Leisure

Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

Leisure

Watchmen: stunningly mediocre, graphically bold

I felt lost and confused while first reading the graphic novel Watchmen some three or four years ago. It was dark and gritty and proved difficult to grasp initially. I... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

Bros. R bring the bore

Deciphering a government’s motive for going to war can be a daunting task; understanding an individual’s desire to participate in a war as a soldier can be similarly challenging. The... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

The natives are “kicking butt”

“Comic Art Indigène,” a new exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian, eschews the artifacts and relics typically featured in studies of Native American history in favor of... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

Bohemian blues

For over a century, cafés have been the preferred gathering spot for influential writers, artists, and those who wanted to imbibe the creative atmosphere along with their cup of coffee.... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

Consumin’ culture

I did not drink on Saint Patrick’s Day. I do not intend to snub mid-week drinking—I’ve had better times over a few drinks on a Tuesday than I have on... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: DOOM

Mystery man Daniel Dumile (a.k.a. MF DOOM a.k.a. Viktor Vaughn a.k.a. Zevlove X a.k.a. King Geedorah) is finally back. “Can it be I stayed away too long?” he asks on... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: Dan Deacon

Say what you want about Dan Deacon, but he’s nothing if not sincere. He doesn’t wear his often ragtag, Technicolor clothes because they’re ironic; he just likes how they look.... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: Wavves

On his second studio album, San Diegan skater punk Nathan Williams creates a cacophony reminiscent of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s 1985 noise-pop classic Pyschocandy. Yet even the weirder moments... Read more

By March 19, 2009

Leisure

Bros. J bring the vomit

Tickets to The Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience: $15. A six-pack of Busch Light and a bottle of Jim Beam: $25. The vomit induced by mixing the two: priceless.... Read more

By March 5, 2009

Leisure

Presidential cuckoldry

Some films make an obvious attempt to fit a certain niche. For example, Dead Poets Society fits the coming-of-age, young intellectual mold. An American Affair, on the other hand, tries... Read more

By March 5, 2009

Leisure

Trippin’: Delawhere?

If watching your roommates pack snorkels and bikinis has left you wishing you’d booked something other than a last-ditch trip to New York on the Chinatown bus, take heart. You... Read more

By March 5, 2009

Leisure

Re-watchability

Over winter break, I was watching the second season of 30 Rock when my father came into the living room. He was flabbergasted that I was watching a show that... Read more

By March 5, 2009

Leisure

The rock vixen

According to conventional wisdom, every girl says she wants a sensitive, smart, funny, sexy guy to call her own, but deep down what every girl really wants is a string... Read more

By March 5, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: Cursive

Cursive have come a long way from the raw sound of its earlier years. After the disappointment of 2006’s Sleepy Hollow, though, they’ve found their way back on track with... Read more

By March 5, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: Handsome Furs

Handsome Furs, the Canadian indie-rock duo of Dan Boekner (Wolf Parade) and his wifey, Alexei Perry, has been nudging its way toward notoriety of late, though their fan base remains... Read more

By March 5, 2009

Leisure

Cherry Blossoms show life’s fleeting nature

Upon first reading the synopsis for Cherry Blossoms, I was less than enthused: “When Trudi learns that her husband Rudi is dangerously ill, she suggests visiting their children in Berlin... Read more

By February 26, 2009

Leisure

‘Witness’ to true student ability

For many, the words “student-written theater” may evoke thoughts of painful clichés rather than dramatic genius. This year’s Donn B. Murphy One Acts Festival features the winner of Mask &... Read more

By February 26, 2009

Leisure

Indie scene embraces Watson Twins’ Americana

The last time I saw the Watson Twins, they were playing on Letterman with former Rilo Kiley singer Jenny Lewis promoting their album, Rabbit Fur Coat. Identical twins Chandra and... Read more

By February 26, 2009

Leisure

Limited space, unlimited concepts

The exhibition “Space, Unlimited” explores various forms and representations of “space,” which unsurprisingly proves an incredibly broad subject to tackle. Environmental habitats, historical landscapes, and personal narratives are among the... Read more

By February 26, 2009

Leisure

Critical Voices: Neko Case

On the cover of her new album, Middle Cyclone, Neko Case  perches atop the hood of a ‘70s muscle car, wielding a giant sword. Needless to say, it is a... Read more

By February 26, 2009