Peretti and Dekker’s “House” feels sinister, carries powerful message
To some, “House,” released Friday in select theaters, may appear as nothing more than the average mind-bending thriller full of eerie lighting and crazy camera angles. However, to the attentive eye, the movie’s unique plot reveals a subtle web of psychological and spiritual overtones, pointing to something higher than serial killers and special effects.
“Role Models” crude but funny
The brand of humor found in “Role Models” is the kind that combines cynicism with cheerfulness. Paul Rudd plays a character so sour that it’s almost a joy for him to get into verbal disputes. Consider the way he argues with a barista about the different coffee cup sizes, pointing out the stupidity in replacing “large” with “venti” because “venti” is Italian for “twenty.”
“The Best Yet”: Switchfoot greatest hits CD throws back to humble beginnings, celebrates new success
It’s been 11 years –12 if you count the Chin Up days – since the San Diego boys of Switchfoot first hit the scene. In that time, they’ve added two bandmates, Jerome Fontamillas and Drew Shirley, expanded their sound from indie rock to a more densely layered sonic palette and destroyed public pre-conceptions that Christians can’t write good, relevant music. With hit singles on mainstream and alternative radio, it’s easy to imagine that the band would have a “greatest hits” record to call their own.
Second to nun: Biola’s “Lilies” is a fun, polished spin on faith
On Thursday, Biola’s speech and drama team opened their production of “The Lilies of the Field.” Based on the 1962 novel by William E. Barrett, the story was converted to screenplay format for the 1963 movie of the same name, adapted for the stage in 1967.
“Anastasis”: Abstract art of resurrection hits gallery
The word “Anastasis” is connected to resurrection, and as a show title is quite descriptive of the work exhibited in the Biola art gallery. Jim Morphesis, a well-known painter from the L.A. area, is famous for his passionate and expressive portraits of the human figure and visceral paintings of meat.
“Changeling” has powerful story but strays too far from personal tale
Somewhere near the middle of the film “Changeling,” it looked as if Clint Eastwood was going to hit another one out of the park. After films such as “Letters from Iwo Jima,” “Million Dollar Baby” and “Mystic River,” Eastwood has established himself as a master filmmaker. He knows how to capture sheer emotional power with simplicity and brutality, simultaneously.
“Fears of the Dark” a scary choice for the season
It’s that time of the year again, and while gratuitous gore fests and campy teen flicks dominate the Halloween box office, a limited release animation offers a more raw and psychological presentation of horror.
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” caps off trilogy with enhanced dance numbers, less conflict
Oct. 24 was the most anticipated day for “HSM” and Zac Efron fans as “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” made a grand leap from Disney Channel TV movies to the big screen. But is “Senior Year” – the third installment of the “High School Musical” franchise – as thrilling and dazzling as fans expected?
Oliver Stone’s “W.” turns out suprisingly tame and fair
When it comes to politics, some may find it difficult to separate their opinions of a political leader’s platform with their opinions of the political leader as a person. Whether you agree or disagree with Bush’s views shouldn’t affect your undying Christ-like love for Bush as a man.
“Twilight” series not as cheesy as it may seem
There is a definite sense of camaraderie that the millions of fans of “Twilight” share. Over six million books have been sold, and if you have read Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight,” and find someone else who has read it, you understand what I’m saying. Now on the other hand, if you haven’t read “Twilight,” prepare yourself for the quick synopsis.
“Body of Lies” shows the struggle between duty and ethics
“I and the public know what all schoolchildren learn – those to whom evil is done do evil in return.” This excerpt from W.H. Auden’s poem, “September 1, 1939,” emerges as the opening image of the newly released action-suspense film, “Body of Lies.” Fittingly, the idea behind the proverb permeates the plot from the outset and exposes the motivations of every character involved.
Documentary portrays modern day slavery through music
When we think of slavery, we imagine a more barbaric time in the pages of history books. But most of us are also more or less familiar with human trafficking, which has been called modern day slavery. According to Call and Response, a new documentary by musician and first-time director Justin Dillon, there are actually more slaves now than any other time in history.
Oh ye trucks parked in the lot I cannot find one spot Do ye hear me scream? Do ye hear me sob? In this small parking...