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The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

“Wolverine”: Action-packed film does not disappoint X-Men fanatics

Take Hugh Jackman, slap on 200 pounds of muscle, foot-long muttonchops and razor-sharp, Adamantium claws and you have “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” The most recent in Marvel Comic’s X-Men film franchise opened Friday, kicking off a promising summer of blockbusters.
Matthew Okada, Writer May 5, 2009
Take Hugh Jackman, slap on 200 pounds of muscle, foot-long muttonchops and razor-sharp, Adamantium claws and you have “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” The most recent in Marvel Comic’s X-Men film franchise opened Friday, kicking off a promising summer of blockbusters.

Leak doesn’t keep fans away from ‘Wolverine’

Actor Hugh Jackman, left, holds a camera to photograph himself and fans after he arrives for a promotion of his new movie "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"on Cockatoo Island in Sydney, Australia  April 8. (AP Photo/Aman Sharma)
Audiences weren't deterred from watching "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" on the big screen despite a full-length version of the superhero prequel clawing its way online last month. The 20th Century Fox movie grabbed the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office with an estimated $87 million opening, toppling the first two "X-Men" films — but not the third, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Associated Press, Writer May 4, 2009
Audiences weren't deterred from watching "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" on the big screen despite a full-length version of the superhero prequel clawing its way online last month. The 20th Century Fox movie grabbed the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office with an estimated $87 million opening, toppling the first two "X-Men" films — but not the third, according to studio estimates Sunday.

“The Soloist”: Technical masterpiece, realistic portrayal of friendship

'The Soloist', directed by Joe Wright, is a story about a journalist who discovers a former classical music prodigy and endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back. Along the way a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives.
In life, tragedy can strike without warning. Steve Lopez, played by “Iron Man’s” Robert Downey Jr., knows this all too well.
May 1, 2009
In life, tragedy can strike without warning. Steve Lopez, played by “Iron Man’s” Robert Downey Jr., knows this all too well.

“Dragonball Evolution” loses originality presented in older series

'Dragonball Evolution', directed by James Wong, is a science fiction film about the the group of Namekian DragonBalls who have the power to summon a mighty dragon.
If the theory of evolution assumes that species evolve into higher forms of life over time, then “Dragonball Evolution” comes as a heresy to the Darwinian doctrine.
April 24, 2009
If the theory of evolution assumes that species evolve into higher forms of life over time, then “Dragonball Evolution” comes as a heresy to the Darwinian doctrine.

“Adventureland”: Film captures simple moments, portrays sincere characters

'Adventureland'  is a film about a recent college graduate whose worst job imaginable is about to inadvertently turn into the summer that changes everything.
In “Adventureland,” James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) longs to find and capture defining life moments as his journey toward adulthood is staved off because of finances and the inevitability of reality.
April 24, 2009
In “Adventureland,” James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) longs to find and capture defining life moments as his journey toward adulthood is staved off because of finances and the inevitability of reality.

“Living Thing”: Peter Bjorn and John feature catchy mix in new album

Peter Bjorn and John's newest album "Living Things" was released on March 31.
If you still find yourself whistling the tune from “Young Folks,” the indie anthem off Peter Bjorn and John’s 2006 release, “Writer’s Block,” do not fret. On March 31 their 2009 release, “Living Thing,” is sure to keep you side-steppin’ and boppin’.
April 1, 2009
If you still find yourself whistling the tune from “Young Folks,” the indie anthem off Peter Bjorn and John’s 2006 release, “Writer’s Block,” do not fret. On March 31 their 2009 release, “Living Thing,” is sure to keep you side-steppin’ and boppin’.

“12 Rounds” reduces potential horrific feature to brain-dead action film

'12 Rounds' directed by Renny Harlin about a New Orleans Police Detective Danny Fisher who is taunted with a series of near-impossible puzzles and tasks.
Just from the derivative trailer, “12 Rounds” sets itself up as a mediocre action film with terrible action and preposterous plotting starring wrestler John Cena. And you would be correct in that assumption except for one minuscule detail: “12 Rounds” is perfect escapism.
March 31, 2009
Just from the derivative trailer, “12 Rounds” sets itself up as a mediocre action film with terrible action and preposterous plotting starring wrestler John Cena. And you would be correct in that assumption except for one minuscule detail: “12 Rounds” is perfect escapism.

“The Haunting in Connecticut”: Predictable scares undermine existence of evil

'The Haunting in Connecticut' directed by Peter Cornwell is a horror film based off a true documented story.
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?
March 31, 2009
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

'I Love You Man', starring Paul Rud and Jason Segel is a comedy about a man in search of a Best-Man.
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.”
March 25, 2009
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

'Knowing', by Alex Proyas, is an action film that begins with the opening of a time capsule that has been dug and in it one paper reveals accurate and chilling secrets.
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.
March 23, 2009
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

'Race to Witch Mountain' is a childrens adventure film about two kids who possess supernatural powers, trying to escape pursuers with the help of a taxi driver.
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.
March 23, 2009
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

'Watchmen' is a action superhero film, directed by Zack Snyder, based on the 1986-1987 comic book limited series Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons,
Both the graphic novel and film adaptation of “Watchmen” ask difficult questions about human nature from the molecular to the cosmic view.
March 10, 2009
Both the graphic novel and film adaptation of “Watchmen” ask difficult questions about human nature from the molecular to the cosmic view.