Mystery thriller burns up
November 2, 2016
Despite a strong cast and experienced director, “Inferno” continues the downwards spiral in quality characteristic of recent films following a similar formula. Tom Hanks returns as Professor Robert Langdon in the film adapted from Dan Brown’s most recent novel. Like “The Da Vinci Code” and...
‘The Accountant’ doesn’t add up despite great cast
October 27, 2016
Perhaps an attempt to reimagine the story of the awkward genius in “Good Will Hunting,” “The Accountant” presents its own oddball math whiz, but falls soundly into the mediocre category. Ben Affleck takes on role similar to Matt Damon’s mathematically-gifted janitor in “Good Will Huntin...
Solange sets the table: take a seat
October 25, 2016
How often does a genuinely personal, political and narrative album come along? It takes a truly talented artist to compose a record that gives the listener a feeling of actual dialogue–a coherent communication of life, struggle and philosophy from musician to audience. That is what Solange Knowles...
West Coast rapper delivers at FallFest
October 18, 2016
This year’s FallFest delivered the hype and mayhem hip-hop-hungry students have been long waiting to receive from UVM Program Board. Vince Staples is an emerging rapper characterized by West Coast Crip roots and a cool attitude with a streak of unapologetic goofiness. Staples wrote on Twitter, “I ge...
Marvel’s new hero fights social issues
October 14, 2016
So you’ve finally moved off campus and you’re broke as hell. Why waste non-existent disposable income when you can stay in, just you and an obscene amount of television? My recommendation: binge-watching is free, so spend the night getting to know Netflix’s newest superhero and my new boyf...
‘Snowden’ fails to live up to the drama
October 13, 2016
Despite featuring some of the fresher names in the film world, “Snowden” is a tired rehashing of an old formula. The film was directed by Oliver Stone and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley. “Snowden” details the professional career of one of America’s most infamous whistleblowers, Edwar...
Film renews typical trope
September 28, 2016
Comedic, charming and heartfelt, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” tugs the heartstrings without bordering on sappiness. “Hunt for the Widerpeople” tells the story of a young foster child who, after spending his life living in cities, is sent to live on a farm in rural New Zealand. Despite...
Indie rock band perfects act
September 23, 2016
Only one band is able to rock their audience down to the ground only to throw them back up into the air through amazing sound and incredible theatrics. of Montreal, who is actually from Athens, Georgia, played at Higher Ground Sept. 13. The indie rock staple is known for thei...
Ecological art: a more creative call to action
September 22, 2016
In the age of climate change and conservationism, ecological art is on the rise. Local artists and environmentalists came together to create a collaborative ecological art exhibit in Billings Library Sept. 4. The event consi sted of exhibits including poetry, interactive media and a lecture from aut...
Wilco releases reflective new album
September 21, 2016
Dads and rock fans everywhere can rejoice. Wilco’s 10th studio album, “Schmilco,” was released Sept. 9. While the album name suggests the kind of dad humor the band is known for, “Schmilco” is much more acoustic in comparison to the band’s previous albums like the 2015 “Star Wars...
Familial drama drives family to modern realities
September 15, 2016
Everybody has felt fed up with society from time to time, and some may daydream about running away and starting a new life away from it all. “Captain Fantastic” is a story about raising a family in that environment after rejecting social norms and the perceived inadequacies of the modern world. Th...
Comedy and controversy mingle in ‘Sausage Party’
September 8, 2016
Childish humor, drugs and sex make “Sausage Party” a typical irreverent comedy. Seth Rogen’s depraved animation, “Sausage Party,” tells the story of anthropomorphic food in a grocery store. The groceries consider shoppers as gods who will take them to the “Great Beyond,” until they learn the...
