“Duck Soup” for the soul
During the depression era, while the world struggled to deal with poverty and war was inevitable, many could still afford to go to the cinema to lift their spirits with a few laughs. The Marx Brothers were among the finest humorists of their day, their supercharged blend of slapstick and satire causing people to roll […]
“Hannah” is high-quality entertainment
Finally, after a bit of a wait, we get to see an action film with a strong female lead who is not dressed up in a small piece of latex or as some sort of femme fatale. Nor does she have the personality of a tough and seasoned prostitute totally lacking in refinement and book […]
Reviewing animated shorts of the Ashland Independent Film Festival
It has been a week full of film watching for Ashland as the Tenth Annual Ashland Film Festival kicked off this last Thursday. There have been many great pictures to be seen, yet so little time – and for us students, so little money. That is why opting to see a selection of shorts is […]
“Barney’s Version” is good acting, quality writing and laughter rolled into one
Life has been a little rough for most of us lately, what with finals week right around the corner. After a long day of slaving over the computer and text books, it is important to seek a little rest and relaxation. Sometimes (especially on a snowy day) we just need to […]
“Unknown” just another average rollercoaster ride
Watching “Unknown†is a little like riding the rollercoaster at the county fair. There are a few chills, thrills and unexpected bumps along the way, but afterward, when you step from the platform, you can’t help but feel a little let down, wishing there had been something more. Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) […]
Movie Review: “The King’s Speech”
What do you do if you are the king of nearly one-quarter of the world’s population and, finding your empire poised on the brink of one of the most pivotal episodes of the twenteieth century, you can barely make your way through a single sentence? The importance of voice is revealed in “The […]
Coen Brothers create a new classic
The Coen Brothers have once again succeeded in mesmerizing us with another beautifully told story. It seems that every time we go to the theater to see a Coen Brothers film, we are partaking in an important part of cinematic history. “True Grit†is another film for the books. Mattie Ross, […]
What to rent: “Delicatessen”
Some movies always seem fresh. Although it was released nearly twenty years ago in 1991, “Delicatessen,†from the French directing team of Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Juenet (“City of Lost Children,†“Amélieâ€), still feels as exciting and innovative as it did the day it premiered. Equal measures David Lynch and the Coen brothers, this dark […]
What to rent: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) is a very old man living in a horse-drawn caravan with his daughter Valentina (Lily Cole), his assistant Percy (Verne Troyer), and Anton (Andrew Garfield), an additional member of his troupe of mummers. The four travel the streets of London performing short plays in order to eke out a meager living. […]
“Lovely, Still” offers a genuine surprise
Many students at Southern Oregon University are quite young; some are a little older, and few are much older. Youth is often characterized by feelings of immortality and freedom, as well as a certain naÑ—vety. Although we know we will all grow old and die, we rarely put much thought into becoming senior citizens or […]