Leisure

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

Leisure

Rage and Empathy in I, Daniel Blake

Daniel Blake (Dave Johns), the titular character of Ken Loach’s new film on working class Britons, is the salt of the earth. A 59-year old widower, Dan lives in a... Read more

By June 20, 2017

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Concert Preview: Luke Bryan, June 25, Merriweather Post Pavilion

Luke Bryan is uniting fans to celebrate “the prayer that a country boy prays” on his fifth headline tour, the Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour. He kicked the... Read more

By June 20, 2017

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Better Off Dead: Don’t Bother Exhuming The Mummy

Casting Tom Cruise in what is supposed to be a cinematic universe starter may not be the best idea. At this point in his career, almost anything Cruise stars in... Read more

By June 17, 2017

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Band Aid Hilariously Portraits a Discombobulated Marriage

For women and film, oh what a month has it been. Sofia Coppola became the second woman in Cannes history to win for best director thanks to her artful reinterpretation... Read more

By June 15, 2017

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The Beguiled Exploits the Intersection of Gender and Desire

A braided girl (Oona Laurence) hunts for mushrooms in the dark soil, humming a war song as canons smoke in the distance. Taken separately, the shots of her quiet footsteps... Read more

By June 9, 2017

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Concert Preview: Paul Simon, June 9, Merriweather Post Pavilion

One of the most prolific artists of the past half-century, Paul Simon still shines as bright as he did in his 20s. Though he is now 75, he performs with... Read more

By June 7, 2017

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Concert Preview: Jack Johnson, June 11, Merriweather Post Pavilion

As part of his North America Summer Tour, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson will be performing at Merriweather Post Pavilion on June 11. The summer tour will be Johnson’s first full-length tour since... Read more

By June 7, 2017

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Wonder Woman: A Jewel in DC Comics’ Crown

Wonder Woman, the origin story of the iconic superwoman, is DC’s long-awaited comeback after their disastrous 2016 films. Batman vs. Superman was so brooding and uninspiring that it averaged a... Read more

By June 7, 2017

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Chris Gethard on Listening, Being Vulnerable, and Doing a Bad Trump Impression

On his website, comedian Chris Gethard proclaims he is, among other things, “a guy you’ve seen on television and in movies from time to time but can’t quite place!” That... Read more

By June 7, 2017

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales: Time to Abandon Ship?

In the fifth installment of one of the highest-grossing film series in history, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales “rights the ship” after the widely criticized fourth... Read more

By June 5, 2017

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Maudie Praises Love Amidst Differences

Maudie begins with a close up between a painting and an artist. A small woman paints flowers and smiles in delight at her talent as a title card introduces her... Read more

By June 2, 2017

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Concert Preview: The Chainsmokers, May 26, Merriweather Post Pavilion

The American DJ/producer duo The Chainsmokers will perform at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Friday, May 26 to promote their debut album Memories…Do Not Open. The Chainsmokers are known for their... Read more

By May 23, 2017

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Paris Can Wait Marries Insight And Indulgence

Paris Can Wait begins with a jazzy number. Anne (Diane Lane) leans reflectively against her hotel balcony while staring out at the sparkling French coast. She muses at her croissant... Read more

By May 23, 2017

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Alien: Covenant: A Welcome Comeback of the Xenomorph

In the age of prequels and sequels, it is hard to find quality films that can be part of a whole while also working well as standalone products. Alien: Covenant,... Read more

By May 18, 2017

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Concert Preview: Bon Iver, May 24, Merriweather Post Pavilion

American indie-folk band Bon Iver released their third full-length album, 22, A Million, in Oct. 2016, following a five year break from the release of their 2011 self-titled record. Bon... Read more

By May 17, 2017

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King Arthur Decrees a Manic, Hugely Enjoyable Experience

A 100-foot tall elephant sweeps its tusk across the ground, destroying the unfortunate souls in its way. It crashes through a bridge, allowing the soldiers on its back to disembark... Read more

By May 15, 2017

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Beyond Shimmering Skies

To enjoy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, one must love three things: superhero action films, Chris Pratt with imposing, curled sideburns, and a certain tiny, adorable baby tree. The... Read more

By May 12, 2017

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Concert Preview: Ryan Adams, May 12, Merriweather Post Pavilion

Alternative-rock and country solo artist Ryan Adams will perform at Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 12 to promote his new album, Prisoner. Adams is known for his large repertoire of... Read more

By May 7, 2017

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Norman Redefines Stereotypes, Asks Audiences to Look Deeper

Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) is a curious, awkward, and struggling New York fixer, someone who incessantly hatches illicit deals and schemes. The entire world of Norman: The Moderate Rise and... Read more

By April 28, 2017

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Short But Sweet: Art of Legacy Pop-Up Gallery

The old movie theater on Wisconsin and O street sits right in the middle of Georgetown, its recognizable neon sign lighting up the sidewalk below. The space, opened in 1913 as... Read more

By April 28, 2017