Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

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

Leisure

Fun Home Remembers the Joy and Pain of Looking Back

I had my qualms about Fun Home. The national touring production of the five-time Tony winning musical was coming to D.C.’s National Theatre and my expectations were stratospheric despite my... Read more

By April 28, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: Rostam, May 2, 9:30 Club

D.C. native Rostam Batmanglij will be returning to his hometown on May 2 for a concert at the 9:30 Club. The former Vampire Weekend band member has been slowly releasing... Read more

By April 27, 2017

Leisure

Stranger in a Strange Land: Discover The Lost City of Z

The Lost City of Z understands one very important part of filmmaking: settings matter. Based on the David Grann novel of the same name, the film tells the story of... Read more

By April 27, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: The Maine, May 3, 9:30 Club

On May 3 the Arizona alt-rock outfit The Maine will take the stage at the 9:30 Club to promote Lovely Little Lonely, their sixth studio album. A holdover from the... Read more

By April 26, 2017

Leisure

Arena Stage’s A Raisin in the Sun Captivates All Around

There is a dangerous magic about theatre-in-the-round—and a heightened sense of communal experience. At Arena Stage’s 2017 production of Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun, the actors... Read more

By April 26, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: Jazz Cartier, April 29, U Street Music Hall

Jazz Cartier, Toronto’s latest rap export, has an upward trajectory as steep and sudden as any rap success story: after dropping his 2016 mixtape Hotel Paranoia, Cartier received nods from... Read more

By April 25, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: COIN, May 1, U Street Music Hall

Nashville-based indie rockers COIN are back with the April 21 release of their album How Will You Know If You Never Try. HWYKIYNT is the band’s sophomore album and features... Read more

By April 25, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.

DAMN., Kendrick Lamar’s latest project, continues his trend of creating exceptional, politically-charged rap that forges a distinct sound. While DAMN. is difficult to characterize stylistically, it is a clear departure... Read more

By April 24, 2017

Leisure

Concert Review: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Verizon Center, April 12

Performing in an arena and engaging a 20,000 person audience is no easy task, but at the Verizon Center on Wednesday, April 12, the Red Hot Chili Peppers made it... Read more

By April 21, 2017

Leisure

Graduation Cleverly Contemplates Mortality in Adversity

Graduation, a Romanian film directed, produced, and written by Cristian Mungiu, grapples with ethical dilemmas, heartbreaks, and the pitfalls of cyclical corruption. Set in a small city in Romania, Graduation... Read more

By April 19, 2017