THE ITHACAN

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.

Final video game defines ‘Halo’ series

By R. Bryant Francis, Contributing Writer • September 22, 2010

Thundering plasma bolts slam into the ground as you duck around for cover while frantically reloading. On the horizon, you see another drop ship inbound, ready to deposit another wave of Elites, Jackals and Grunts on your position. Your objective, like every other one before it, has been at best a stopgap against the oncoming…

Newbie surges onto Hollywood scene

By Alexandra Palombo, Senior Writer • September 22, 2010

It seems Hollywood has found another funny redheaded ingénue while Lindsay Lohan gets her life together. With the witty and entertaining “Easy A,” Emma Stone stakes her claim to ginger-haired supremacy and keeps the audience fully entertained from beginning to end.

Duo demands attention

By Evan Johnson, Staff Writer • September 15, 2010

Through brilliant songcraft and production, Atmosphere’s “To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy,” reflects their status as one of the more recognizable rap acts for today’s college audience.

Rock ‘n’ roll vets’ latest LP crashes on jumbled note

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • September 15, 2010

After a tumultuous period that saw the resignation of bassist Carlos Dengler, a canceled headline tour and a label switch, New York City’s Interpol looks to find some security on their latest self-titled release.

‘American’ movie flaunts Euro style

By Matthew R. Reis, Staff Writer • September 15, 2010

“The American” is a brilliantly dark and brooding film that breathes life into an otherwise forgetful slate of recent releases. Director Anton Corbijn helms the picture with his patient, methodical directing style, fusing plenty of burning passion with sparse action.

1930s premise echoes in modern day

By Aaron Edwards, News Editor • September 9, 2010

There are only a handful of plays that stay viable throughout generations. After a few decades, even the most venerable classics wear out their welcome or lack the timeliness that made them great in a bygone era. But Noel Coward’s 1930s romantic comedy “Private Lives,” which opened Saturday at the Kitchen Theatre, still packs a…

Wreckords’ catchy beats put groove in debut LP

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • September 9, 2010

Following the abrupt termination of the garage-rock band Louis XIV, guitarist Brian Karscig tried his hand at record production. Before long, Karscig felt the need to be back on the other side of the studio mic and The Nervous Wreckords were born. Last week, the band released their debut LP, “Valuminium,” which treats listeners to…

U.K. stars find lyrical niche

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • September 9, 2010

British shoegaze newcomers The Domino State have already exploded onto the U.K. music scene. The band recently unleashed their debut album, “Uneasy Lies the Crown,” and has made Britain its oyster with its we-shall-overcome mantras.

Overdone plotline creates boring film

By James Hasson, Staff Writer • September 9, 2010

In director John Luessenhop’s action movie “Takers,” a group of thieves risk their fortunes and lives to try for the fattest robbery of their careers. While the plot seems exciting, the movie falls like a dud as nothing more than a generic robber film. When Ghost (T.I.) is released from prison, he offers a group…

Film techniques save awful story

By Alix Belleville, Staff Writer • September 9, 2010

Authentic, creative and packed with cross-clenching tension, Daniel Stamm’s “The Last Exorcism” almost had it all, but instead suffers from a dreadful storyline. However, authentic performances, creepy settings and shaky camera angles keep Stamm’s film from completely drowning. Louis Sweetzer (Louis Herthum) believes his 16-year-old daughter Nell (Ashley Bell) is possessed by demons. Agnostic “Reverend”…

Indie flick’s superb tale chills and thrills

By Anne Gould Northgraves, Senior Writer • September 9, 2010

Viewers will be hard pressed to find a recent film as mesmerizing as “Winter’s Bone.” Just as plucky, practical protagonist Ree cannot help getting drawn into the sordid events surrounding her father’s disappearance, the viewer is inexplicably drawn into this heartrending and wholly realistic film.