Russell Crowe and Denzel don't live up to their past
November 9, 2007
Denzel Washington. Russell Crowe. Ridley Scott. These names are synonymous with box office hits, quality films, award nominations and wins. Unfortunately, in the highly anticipated new film “American Gangster,” this combination does not translate to expert and award-worthy filmmaking; instead it...
Una reintroduced themselves to a growing fan base a month and a half ago, releasing a new sound and new material at their show at Chain Reaction. The band’s upcoming album tells a mythic story set in medieval times about three main characters, Loyalty, Purity and Justice. Una is also playing at the...
Biola's singing troupes sing, fundraise at Saturday's concert
October 31, 2007
On October 27, Biola University chorale put on a marvelous show along with the choir of neighboring school, Fullerton College. In an effort to fundraise for an upcoming tour of Europe, gift packages were available for auction.
However, chorale also extended itself to charity by encouraging attendees...
Vampires have been a staple in filmmaking almost since its very inception. First appearing in 1913’s “The Vampire,” they gained notoriety with 1922’s German classic “Nosferatu” and Bela Lugosi’s memorable turn in 1931’s “Dracula.” Fast forward 70 plus years and they continue to be...
It is possible that Jimmy Eat World is not just one of the greatest bands of our generation, but also one of the greatest bands of all time. This might be a hefty statement to make, to be sure, but one which their strong discography wholeheartedly supports. Therefore many fans looked forward to their...
Nestled in the wilderness of central California lays a hauntingly beautiful, 90-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway known as Big Sur. Many have gone there to soak in some of the finest fare nature has to offer. Though it is known for its beauty and serenity, Big Sur is the place where the famous Beat...
"Daredevil." "Surviving Christmas." "Gigli." These are cinematic failures on a grand scale that share one much maligned actor in the lead roles: Ben Affleck. While he had many strong supporting roles at the outset of his career, his checkered history as a lead actor has overshadowed his achievements.
The...
Intense and solid acting, an engaging story on a grand scale, resounding music and beautiful cinematography are only a few words that describe director Shekhar Kapur’s film, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”
It boasts not only high-caliber performances by Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush, who reprise...
Ben Stiller, FarRelrelly bros. appear in uninspired comedy
October 13, 2007
The Farrelly brothers (“Dumb and Dumber”) and Ben Stiller (“Meet the Parents”) have been involved in some of the most beloved comedies of the past 15 years. Their first film together, 1998’s “There’s Something About Mary,” proved to be the pinnacle of their respective careers — at least...
Legal thriller features star performance by George Clooney
October 13, 2007
Lately superstar George Clooney has been conjuring up images from the age of Hollywood past. “Ocean’s Eleven” was an updated Brat Pack extravaganza, “Good Night, and Good Luck” a throwback to the fifties and “The Good German” an homage to noir. His newest film, “Michael Clayton,” is...
In the four years since their last release, Hail to the Thief, the last with label giant EMI, English rock band Radiohead has been composing a massive amount of new material. Live shows have been littered with fresh songs, many of which now comprise their seventh release In Rainbows.
The release of...
Voltaire's Enlightenment-era work punched holes in rose-colored glasses
October 11, 2007
In this world, misfortune strikes every day. Anyone who denies this has to look no further than events such as the Holocaust or the atrocities committed in Darfur. Is there room for optimism and hope in such a world?
During the Renaissance, many of the prominent philosophers and theologians had formulated...
