Leisure

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

Leisure

Moana, an Exciting Change in the Disney Formula

Three years after the cultural phenomenon that was Frozen, Disney’s newest “princess” movie isn’t about a princess at all. It’s about a chief, perhaps the first female in her village... Read more

By November 8, 2016

Leisure

Doctor Strange Has Dimensionality

The trope of the arrogant, assholish genius is one familiar to both Benedict Cumberbatch and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Both actor and movie empire have thrived because of the archetype,... Read more

By November 7, 2016

Leisure

Hacksaw Ridge Looks for God in Hell

Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson, tells the story of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Private Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield). Doss, a conscientious objector to violence, heroically saves the lives... Read more

By November 7, 2016

Leisure

Critical Voices: Meek Mill, Dreamchasers 4

It has been over a year since rapper Meek Mill released a full-length studio album, but the Philadelphia-based rapper has certainly remained a relevant name in the hip-hop world.  Since... Read more

By November 7, 2016

Leisure

James Vincent McMorrow: 9:30 Club, Wednesday 11/9

James Vincent McMorrow is an Irish singer-songwriter known for his soulful indie-acoustic sound and delicate vocals. He has released three albums to date, each one building on the previous to... Read more

By November 4, 2016

Leisure

Grouplove: Echostage, Wednesday 11/9

Grouplove’s upbeat music is the ideal representation of the band’s perpetual, industrious energy. Since the group’s formation in 2009, Grouplove has released three complete albums and numerous EPs, and their... Read more

By November 2, 2016

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Critical Voices: Tove Lo, Lady Wood

Since the release of her last album Queen of the Clouds, Tove Lo has been working on the creation of a darker pop album that is accompanied by a short-film... Read more

By November 1, 2016

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Critical Voices: Lady Gaga, Joanne

After years of red carpet commotion and outrageous performances in which concerts were elevated to  spectacles, the public has grown to expect nothing but the abnormal from Lady Gaga. Naturally... Read more

By October 31, 2016

Leisure

A Buffalo and Bubbles: Relient K and Switchfoot at The Fillmore, 10/26

Before moving further down the east coast in their Looking for America tour,Christian rock bands Relient K and Switchfoot made their last Maryland stop at The Fillmore on Oct. 26... Read more

By October 30, 2016

Leisure

The Plight of An American Daughter

An American Daughter, produced by the Black Theater Ensemble and the Mask and Bauble Dramatic Society, is a play without a Hollywood ending. In fact, it’s a play that leaves... Read more

By October 29, 2016

Leisure

Beautiful Reminders of a Grim Future: Mist of the Earth Intersects Art and Science

Through skillful integration of art and science, Brazilian artist Denise Milan’s latest exhibition, Mist of the Earth, expertly depicts the importance of nature to humanity. This stunning exhibition, housed in... Read more

By October 28, 2016

Leisure

Crash and Burn: Inferno Fails to Ignite

It is never a good sign when the part of the film I’m most interested in is the score. Yet midway through Inferno, I stopped and thought to myself, “Is... Read more

By October 28, 2016

Leisure

Concert Preview: Foals, 11/3 Echostage

British indie/alt rock band Foals  has an impressive resume. Having released four studio album and over 18 singles, the group doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Popular for their songs... Read more

By October 28, 2016

Leisure

Fugue Explores Memory, Identity, and the Secrets We Keep

Nomadic Theatre’s first production of the season, Fugue, handles intense themes and an ambitious script with tact and skill. Identity, sexuality, guilt, grief, and the complexity of the human existence are unpacked... Read more

By October 28, 2016

Leisure

Ornate Beauty at the Freer and Sackler Galleries

“If all the trees on earth were pens, and all the seas, with seven more seas beside them [were ink], still the words of God would not be exhausted.” (31:27)... Read more

By October 26, 2016

Leisure

Concert Preview: GWAR Oct. 30, 9:30 Club

American hardcore thrash/ heavy metal band GWAR is not easy to miss. Donning grotesque costumes and screeching vocals, the band is known for an unforgettable, albeit disturbing stage presence. Following... Read more

By October 25, 2016

Leisure

Subtle Perplexity: Pespective at the Touchstone Gallery

On October 7th, 2016, David Alfuth premiered his latest exhibit, Perspective, available at the Touchstone Gallery through the month of October. It features a combination of framed, three-dimensional, architecture-inspired works... Read more

By October 24, 2016

Leisure

It’s Accounting, What Could Be Boring About That?

The Accountant is the latest offering from director Gavin O’Connor (Warrior, Miracle). The crime drama offers very little in the way of crime and even less in the way of... Read more

By October 20, 2016

Leisure

An Afternoon at Grace Street Market

Tucked away off Wisconsin Avenue, and sharing a street with Dog Tag Bakery and Chaia, Grace Street Market brings some much-needed “hipster” flair to Georgetown’s food scene. At just over... Read more

By October 17, 2016

Leisure

Bill Burr on His New Show, Starting in Standup, and Accessible Comedy

Bill Burr has had an extensive, successful career as a standup comedian. The now 48-year-old  Boston native has worked the standup circuit in addition to having several televised comedy specials.... Read more

By October 15, 2016