Leisure

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

Leisure

Reel Talk: The director Hollywood deserves

In the case of Wes Anderson, perhaps we should alter the truism “It’s an honor just to be nominated,” to something like “It’s a relief to see him nominated.” After... Read more

By February 4, 2015

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CV: Murder by Death, Big Dark Love

Murder By Death is known for musical experiments, and their latest LP, Big Dark Love, is no exception. All in all, the band gives their seventh studio album a decent... Read more

By February 4, 2015

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CV: Bob Dylan, Shadows in the Night

There’s no doubt that Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan are two defining voices of the 20th century. Yet putting them together produces a rather peculiar animal. In his most recent... Read more

By February 4, 2015

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Oribe Ware shatters experimental expectations at Freer Gallery

Fully expecting a ceramic exhibition that showcased the traditional precision and symmetry of Japanese art—think delicate cherry blossoms on a silk screen—I could initially only find two words to justify... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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China Chilcano’s combinations prove all that glitters is (edible) gold

From its fascinating décor to its agglomeratic dishes, José Andres’ newest eatery, China Chilcano, manages to find near-perfect harmony in cultural synthesis. Chilcano combines traditional Peruvian cuisine with Chinese and... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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Black Sea drowns in own claustrophobia

Claustrophobia can be a little maddening. At least, that seems to be the overarching message of Black Sea, an anxiety-inducing, modern pirate romp featuring a Scottish-accented Jude Law on a... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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Cherry Tree Massacres

This Friday, Jan. 30, the Cherry Tree Massacre will bring together the voices of various Hoyas for the 42nd year. (romantichoneymoonisland.com) Presented by the Georgetown Chimes, Cherry Tree is known... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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Under the Covers: In the midst of harsh realities, hope springs eternal

In a slum surrounding Mumbai’s gleaming Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, hope springs eternal, at least when prices for a kilo of compressed plastic bags are high. Katherine Boo’s stunning nonfiction... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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Deadbeats: Yes, all women can Punk Rock

Prior to coming to college, almost all of the influences in my life were male. My sole sibling is male. My six closest first cousins are male. 12 of the... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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CV: Punch Brothers, The Phosphorescent Blues

The Punch Brothers are not known for conventionality. It’s not often that you find a bluegrass band boasting a frontman with a Macarthur “genius grant.” But this is the enigma... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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CV: Sleater-Kinney, No Cities to Love

Band reunions are often a bitter cash grab. As a die-hard Doolittle fan, it pains me to think of the Pixies’ whitebread post-2003 releases. The same goes for the latest... Read more

By January 29, 2015

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Touchstone Gallery makes waves with Watercolors exhibition

On the page of her personal website labeled “Artist’s Statement,” Patricia Williams cites a quote from French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir: “To my mind, a picture should be something pleasant,... Read more

By January 22, 2015

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OKI Bowl redefines ramen’s reputation

Fifty-cents-per-meal instant noodles have tarnished ramen’s good name. For too many Americans, ramen acts as the gastronomic equivalent of abject poverty; it is fuel of the guttersnipe, the last resort... Read more

By January 22, 2015

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Bad Boy El Greco finally finds vindication at National Gallery

When asked what he thought of Michelangelo, El Greco remarked indignantly and controversially, “He was a good man, but he did not know how to paint.” El Greco is the... Read more

By January 22, 2015

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Out of Control: Patience is a virtue—even in the digital world

I’ve never pre-ordered a game. I would like to say that is because I’m patient when it comes to snagging the newest releases, but it usually comes down to the... Read more

By January 22, 2015

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Reel Talk: Going for (Oscar) Gold

The Best Picture field for the Academy Awards boasts eight strong nominees without any true weak links. Oscar night promises intrigue and excitement with a true battle of titans, from... Read more

By January 22, 2015

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CV: Bulldog Alley Alley Cats, Blind Phyllis

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear “the 1920s?” Many think of the great excess of the prohibition era, of the parties, of the wealth, of basically... Read more

By January 22, 2015

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CV: Lupe Fiasco, Testuto & Youth

I’ll just come out and say it. I’m in love with this album. Lupe Fiasco’s Tetsuo & Youth has been a long time coming, and despite the controversies and delays—it... Read more

By January 22, 2015

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Why Interstellar  Should Have Been Nominated For Best Picture

For many Christopher Nolan fans (or, as they prefer, “Nolanites”), the man can do no wrong. After all, Nolan is an oddity in contemporary Hollywood; he eschews using any forms... Read more

By January 15, 2015

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Nomadic’s latest production Sick: the cure for our worst fears

What sort of fear is healthy in our world? How safe can we be without losing our minds? These are among the many questions director Gregory Hans Keiser (COL ‘16)... Read more

By January 15, 2015