Ty Burr not only is a great movie Reviewer but also knows pop-culture...

This weekend I went out to write a little at Brueggers Bagels in downtown Amherst only to be ambushed by little children running a muck in the bagel shop that poses as a coffee shop too. So i left, like any sensible human being would. I headed out to buy milk in downtown Amherst. Where can someone buy milk? CVS or Cousins and CVS just seems like a nice placer. While I was there i picked up my favorite little reading of the week: The Boston Sunday Globe.

I love the Globe on Sundays. I can read about people that spend hundreds of dollars searching for their lost pet (using a helicopter at times). And attempt to read one of Dan Shaugnessy's terrible sports articles. (If only Jackie McMullen would write everyday and give me my fill of sports and great writing.)

And then the Ideas section int he Globe always has one great column by someone who doesn't usually write a column but should have one. this week was Ty Burr, the Globe's movie critic who Critics should be judged by. But the column was not about movies at all. It was about his little teenage girls. So what you say? Well it was about the role up-and-coming actresses and starletss have on our society and how their are no good role models.

So what you say? Well he explains very simply how they are anti-role models and children are understanding that. So read it up. Soak it up. And relax.

Go see "Walking with Dinosaurs"

The show "Walking with Dinosaurs: The Live Experience," premièred tonight at the Mullins Center to a rather impressive crowd for a Thursday Night. I have Never seen anything this before. I encourage everyone who can afford the some what price tickets ($30-70) to attend at least one showing.

I went in excited and was utterly blown away. I like to think I am an intelligent, rational human being but in the presence of a life-size, fully animatronic, wireless T-Rex I will admit I became a 12-boy again. Regardless of your age or how much cooler you think you are then people who want to see this, take a couple hours out of your weekend and take this show in.

Remaining Show times:
Friday, March 28 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 29 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Ryan McAskill/Arts and Living Editor, Massachusetts Daily Collegian

The Downfall of the Thumb

His thumb used to decide the fate of movies, careers and decide for millions what they thought was a good or bad movie. But ask yourself how long has it been since you've heard a movie getting 'two thumbs up'?

In his old age, Roger Ebert's health is failing. He is seeing less movies, and I am really bummed out. Upon visiting his website, you can see that recently Ebert has only reviewed one new movie, and has not passed his judgement on any of the current Hollywood productions in theaters.

Not only that, but Ebert has had the recent tendency to only review foreign films that a) no one would see. or review films that he knows will be good (i.e. he picked up around oscar time)

The end result is that now people have to decide whether or not they liked the movie for themselve, or worse use a democratic forum such as rottentomatoes.com. Oh how I long for the days of the monarchy of this man's thumb, may they reign again.

rogerebert.suntimes.com/

UPDATE: 4/3/08

Roger Ebert to resume writing movie reviews, maybe he got our post?

http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=307711&GT1=7701

By: Peter Rizzo

Collegian Staff

Lesser of Two Evils

In the spirit of Panic at the Disco's new release, Pretty. Odd. a few days ago I had the misfortune of stumbling upon the argument thats as old as emo itself, Panic at the Disco (sans the !) or Fall Out Boy. Now I know how popular it is to bash both these bands, but lets face it unless you've completely lived under a rock you've downloaded "I Write Sins not Tradgedies" or "Sugar We're Going Down" maybe even before the overhype.

I happen to fully believe that Panic is the better band, not only live but they seem to have an ounce of creative talent that FOB clearly lack. Say what you want about their music, it may be bad but at least its more original than FOB's third generation alternative/ teen angst dreck

But you may be saying, isnt Pete Wentz sleeping with Ashley Simpson? And to that I say yes, and good for him they can write bad songs together...preferrably about each other.

In short Panic is younger, far less annoying and dare I say slightly likable and even better they are about 19 years old, giving them time to grow and mature as a band. Detractors check out that "That Green Gentleman" off the new album, a Beatles rip, but an admirable one none the less. So for all you Gen Y MTV kids, I say hey, I can't really fault you for this because at the end of teh day, our generation listened to Limp Bizkit.

Panic is better case and point

their live cover of Radiohead's 'Karma Police'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXhtX_xjRBc

Fall Out Boy Live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH-0DffxW7U

By: Peter Rizzo Collegian Staff
discuss...

Chicago 10

I went to Amherst Cinema today at 2:30 in hopes of seeing a peaceful, empty theater and see "Chicago 10" well I was greeted with a not so peaceful environment. It was the baby-friendly showing and I was scared to enter for fear of whining and crying children. Well there was only one child and she only cried a few times. The movie was an experience though.

If the protesters of UMass think they are rebels or creating a raucous, they aren't. The people who ended up rioting after a peaceful protest in Chicago in 1968 at the Democratic National Convention really left their mark. They were provoked by police and attacked, all 15,000 or so. The movie was about the 8 figure heads who were arraigned on charges of Conspiracy and their two lawyers. The unfair try is all re-created by CGI technology and is very lame, bu the rest of the movie is really good. Documentaries have come a long way...

The full review written on deadline tonight in 15 minutes will be in tomorrow's paper because The Arts Department Writers were slacking on their stories.

Other news: Shayna and I plan on staring up a podcast. If people have any movies they want us to discuss and get pretty emotional about post them on here...If you have some topics that would be fun too! Hate our reviews, well then we can discuss them with more passion on the podcast and you can hear us get emotional.

If you have read the Collegian then you know something about...

the stars of "Stop-Loss," and maybe a little about the writer/director Kimberly Peirce.
But the Boston Globe's Wesley Morris conducted a great interview with her recently that was featured in the Sunday Globe. It is a must read to what surely looks like an intriguing movie with some serious punch in this lull of serious and seriously good movies. Comedies are good when they aren't all that is out. If the corporations only gave a damn about the moviegoers we'd have a good mix of serious Oscar contenders and good comedies all year round not just one or the other in a season that coincides with the feel of the people.

so check out Morris's Interview...here!

Enchanted

I just rented "Enchanted" with my girlfriend because Wesley Morris and Ty Burr of the Boston Globe rave about Amy Adams performance. Well let's just say it was well worth the free redbox rental.

Adams is very enchanting (oh yes I did it) as the princess from a magical world banished by her prince charming s step-mother to New York City. The movie moves through each and every Disney princess movie creations from times past ("Snow White" "Cinderella" "Little Mermaid" and others) to make fun of all the movies and their cliches. It ends up working int he end even though it is very predictable.

If you have to spend time with younger siblings, cousins, nephews, sons and daughters, friends, it is the perfect film. Amy Adams is great in every aspect and is a ball to watch. She has the vibe, look, voice, and innocence to make her the perfect real-life princess.

"Enchanted" is a real treat for any Disney lover and anyone trying to live in the glory days of Disney.

I also plan on watching "The Lion King" soon because when that came out it was the best thing to me since sliced bread as a tot. Just remembering when the animation and drawings for Disney movies were all hand done and not with computers make me feel like the children of today are missing something. The hard work that went into those movies was something special. They came out every few years and were always a crowd favorite because of their rarity. Now we have animated films coming out all the time. These kids don't know what a treat the one Disney movie every few years was and the excitement that filled children's hearts was either.

A. O. Scott Speaks about Michael Haneke's Films

With the English version of Michael Haneke's "Funny Games" coming out last weekend I looked around for some interesting stuff on the an who loves to punish those who go and see his movies. A funny concept but one that works and one that makes you self-conscious when you leave the theater.

A.O. Scott is one of the best movie reviewers in the country and is the top-dawg over at The New York Times. He knows his movies but isn't always as enjoyable to read as the Collegian's own Shanya Murphy or the Boston Globe's Wesley Morris but he knows more about movies than just about anyone.

So here is an audio slide-show Mr. Scott did for The New York Times web page.

Amherst Cinema is Bringing Shorts to the Valley

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORT FILMS ANIMATION
at Amherst Cinema
Friday 3/14 through Thursday 3/20 4:15, 9:00
Not rated.Total running time 137 minutes

AT NIGHT
Three young women share their problems while spending the holidays in
a hospital cancer ward.Denmark, Oscar Nominees: Christian E.
Christiansen & Louise Vesth. Drama, 40 minutes, Danish w/ English
subtitles.

IL SUPPLENTE (THE SUBSTITUTE)
The arrival of an unusual newcomer galvanizes the students in a high
school classroom. Italy, Oscar Nominee: Andrea Jublin. Comedy, 17
minutes, Italian w/ English subtitles

LE MOZART DES PICKPOCKETS (THE MOZART OF PICKPOCKETS)
Winner of Academy Award!
A pair of unlucky thieves find their fortunes have changed when they
take in a deaf homeless boy. France, Oscar Nominee: Philippe
Pollet-Villard. Comedy, 31 minutes, French w/ English subtitles

TANGHI ARGENTINI
A man who must learn to dance the tango in two weeks asks an office
colleague for help. Belgium, Oscar Nominees: Guido Thys and Anja
Daelemans. Comedy, 13 minutes, French w/ English subtitles

THE TONTO WOMAN
A cattle rustler meets a woman who is living in isolation after being
held prisoner for eleven years by the Mojave Indians. United Kingdom,
Oscar Nominees: Daniel Barber and Matthew Brown. Drama, 36 minutes,
English

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORT FILMS
Friday 3/14 through Thursday 3/20 2:15, 7:00
Not rated. Total running time 90 minutes

I MET THE WALRUS
In 1969, fourteen-year-old Jerry Levitan snuck into John Lennon's
hotel room with his tape recorder and persuaded him to do an
interview. Canada, Oscar Nominee: Josh Raskin. 5 minutes, English, 2D
Animation, Documentary

MADAME TUTLI-PUTLI
A timid woman boards a mysterious night train and has a series of
frightening experiences. Canada, Oscar Nominees: Chris Lavis and
Maciek Szczerbowski. 17 minutes, Silent, Claymation/CGI, Drama

MEME LES PIGEONS VONT AU PARADIS (EVEN PIGEONS GO TO HEAVEN)
A priest tries to sell an old man a machine that he promises will
transport him to heaven. France, Oscar Nominees: Samuel Tourneux and
Simon Vanesse. 9 minutes, French w/ English subtitles, CGI

MY LOVE (MOYA LYUBOV)
In nineteenth-century Russia, a teenage boy in search of love is
drawn to two very different women. Russia, Oscar Nominee: Alexander
Petrov. 27 minutes, Russian with English subtitles, Drama

PETER & THE WOLF
Winner of Academy Award!
A young boy and his animal friends face a hungry wolf in Prokofiev's
classic musical piece. United Kingdom & Poland, Oscar Nominees: Suzie
Templeton and Hugh Welchman. 27 minutes, Silent, Drama



"I Met the Walrus" sounds pretty awesome. A night of short movies sounds even better. I am excited to see these next week sometime and will write a review.

The Source

The Source
3.14-3.22

Friday March 14

EVENT


Smith College’s “Second Friday Gallery Talk” continues with a presentation by Edward Check, who worked on the art design of TV’s “Sex in the City.” This free event takes place at 6 p.m. at the Smith College Museum of Art.

Monday March 17

DISCUSSION


The Odyssey Bookshop’s “Open Fiction Book Club” will discuss “Martyr’s Crossing” by Amy Wilentz, a book about a Palestinian and an Israeli in the midst of the conflict. The discussion takes place at 7 p.m. at the bookshop located at 9 College Street in South Hadley. The event is free and open to the public.

Hailing from Galway, Ireland, The Saw Doctors performs at the Calvin Theater. The band is known for their energetic performance style. The show is set to start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.50.



Thursday March 20

TALK

David Maine will be talking on his book “Monster 1959,” which tells the tale of actions by the United States during the 1950s. This free event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Odyssey Book Shop, located at 9 College Street in South Hadley.

Friday March 21

CONCERT

Drive-By Truckers, a rock band from Athens, Georgia, play at Pearl Street Ballroom. They will be supported by The Whigs. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door.

Saturday March 22

CONCERT

Female singer-songwriter A Fine Frenzy, who is best known for melodic and mellow hits like “Almost Lover,” is playing at the Iron Horse with Chris Stills and Ferras. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.




Complied by Allie Roth; Collegian Staff

David Hernandez voted off American Idol

David Hernandez was the first to leave the top 12 after receiving the fewest number of tallies tonight in a contest that racked up 29 million votes.

He was joined in the bottom three by Kristy Lee Cook and Syesha Mercado.

Jim Carrey joined the audience tonight dressed as an elephant to promote his new movie, "Horton Hears a Who."

Look forward to another week out of the John Lennon and Paul McCartney songbook -- next Tuesday will continue the tribute because of the popularity of this week's theme choice.

American Idol top 12 perform in two-hour show

American Idol kicked off the countdown of the top 12 contestants tonight with a two-hour show on its flashy new set.

Syesha Mercado started off the John Lennon and Paul McCartney-themed night with “Gotta Get You Into My Life.” She wasn’t great vocally, but she at least looked confident and really shone on the new stage. Chikezie followed with a funky twist on “She’s a Woman,” and it really brought him into his own for the first time in the competition. His energy was contagious, and the judges couldn’t stop layering on the praises.

Carly Smithson and David Cook were back-to-back highlights with “Come Together” and “Eleanor Rigby,” respectively. Brooke White gave a heartfelt rendition of “Let it Be,” which left her in tears at the end.

David Hernandez gave an over-the-top performance of “I Saw Her Standing There.” It was nothing if not energetic, but the judges thought it was too much – Simon actually used the words “corny, verging on desperate.”

Kristy Lee Cook put a country spin on “Eight Days a Week,” which was an interesting idea, but it was all a bit rushed and forced. The judges weren’t feeling it, either: Simon told her it was a “brave but foolish” move and told her she sounded like Dolly Parton on helium.

David Archuleta, a clear standout through most of the season, stumbled a bit from a long streak of professional performances after admitting how flustered and nervous he felt. He even forgot the words a few times and had a hard time keeping his focus after the slip-ups. Randy and Paula allowed him a bit of leeway, but Simon didn’t cut him any slack and told him that it was his worst performance so far.

Predictions: David H. hasn’t showed enough of his personality to stick around – it makes him seem shallow, which doesn’t bode well in a tight competition like this. Amanda has also overstayed her welcome. It’s great when their voices and attitudes aren’t all sticky-sweet pop because it makes them stand out, but Amanda sounds the same every single week, so we don’t get to see her range, and she probably won’t be able to keep racking up the votes. She might last another week over Kristy Lee Cook, who made a gutsy move that could alienate a lot of viewers.

WELCOME!

Welcome to the Arts & Living blog. This is the blog for the Arts & Living section for the Massachusetts Daily Collegian at the University of Massachusetts.

The Arts & Living section is in the process of compiling "The Minute," a magazine similar to the Sports section's "The Score," and past Arts and Living special issues such as "The Bar Guide," and "The Dining Out Guide." The magazine will be released in early April. Make sure to pick up a copy (or two!)

Also, if you are interested in writing for Arts and Living, please stop by the newsroom in the basement of the Campus Center Sunday-Thursday after 5 p.m. or, e-mail us at Arts@DailyCollegian.com! Newcomers are always welcome.

Skye McIntyre and Michelle Abbasciano contributed to this blog.