THE ITHACAN

Diary-style approach focuses theme

By Matthew R. Reis, Staff Writer • October 27, 2010

While “The Social Network” won wide acclaim for its dramatized story of how Facebook was invented, the gripping documentary “Catfish” shows the ups and downs of being logged in — and tuned out. It delivers an important message to a society that relies heavily on online interaction.

‘Retired’ stars blow up action

By Alexandra Palombo, Senior Writer • October 20, 2010

Throughout the ’80s cop movie “Lethal Weapon,” Sgt. Roger Murtaugh keeps saying he’s getting too old for the action of a policeman’s life. But with their guns blazing and their age-defying stunts, the characters in “Red” seem to disagree.

Quirky characters create ‘funny story’

By Anne Gould Northgraves, Senior Writer • October 20, 2010

The mental patients at the center of “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” are treated with surprising humor and sanity in both the mundane routine of everyday life and the fantasy sequences of its protagonist. The result is a film that charms, in spite of inconsistent pacing, because of its relatable characters grounded in realistic…

‘Jackass’ returns with funny antics

By James Hasson, Staff Writer • October 20, 2010

America’s guilty pleasure has returned to the big screen in “Jackass 3-D.”

Setting and effects light ‘Wall Street’

By James Hasson, Staff Writer • October 6, 2010

In Oliver Stone’s sequel to the 1987 hit “Wall Street,” he captures the massive scope of the cut-throat stock market. Grand visuals and a character-energized story of revenge and redemption blend to create “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.”

Director’s tribute captures drama

By Matt Rosen, Staff Writer • October 6, 2010

“Let Me In,” a remake of the phenomenal 2008 Swedish film “Let The Right One In,” explores the painful adolescent feelings of growing up through the wonderful performances of its two leads.

Writer Aaron Sorkin reveals Zuckerberg’s ‘Network’

By Anne Gould Northgraves, Senior Writer • October 6, 2010

“The Social Network” explores the personal drama behind the creation of Facebook. What could have been a tedious story of corporate jargon is instead a superbly crafted drama that mirrors the site itself by detailing multiple characters’ perceptions of others and the events that surround them. It is all a matter of perception, and no…

Suspenseful script gives film its terror

By James Hasson, Staff Writer • September 29, 2010

They say the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. That’s not the case in John Erick Dowdle’s new movie, the story of which was created by M. Night Shymalan. Though the story may be feebly told, “Devil” sows fear into an audience with its proficient execution of many…

Affleck delivers strong direction

By Matthew R. Reis, Staff Writer • September 29, 2010

While heist movies such as “Ocean’s Eleven” feature unrealistic story lines and over-the-top acting, Ben Affleck’s “The Town” is all business. Themes of loss, disappointment and dissatisfaction are combined with solid performances to create a stunning, emotionally charged film.

Bizarre antics lead film into disarray

By Elisha Male, Staff Writer • September 29, 2010

Two years ago, actor Joaquin Phoenix stumbled onstage sporting an overgrown beard, unkempt hair and dark sunglasses for an interview with David Letterman. Fans speculated about this odd behavior as he shifted nervously in his seat and mumbled that he was going to give up acting. Little did they know his interview was one of…

Intricate setting saves bland plot

By Clara Goldman, Contributing Writer • September 22, 2010

Director Ruba Nadda backed away from the Hollywood norm of France or Italy and instead chose Egypt’s capital, Cairo, as a breathtaking setting for the love affair in “Cairo Time.” The light manner of the film starts to tense with anticipation as a romance builds, and the audience is left waiting to see where it…

Film’s 3-D effects lack originality

By Alix Belleville, Staff Writer • September 22, 2010

Blending an enormous ax-wielding monster with elaborate action sequences and an army of flesh-hungry zombies was not enough to push Paul W.S. Anderson’s newest installment in the “Resident Evil” series past mediocre. The weak storyline and lack of originality cause the film to fall short of a truly excellent action zombie film.