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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

Vampires in “30 Days of Night” unimpressive

October 29, 2007

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...

Jimmy Eat World’s newest is destined for greatness

October 29, 2007

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...

“Big Sur” offers an unsettling trip into the absurd

Book Review: Big Sur by Jack Kerouac
October 29, 2007

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...

Affleck overcomes B-movie past with “Gone Baby Gone”

(L-R) Morgan Freeman, Casey Affleck, and Michelle Monaghan are all part of the ensembel cast of the crime drama, "Gone Baby Gone," directed by Afleck's actor brother, Ben.
His directorial debut is mostly successful
October 28, 2007

"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...

“Elizabeth: the Golden Age” is sumptuous, well-casted

Cate Blanchett reprises her title role in the sequel to 1998's "Elizabeth."
October 26, 2007

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...

“Heartbreak Kid” lacks heart

Ben Stiller brings his usual likeable personality to new romantic comedy, "The Heartbreak Kid."
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...

“Michael Clayton” among most intelligent films of the year

George Clooney stars as a lawyer trying to find moral perspective amidst a chaotic and deceit-filled lawsuit in the newly released "Michael Clayton."
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...

Radiohead lets fans decide price for their newest album

Rock band Radiohead recoded their much-anticipated 7th album, "In Rainbows," released digitally Oct. 10. Fans will pay for the album however much they deem it worth.
Self-released record is "incredible"
October 13, 2007

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...

Candide: classic satire gives a dose of reality to optimism

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...

Creed offshoot Alter Bridge delivers powerful sophomore album

"Blackbird" shows post-Creed innovation
October 11, 2007

Over three years since the release of their first album, Alter Bridge has now released their sophomore effort. The band, which features three members from the defunct multi-platinum act Creed, continues to branch out from their former group’s shadow. Embracing a heavier style amid a maturing sound,...

After “Crash” success, Haggis stumbles on “In the Valley of Elah”

Thanks to writing, war tale just isn't that epic
October 8, 2007

At the 2006 Academy Awards “Crash” pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Oscar history, slipping past heavyweight “Brokeback Mountain” to seize Best Picture. Now nearly two years later, writer/director Paul Haggis returns with his directorial follow-up. Instead of tackling the ugly realities...

Anberlin, Underoath headline first-ever Cornerstone Festival

Anberlin was one of the featured bands at the recent Cornerstone Festival.
October 8, 2007

Cornerstone Festival started in Illinois in 1984 and has since become one of the largest and most acclaimed festivals in the country. In June thousands of fans flocked to the annual five-day event, which featured performances by bands such as Anberlin, Copeland, Flyleaf, Pillar, Skillet, Switchfoot and...