel McCrary) being diagnosed with something ominous. But instead of breaking the news to his loved ones, Pastor Jerry would rather worry over the spiritual health of his son (Chris Fennessy) – hoping a homegrown Christian dance/pop group will save Eli’s eternal soul from secular music.
“Wrecking Ball”: Up-and-coming Southern band produces unique sound
In a musical generation swamped with cookie-cutter rap and rock songs, one band not only offers an atypical personality, but a whole new style of music.
Q&A with singer-songwriter Molly Jenson (Video)
Molly Jenson is a singer-songwriter from San Diego who currently bases her operations in Orange County. Her new record, “Maybe Tomorrow,” dropped in stores March 3. The Chimes was able to sit down with her a week before the album released to talk about her music.
“Two Lovers” portrays sincere characters, applicable situations
For bearing the unfortunately sappy name “Two Lovers,” the film is surprisingly earnest and artfully endearing.
“Echelon Conspiracy”: predictable sequences from repeated themes of paranoia, disdain for government
Paranoia and a disdain for big government are the driving themes of “Echelon Conspiracy,” but from the opening scene, there’s a sinking feeling that this has all been done before.
“Jonas Brothers” movie satisfies tween fans, but few others
The “Jonas Brothers: 3-D Concert Experience” will please the girls within a certain age demographic just fine, for the movie is intended for them. For anyone else to see it and expect some highly cerebral experience is simply pure folly.
February Eddy includes two Biola bands
The first Eddy of the semester featured musicians Set to Sea, Leda and The Swans, and Jordan Avila. Take a look at the gallery for a closer look at the performances.
The heart of poet Dana Gioia’s work is being able to capture the beauty of God’s creation: “What beauty does is beauty draws us to the...