The Ithacan

Accuracy • Independence • Integrity

In the enchanting Sage Chapel at Cornell University, a packed house silences its cellphones, ready to experience the captivating combination of the Cloud Chamber Orchestra and the silent film, “Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life.” The event, sponsored by the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival and Cornell Cinema, was mesmerizing as viewers traveled through musical and visual worlds.

Cake’s sixth studio release, “Showroom of Compassion,” is surprisingly safe for what fans expect of this innovative band.

Director Charles Ferguson makes the financial crisis of 2008 intellectual, understandable, humorous and entertaining in his documentary “Inside Job,” narrated by Matt Damon.