“Madea goes to jail” mixes religious themes, secular situations

Tyler Perry is ambitious. Writing, directing and acting as three different characters in his newest film, one cannot help but admire his passion. His newest film, “Madea Goes to Jail,” based on his play by the same name, is undeniably passionate.

February 23, 2009

Tyler Perry is ambitious. Writing, directing and acting as three different characters in his newest film, one cannot help but admire his passion. His newest film, “Madea Goes to Jail,” based on his play by the same name, is undeniably passionate.

“Animal Collective” broadens capabilities in “Merriweather Post Pavilion”

Being surrounded by fan pressure in anticipation for a new release, and hearing pleas for an appearance in hometowns can usually lead a band into producing an album just to give fans what they want. But in Animal Collective’s case their 2009 release, “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” satisfied the eager cravings of their following while continuing to broaden their limitless capabilities.

February 19, 2009

Being surrounded by fan pressure in anticipation for a new release, and hearing pleas for an appearance in hometowns can usually lead a band into producing an album just to give fans what they want. But in Animal Collective’s case their 2009 release, “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” satisfied the eager cravings of their following while continuing to broaden their limitless capabilities.

Unimproved “Friday the 13th” echoes predictable scenes and sequences

Jason Voorhees is reborn. In this retread of the original story, a group of partygoers make camp not far from Camp Crystal Lake, where Voorhees resides. Before long, they are picked off by the hockey-mask being with gruesome efficiency. It seems to be the norm as people are said to have been disappearing in the area for quite some time.

February 16, 2009

Jason Voorhees is reborn. In this retread of the original story, a group of partygoers make camp not far from Camp Crystal Lake, where Voorhees resides. Before long, they are picked off by the hockey-mask being with gruesome efficiency. It seems to be the norm as people are said to have been disappearing in the area for quite some time.

“The International” fails to cater to action and political crowds

**Movie**: "The International" **Director**: Tom Tyker **Release Date**: Feb. 13 **Rating**: Three stars (out of five) “The International” is the latest film in a series of misguided attempts to cater to both the action crowd and the politically-minded crowd. From an economic standpoint, ...

February 16, 2009

**Movie**: "The International" **Director**: Tom Tyker **Release Date**: Feb. 13 **Rating**: Three stars (out of five) “The International” is the latest film in a series of misguided attempts to cater to both the action crowd and the politically-minded crowd. From an economic standpoint, ...

“Fanboys” unlikely to please viewers, “Star Wars” aficionados

There are times when you feel almost certain a film is going to be funny and entertaining, but it ends up being a mediocre experience, at best, that cost $10 or more. Such is the new buddy caper, “Fanboys.” “Fanboys” is about a group of four childhood/“Star Wars” obsessed friends, Eric (Sam Hunti ...

February 10, 2009

There are times when you feel almost certain a film is going to be funny and entertaining, but it ends up being a mediocre experience, at best, that cost $10 or more. Such is the new buddy caper, “Fanboys.” “Fanboys” is about a group of four childhood/“Star Wars” obsessed friends, Eric (Sam Hunti ...

“Shopaholic” provides amusement, frivolous fun

Your life won’t be changed as a result of this novel. But you will be uplifted, amused and refreshed. So take the time, allow yourself to relax and enjoy an afternoon with this particular charmer of a shopaholic.

February 9, 2009

Your life won’t be changed as a result of this novel. But you will be uplifted, amused and refreshed. So take the time, allow yourself to relax and enjoy an afternoon with this particular charmer of a shopaholic.

“Taken” features fast action, downplays powerful message

**Stars**: 2.5 out of 5 **Review**: "Taken" **Director**: Pierre Morel **Release Date**: Jan. 30, 2009 From the get-go, “Taken” sets itself up to be full of intense action with a breathtaking sequence where Kim (Maggie Grace) is abducted and stolen into Paris’ seedy underground. Brian (L ...

February 9, 2009

**Stars**: 2.5 out of 5 **Review**: "Taken" **Director**: Pierre Morel **Release Date**: Jan. 30, 2009 From the get-go, “Taken” sets itself up to be full of intense action with a breathtaking sequence where Kim (Maggie Grace) is abducted and stolen into Paris’ seedy underground. Brian (L ...

“New in Town” not so new after all

"New in Town" **Rating**: 2.5/5 **Cast**: Renee Zellweger, Harry Connick Jr. **Director**: Jonas Elmer **Genre**: Romantic comedy **Running time**: 96 min. **Rating**: PG **Release date**: Jan. 30 It is a trope older than “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Elizabethtown” – the hip and ...

February 3, 2009

"New in Town" **Rating**: 2.5/5 **Cast**: Renee Zellweger, Harry Connick Jr. **Director**: Jonas Elmer **Genre**: Romantic comedy **Running time**: 96 min. **Rating**: PG **Release date**: Jan. 30 It is a trope older than “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Elizabethtown” – the hip and ...

“The Uninvited” barely makes the mark

Everyone knows that Hollywood can't come up with original ideas anymore, and Charles and Thomas Guard's "The Uninvited" proves that film studios like to rehash old story lines and make them "unique."

February 1, 2009

Everyone knows that Hollywood can't come up with original ideas anymore, and Charles and Thomas Guard's "The Uninvited" proves that film studios like to rehash old story lines and make them "unique."

“Fiction Family”: Nickel Creek-Switchfoot collaboration results in eclectic tunes

Since Switchfoot and Nickel Creek have both been hard-working live acts over the past few years, neither Foreman nor Watkins had much time to spend recording together in the same room. Because of this, they ended up trading demos to each other via e-mail , piecing the songs together on the fly. What resulted is a surprisingly cohesive, eclectic set of tunes, unique from the sound of Switchfoot or Nickel Creek.

January 30, 2009

Since Switchfoot and Nickel Creek have both been hard-working live acts over the past few years, neither Foreman nor Watkins had much time to spend recording together in the same room. Because of this, they ended up trading demos to each other via e-mail , piecing the songs together on the fly. What resulted is a surprisingly cohesive, eclectic set of tunes, unique from the sound of Switchfoot or Nickel Creek.

Best picture nods in brief

"The Reader," "Milk," "Frost/Nixon," "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" are all in the running for the 2009 Oscar Award.

January 28, 2009

"The Reader," "Milk," "Frost/Nixon," "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" are all in the running for the 2009 Oscar Award.

Biola professor Barry Krammes showcases newest art project

Barry Krammes' theatre project titled "Morality" is the first art show of the semester featuring beautiful assemblage artwork. The work on display now features topics of morality, including calamities, earthly delights, longing, innocence, and insanity. All pieces are made from mixed media assemblage and have been in production since 2004. For a closer look at the opening reception of the show check out the gallery.

January 28, 2009

Barry Krammes' theatre project titled "Morality" is the first art show of the semester featuring beautiful assemblage artwork. The work on display now features topics of morality, including calamities, earthly delights, longing, innocence, and insanity. All pieces are made from mixed media assemblage and have been in production since 2004. For a closer look at the opening reception of the show check out the gallery.