December Movie Picks

Rocky Gets Messy with Audiences

By: Rio O’Keefe

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has extended from the once a month viewing to every weekend thing, at the New Times Theater building on ASU’s cam­pus. As of November 27 the di­rector stated Rocky will continue and include new features as a twist. Tickets are $10 dollars for adults and $5 dollars for anyone under the age of eighteen. Their motto: “Come as you are”.

The show starts off as a free dance off in the center of the stage and is then taken over by the “Virgin Ceremony”. The Virgin Ceremony is when first-time viewers come up in front of everyone to pledge allegiance to the Transylvania lifestyle and to their new leaders.

After the pledge, audience members/participants take part in a costume contest. The win­ners receive prizes for production tickets, movies and free music downloads.

The top five male and female winners still standing on stage play a game called “Who’s your daddy”. This game is only for those who are eighteen and older (for the game’s contents).

With the movie playing be­hind the background on the screen, actors play along and use the auditorium as their play­ground. The “Poo Poo bag” sold for participation contains toasted bread, playing cards, raw hot dogs, newspaper and a water gun.

Throughout the play, when told to do so, the audience uses the items to interact with the play. During the rainy and wet scenes, participants squirt their water guns forward. When it comes to the booing, participants throw hotdogs at other people. By the end of the show, there is an inten­tional audience-created mess.

Tickets can be purchased on­line or at the ticket booth outside of the stadium at 730 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 or at the web­site www.azrocky.com.

Seats go quickly for the 160 seat auditorium. Shows start at noon and the last viewing of the night finishes off at 2 a.m.

Deathly Hallows Not a Disappointment

by: Alexa Lopez

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 opened on Friday, November 19 and made $125 million in America and $330.1 million worldwide. The previous six Harry Potter movies have grossed $5,419,425,820.

At movie theaters worldwide, dedicated fans stayed up and went to the midnight premiere dressed as their favorite characters.

Starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), the magical trio returns for the seventh install­ment of the series based on the popular books by J.K. Rowling.

The movie starts where The Half-Blood Prince left off. There is havoc in the Ministry of Magic and at Hogwarts since the return of the antagonist Voldemort and the death of headmaster Dumbledore. Harry, Ron and Hermoine must find and destroy seven horcruxes (magical objects used to attain immortality) in order to defeat Voldemort. This dangerous mis­sion causes several unexpected deaths throughout the movie as friends and families lose their lives to protect Harry and stand against Voldemort. Nowhere is safe and nobody can be trusted.

They manage to destroy one of the horcruxes, and a couple char­acters die. The movie ends in a cliffhanger with Voldemort break­ing into Dumbledore's tomb and stealing the Elder Wand, one of the deathly hallows. The deathly hallows are three items (the resur­rection stone, elder wand and the invisibility cloak) that are part of an old legend.

The setting is darker than the previous Harry Potter movies, geared more towards adults and teenagers rather than children. Action, adventure, comedy, ro­mance and thrill are all contained within this movie. The Deathly Hallows is easier to understand by seeing the previous six mov­ies or reading the books as it is a culmination of everything that has happened the past six years of Harry’s life.

This movie deserves 5 out of 5 stars. The Deathly Hallows is easily one of the best movies of the year. The final movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is expected to be released on July 15, 2011.

What's Your Sign?

Aries

3/21 – 4/19

Your friends are all behind you now, and your energy will get them going in the most fun and entertaining direction possible.

Taurus

4/20 – 5/20

You’ll have a big choice to make at some point today. The best thing you can do is be compas­sionate.

Gemini

5/21 – 6/21

You have a lot on your mind right now, you might want to take the day off from the social buzz, and take some time for you.

Cancer

6/22 – 7/22

Someone amazing has knocked the breath right out of you. It might take time so keep your feelings to yourself and play it cool.

Leo

7/23 – 8/22

You’ll need to watch what your people are do­ing and adapt pretty quickly if you want to get down with the good times.

Virgo

8/23 – 9/22

Don’t fuss over all the contracts, and super­ficial entanglements; they’ll work themselves out. Instead, focus on your relationship.

Libra

9/23 – 10/22

You are all set for a big expansion to your mindset, you’ll be deliriously happy with the outcome, so be patient.

Scorpio

10/23 – 11/2

Look for subtle clues today. Follow your hunch­es, which are nudging you toward sweet pos­sibilities. Something great is in the works!

Sagittarius

11/22 – 12/21

Good times are coming all through the day, and you’re feeling great about who you are and who you’re with.

Capricorn

12/22 – 1/19

You’ve been through a lot recently, so when something threatens your achievements just relax. Ask your sweetie for a hand.

Aquarius

1/20 – 2/18

Some mutable energy is in the air, and it demands that you start the day in a grounded place. It’s too easy to get carried away today.

Pisces

2/19 – 3/20

Inspiration is all through you now; this big idea is the one you need to move ahead with. Just make sure you think things through before.

November Movie Picks

Scarier the Second Time Around

by: Jessica Wood

Paranormal Activity 2 was released nationally on Friday, October 22. Paranormal Activity 2 is rat­ed R for some language and brief violent material.

Katie Featherston returns in the sequel directed by Kip Williams and written by Christopher Landon and Tom Pabst. Paranormal Activity 2 picked up where its original left off and brought in a total of $41.5 million, taking the top spot for the weekend and setting a new record for a horror opening.

The terror continues as a young couple copes with a potentially evil spirit in their suburban home.

E! Online reporter Peter Paras said, “The last act ends up delivering, with terrifying moments that raise the bar for modern horror.”

Many critics gave Paranormal Activity 2 the same excellent praise as the original.

USA Today reporter Claudia Puig said, “It has more innocent victims and more scares than its predecessor.”

Following the original, the budget for Paranormal Activity 2 was rock-bottom low at $3 million but still attracting a big audience in spite of the R rating.

Paranormal Activity 2 is one of the best modern-day horror movies. There could have been more dia­logue. With all of the events going on throughout the plot, more dialogue would have been necessary to give it a more real effect.

However, I would recommend Paranormal Activity 2 to anyone who likes haunted or sci­ence fiction movies because it finished very well. Paranormal Activity 2 deserves four out of five stars; it definitely makes audiences jump and cringe, but more dialogue could have made it scarier.

Modern Day Musical: Glee

                                                                                     by: Michael Renteria

Glee has returned to Fox on Tuesday nights for its second season. “Glee is everything I wish high school actually was. It’s glamorous and every­one dresses well,” said senior Emilee Learsch.

Glee is a musical comedy that has quickly be­come a pop-culture phenomenon. Starting off their sophomore season, the show has already outdone it­self by implementing songs from Britney Spears.

This season, they are paying tribute to some of music’s greatest. On Tuesday, October 26 Glee cov­ered songs from the legendary movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Last season Glee shocked everybody. This show dealt and still deals with very heavy issues such as teenage pregnancy and overcoming homophobia in schools and in the household. It’s breaking big boundaries for primetime TV.

At this year’s Golden Globes, “Glee” was nomi­nated nineteen times, and won a Golden Globe for “Best Television Series (“Comedy or Musical”). The show also won a Screen Actors Guild Award in the category of “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble on a Comedy Series”. Winning all these awards in the first year since the show has premiered is a great achievement.

Every Tuesday, loyal “Gleek” viewers look for­ward to seeing a new episode of Glee. There is not one episode to dislike; they cover current and older songs and add their own special twist to them every week. They must be doing something right, seeing as they’ve already had two number one albums from the music off the show.

Glee definitely gets a solid five out of five stars; every episode is fantastic. Tune in every Tuesday; it could become a new obsession.

What's Your Sign?

Aries

3/21 – 4/19

You’re like a sympathetic superhero: Between your kindness, your compassion and your unfailing intuition, you always seem to know how to make people feel better. And your skills are needed today.

Taurus

4/20 – 5/20

If there’s a problem that just won’t go away, you may want to suggest taking it up with an outsider. A good friend of both of you might be able to hear both sides impartially.

Gemini 5/21 – 6/21Though things may have been rough lately (in a small way), you’re both of one mind today, and that should go a long way toward making things easier. You should still wait before having any big discussions, though.

Cancer

6/22 – 7/22

The two of you may be making a purchase together, or just thinking about a night out on the town. Think before you leap: Make sure you can really afford it. If so, then go for it with wild abandon!

Leo

7/23 – 8/22

You’re feeling fantastic, and your sweetheart will almost certainly find you more alluring than ever. It’s a great time to reach out and try new things together, even if you decide to stay in.

Virgo

8/23 – 9/22

Your flexibility -- or lack of it -- will make the difference between peace and friction today. Try to make sure Sweetie understands your position and vice versa. Things will ease up quickly!

Libra

9/23 – 10/22

You’re weirdly shy right now, if you can believe it. But don’t worry -- it’s only temporary. You just need some quiet time alone with your thoughts to rest and recuperate. Think of it as retiring to your dressing room.

Scorpio

10/23 – 11/21

You’re feeling more stressed than you would like, and might want to ask your sweetie for a little extra support -- or at least a reality check. It could be that you’re imagining most of it!Sagittarius 11/22 – 12/21Good times are coming all through the day, and you’re feeling great about who you are and who you’re with. See if you can get a smile out of your partner -- it will take less convincing than you think.

Capricorn

12/22 – 1/19

You’ve been through a lot recently, so when something threatens to topple your tower of achievements, your instinct is to shift into overdrive. Don’t! This is only a test. Relax and ask your sweetie for a hand.

Aquarius

1/20 – 2/18

Some mutable energy is in the air, and it demands that you start the day in a grounded place. It’s too easy to get all carried away today,

Pisces

2/19 – 3/20

Inspiration seems to strike you quite a bit, but right now you know this big idea is the one you need to move ahead with. Just make sure you think things through and make plans before acting. You can’t afford to take the wrong step.

Easy A Scores Big

by: Rio O'Keefe

The title says it all: Easy A def­initely deserves an “A” for being amazingly funny. Easy A opened in theaters on Friday, September 17 directed by Will Gluck. The movie felt like a mix of 16 Candles, The Breakfast Club and The Scarlet Letter.

In the movie, Olivia Prendergast (Emma Stone) tells her best friend Rhiannon (Alyson Michalka) a little lie that gets cov­ered by another lie and then an­other, eventually being drowned in a sea of lies that heads to a life of chaos. When her little lie about losing her “V-Card” to a college freshman gets overheard by a “Jesus Freak” named Marianne (Amanda Bynes), news spreads fast around school.

This opens up new meaning to the phrase Kiss-N-Tell. Text mes­sages, Facebook status updates and twitter posts make it around to even Olivia’s teacher Mr. Griffith (Thomas Haden Church). He is married to school counselor Mrs. Griffith (Lisa Kudrow) who is having an affair with super se­nior student of four years Micah (Cam Gigandet).

When Olivia tries to tell the truth to help people in need, they take advantage of her by paying her in gift cards to Lobster Shack, Home Depot, Bath and Body cou­pons and much more just to tell others they hooked up with her.

When telling the truth doesn’t work out, Olivia makes the best of it by wearing lingerie with a letter “A”, symbolizing the infa­mous scarlet letter. She contin­ues to have people judge her the wrong way.

When she gets enough of hurt­ing herself, she makes a webcam video for the school to see the truth. This breaks up a marriage, gains her friendship back with Rhiannon, and even helps her find true love to a guy who knew the truth along.

This movie deserves four out of five stars. It makes a common story, that a lot of girls in high school share, think about what mistakes they made and whether or not they were worth it in the end. Ultimately the movie cau­tions all viewers: be careful what you say because high school is like a game of telephone; the sto­ry keeps changing and eventually some people get hurt.

October Movie Picks

Bring Me the Horizon Review

By: Alexis Oakman

The new Bring Me the Horizon cd, There is a Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen it, will be released this month on Tuesday, October 5. This is an album like none other, with songs entirely instrumental, songs incorporating violin, and most of all songs with meanings behind the screaming lyrics.

BMTH is known for their vulgar use of language and songs about death, revenge, love, lust and other factors. However, on their new album songs ex­press feelings not yet heard before, such as in songs like “Chelsea Smile.” Their album shows courage, strength and the power and will to overcome the me­dia and personal struggles to find themselves.

The band members of Bring Me the Horizon, a British metal core band from Yorkshire, locked themselves away in the small countryside of Scotland for most of the writing of this album. This gave them the chance to keep away from the media and publicity and finally dive further into their own minds to put true meaning and personal hardships behind their lyrics. This solitude helped to create a bond between musician and lyrics that is rare in the music industry today.

The actual reasons behind the lyrics for some of their headliner songs off of the album are ques­tioned. Fans wonder whether the lyrics pertain to the lead singer, Oliver Sykes, whose battle with cancer is still unknown.

It is seen through songs like “It Never Ends,” “Don’t Go,” and “Crucify Me” that the main pur­pose for reaching out to their audience is to tell them that, no matter what happens, it is possible to over­come the trials of life.

Whether it is the succubus boy or girl that lures someone’s heart away only to give it back in pieces or the totalitarian parents or corruptive authority fig­ures that people are always trying to rebel against, it is possible to get through every circumstance.

Fall Frenzy Rocks the Stage

by: Jessica Wood

The second annual Arizona Fall Frenzy took place on September 17, 18 and 19 at Tempe Beach Park. This show proved to be the best show of the year.

The festival featured some of the most popular bands of today’s music along with some classic popular bands. Besides the talented musical acts, the festival had several food vendors, beverages, spon­sor booths, arts, crafts and more.

Fans gather to the second annual Fall Frenzy
September 17-19 to hear many musical acts

The ticket prices for the festival ranged from $55-60, which was well worth it. On Friday the music schedule started at four in the afternoon with the Doors opening up the schedule. Then Sevendust came on, followed by The Cult, then Shinedown and the night ended with the Stone Temple Pilots.

On Saturday the show was even better with a nine-band lineup. Opening the day was the Doors, Local, AM Taxi, The Dirtyheads, Blue October, Devo, Primus, Sublime and ending the night with Weezer.

The last day of the festival was a nine-band lineup, starting with the Doors, New Medicine, Hail the Villain, Airbourne, Hell Yeah, Halestorm, Stone Sour, Avenged Sevenfold and ending with Disturbed.

This festival proved to be bigger and better than last year’s festival and was entertaining for all music listeners. The coordinators of Fall Frenzy made it a tradition that every year Fall Frenzy will be bigger and better.

I would give this concert a five out of five stars. This concert was the best concert I have ever been to. Not only were there many great bands, the atmo­sphere of the festival was fun from the beginning and finished off with two of my favorite bands: Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed. I would recommend for any rock music listeners to definitely buy tickets for next year. It was one of the best rock shows of all time.

What's Your Sign?

Aries

3/21 – 4/19

You are in a good place socially, and just about everyone wants to get your input. If you head out this evening, there’s a decent chance you’ll meet up with someone who really connects with you.

Taurus

4/20 – 5/20

It’s time to turn your own head around on the latest big issue. Try to focus on what’s important so you can deal with the situation as it starts to get weirder. You’re smart enough for it.

Gemini 5/21 – 6/21Suddenly you’re not so sure any more, but that’s a good thing. You love the questioning more than the certainty, and if it makes things a little fuzzier, that just gives you room to move.

Cancer

6/22 – 7/22

All sorts of new possibilities are coming your way, especially in the realm of the heart. Get out in the world and take a chance! You never know until you try, and even simply trying can be really fun.

Leo

7/23 – 8/22

You’re so sweet! Your amazing heat has a quietness to it for now, which makes you warm and extremely approachable. Better still, you can read others with ease, maybe even before they know what’s going on themselves.

Virgo

8/23 – 9/22

You are happier then ever with your relationship with your partner. You can’t help but not smile when you are with them and give a positive energy to others.

Libra

9/23 – 10/22

You need to keep pushing all day long and into the night, even if you want to give it up and go home. Your persistence will make the difference between what could have been and the next big thing.

Scorpio

10/23 – 11/21

You can easily intuit what people are thinking today -- which should really come in handy when it comes to your love life. Read their body language and stay open to what’s left unsaid. Sagittarius 11/22 – 12/21You are being more romantic then ever. Show that special someone you truly care by doing something spontaneous, that comes from the heart.

Capricorn

12/22 – 1/19

It’s time for some serious cleansing of mind and spirit. Dust off your expectations and ideas that are just sitting around -- then throw out those that limit you. Get your ambitions all shiny!

Aquarius

1/20 – 2/18

Try not to worry too much about your partner -- they’re going to be fine. You’ve got responsibilities that need resolution, so get busy and make things right for everyone.

Pisces

2/19 – 3/20

You’re even sassier than usual, but any arguments you get involved in will fizzle out when everyone realizes they’re just not that serious. Have a good time and make some new connections.

Vampires Suck...Literally

by: Jessica Wood
The much anticipated Vampires Suck movie, directed by Jason Friedberg, opened August 18. Vampires Suck is a comedic spoof on the Twilight saga, rated PG-13 for crude sexual content and comic violence.
Becca (Jenn Proske) is a normal teen girl who is torn between two boys, Edward Sullen (Matt Lanter) and Jacob White (Chris Riggi.) Before she makes her decision, Becca must get around her overprotective father and deal with teen drama with as prom quickly approaches.
San Francisco Chronicle Peter Harlaub said, “The fact that Vampires Suck is a step above god-awful is something of a miracle.”
Vampires Suck was a flop from many critics’ opinions. “Non-Twilight fans would be better off surfing YouTube,” said Boston Globe critic Natalie Southwick.
Many users on Yahoo found Vampires Suck a waste of money as well as unentertaining. Yahoo user Nunya Bizniz said, “Don’t waste your money on this movie. All of the good parts are in the trailers and spoilers you see on YouTube and the movies’s website.”
Vampires Suck was definitely a waste of money. My friends and I were among many viewers who were excited to see a movie that made fun of Twilight, and it definitely was not worth the ticket. The movie started off somewhat mediocre then went to horrible.
My advice is don’t waste the eight bucks; wait for it to come out on DVD. I would give this movie a one out of five stars. This movie left me very disappointed.

What's Your Sign?

Aries
3/21 – 4/19
You have so many creative impulses, you’re not sure where to begin. Arrange them in order of fun and then get busy making the world a more beautiful place for people like you to live in.
Taurus
4/20 – 5/20
Your peers might seem to be a little obsessed with the way things used to be, but you, for one, recognize that change is unavoidable, even positive. Later in the day, you will make a remarkable connection with someone unexpected.
Gemini
5/21 – 6/21
You’re too busy to have time for boredom. Your friends might complain that there’s nothing to do, but that’s only because they’re not hooked in like you are. Drag them along if you have to.
Cancer
6/22 – 7/22
Even It’s time to trim the fat from your art, from your relationships and from your life in general. Whatever you don’t need hanging around needs to go as soon as you can show it the door.
Leo
7/23 – 8/22
Both sides of your personality are out on display right now, and one person in particular likes them both equally (even if you don’t). You won’t have to worry about confusing anybody.
Virgo
8/23 – 9/22
Today is the day to express your feelings for that special someone. You have been patient now is the time to reach the rewards you have been waiting for.
Libra
9/23 – 10/22
You know how to get a group inspired and motivated, whether it’s for something serious or something silly. Use that creativity and commanding charm to organize something big, bold and fun.
Scorpio
10/23 – 11/21
If you’re trying to exert your powerful will on some new romantic situation, try to let loose and open up. Your expectations could be confounded or they could be exceeded, but they’re never quite exactly met.
Sagittarius
11/22 – 12/21
You are in a great mood. Everything is going your way. You are finally ready to be in a committed relationship and your ready to open up to that special person.
Capricorn
12/22 – 1/19
You can’t take the strain of dealing with idiots right now, so you should either hole up or just hang with the people you know won’t drive you insane. You can have a great time mocking the normal folks.
Aquarius
1/20 – 2/18
If you have been meaning to spill your guts but haven’t worked up the nerve, now is the time to let it all out. Your words will be dead-on and get the best possible reception, so open up.
Pisces
2/19 – 3/20
You have some definite opinions about the people you live with. If you experience unsavory emotions, try to find common ground. If you can’t achieve some sort of balance, you may want to consider ending a persistently toxic relationship.