by Cory Woodroof | Sep 13, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
REDBOX REPORT (September 13th-19th) As September gives us new weather and an onslaught of sinus infections (seriously…is everyone sick?), here are a few recommendations to consider before you make your trip to the Redbox. THOR (PG-13, 114 minutes-featuring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, and Anthony Hopkins) *BLU-RAY OPTION (If you own a Blu-Ray player/PS3, I’d totally suggest going for the extra fifty cents on this title.) If you are one of the few people who have not yet paid a visit to Asgard, then I’d suggest you go ahead and do so. Thor was one of the summer’s best blockbusters, mixing in a smart script, some great acting, a few moments of humor, and some great action sequences. Hemsworth owned the role of Thor, and Hiddleston made for a wonderful Loki. If you have any desire to be ready for when The Avengers make their mark next summer, then I’d wholeheartedly recommend Thor. It’s a fun ride, and for a dollar, it’s worth every penny. SOURCE CODE (PG-13, 93 minutes-featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Wright) *BLU-RAY OPTION RECOMMENDED This film has been out for a while now, but if you haven’t yet picked it up, it’s a must. The film could almost be considered a distant cousin of Inception. I won’t spoil anything here, but if you enjoyed Inception (which is nearly everyone who saw it), then you would enjoy Source Code-hands down. The cast is great, the plot is quite ingenious, and the runtime is nothing too overbearing. This is a neat science-fiction film that went under many people’s radars during its initial...
by Cory Woodroof | Sep 9, 2011 | News Slider
WARNING If you choose to see Contagion this weekend, you might consider bringing a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer. You can thank me later. Contagion joins the league of “possible disaster scenario” films. In a very straightforward manner, the film examines what would happen if a new strain of virus was to hit the human race. The story follows a few key individuals and their experiences through the state of disaster that the virus causes. Remember the Swine Flu scare of 2009? The situation created in Contagion takes that indecency and makes it look like a schoolyard scuffle. Director Steven Soderbergh has crafted a smart, engaging, and at times, all-too-chilling look at a world in hysteria. Plot-wise, we are given a multi-storyline layout. Matt Damon plays a grief-stricken father who, alongside his daughter, must endure the hardships of the disease when his wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) and stepson succumb to the disease (a few of the first to do so). The film also follows Laurence Fishburne as a CDC official who works alongside Kate Winslet’s doctor character to stop the spread of the disease state- side. Marion Cotillard (Mal from Inception) plays a foreign doctor who has her own storyline I won’t spoil here. Jude Law also has a large role as a conspiracy-theorist/blogger who gains a large following once the disease breaks out. Another storyline follows a team of researchers who search for the cure. The cast in this film features many A-list talents, but don’t be fooled. This is not a film that showcases its stars frequently. Soderbergh wisely lets the narrative use the characters as it...
by Cory Woodroof | Sep 9, 2011 | News Slider
The Tennessee State Fair has become a long-standing tradition. Held at the Tennessee State Fair Grounds, the fair holds the traditional array of carnival rides, fair food, livestock showings and competitions, live music and even motorsports events, such as the famed Demolition Derby. The fair is a highly publicized event that is a must for any resident of Middle Tennessee. Sophomore Reed Sircy had a great experience when he attended the fair. “I had a blast at the fair,” he said. “The food is great, and the rides are awesome.” The fair is also an excellent way to socialize. Freshmen Grant Sinclair said, “The fair is a fun place to be because there is a lot of stuff to do with your friends.” The fair begins this Friday night, Sept. 9 and concludes Sunday, Sept. 18. Adult tickets are $5 through an advance online sale, and $8 at the gate. Twenty dollars will get you the “ultimate ride wristband” through the advance online sale, but at the gate, tickets are $25 on Monday through Friday and $30 on Saturdays and Sundays. Kroger is currently selling general admission tickets and “ultimate ride wristbands” in advance, as well, for the online price without the hassle of buying them online. Consult the Tennessee State Fair website for further price information concerning the fair itself, Demolition Derby and State Fair Spectacular Auto Race (listed below). The dates and times are as follows (taken from the site): Opening Day (9/9) – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays (9/10 & 9/17) – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays (9/11 & 9/18) – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m....
by Cory Woodroof | Sep 7, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
I think it’s safe to say the day of the video store has sadly come to an end. While I always enjoyed looking around a Blockbuster from time to time, I must admit the convenience of a Redbox is a nice luxury to have, especially as a college student. The one-dollar a night rental service hosts many new releases every week, and on occasion, will bring back an older movie for good measure. Redbox machines are located all over the Middle Tennessee area. As long as you don’t forget to turn your movie back the next day, Redbox is a wonderful, inexpensive way to find enjoyment during the down-time of college. But don’t you just hate it when you Redbox a movie that really isn’t to your liking? It may be just a dollar wasted, but these days, a dollar wasted is exactly that. I’ve decided to contribute a weekly REDBOX REPORT that highlights one or two new releases that gain the full approval of my cinematic taste. And trust me, I have good taste. So before you make a trip to the Redbox this week, check out these recommendations. RIO (G, 96 minutes-featuring the voice cast of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, and George Lopez) I don’t know about you, but I love a good animated movie now and then. I immediately found Rio to be extremely worthy of my time back when I saw it in late April. The film has a light, breezy feel that flows throughout the runtime. The animation is beautiful, especially in Rio de Janeiro, the voice cast is great, and the...
by Cory Woodroof | Sep 6, 2011 | News Slider, Opinion
Who would have guessed that a movie centered in the world of Mixed Martial Arts would be one of the most profound releases of the year? I sure didn’t. When I first saw the trailer for Warrior, I thought the film looked like a clichéd drama with the backdrop of a sport I’ve never been too big on. I liked the cast and the director, but sadly, I wrote the movie off as a typical low-brow September release (a film that is stuck in the doldrums of September released by a studio for a quick buck). Sometimes, I love it when I’m wrong. Warrior is a knockout. The cast, the score, the direction, the screenplay, and even the cinematography- everything packs its own unique punch that will have a lasting effect long after the theater lights have gone up. The film follows two brothers, Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton). Tommy is a beast of a human being. A veteran from the War on Terror and a former wrestling champion in his youth, Tommy has no emotion. He is a somber, relentless man – which shows evidently through his fighting – of few words. On the other side of the spectrum, Brendan is a beloved physics teacher with a wife and two kids. A former fighter himself, he gave up his days in the UFC for the life of a typical husband/ father. The two, who have not been on speaking terms for years after a rift in the family was created by their alcoholic father (Nick Nolte), collide when a new MMA tournament with a large prize...
