by Brooke Dorris and Erin Franklin | Nov 4, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
It would seem that Marvel can’t make a bad movie. The Marvel cinematic universe is one of the most popular film franchises in history, and its newest addition, Doctor Strange, is sure to delight and entertain comic-book lovers and moviegoers of all ages as well. For a comic-book film, Doctor Strange contains some deep messages. The film will likely prompt some serious conversations after the credits roll (and after the two typical, bonus Marvel scenes at the end) among moviegoers because of its inherent themes. However, also typical of Marvel, the film has some delightful surprises, and, while not classified as a comedy by any means, will have viewers laughing nearly throughout its entirety. Therefore, fellow Lumination staff member Brooke Dorris and I have decided to do a co-review to hopefully give a glimpse of the conversational tone the film invokes. As alluded to before, Doctor Strange is a “strange film,” even for a Marvel movie. In fact, in some ways, it doesn’t even seem like a Marvel movie — perhaps it’s Benedict Cumberbatch’s stellar performance as Dr. Strange, or maybe it’s the simplicity of its story design. Nevertheless, it is a superhero film, but Strange isn’t your average superhero. He’s quite cocky and arrogant, and that gets him into trouble sometimes. His character is slightly reminiscent of Tony Stark, but Cumberbatch does an excellent job of making the character his own. The film begins with neurosurgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange, saving people’s lives (in the hospital). He’s confident in his ability, and this talent is where he seemingly derives his self worth. When he is careless while driving his Lamborghini...
by Jade Spilka | Nov 4, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge is a must-see film. Hacksaw Ridge, the incredible, true story of US Army medic Desmond Doss, is inspiring and thrills audiences. The World War II biographical stars Andrew Garfield. It received a 10-minute standing ovation at the 73rd annual Venice Film Festival where it premiered. Hacksaw Ridge portrays Doss’ commitment to his Seventh-day Adventist faith as a US Army medic who does not believe in touching a gun, killing another person or working on Saturday, the Sabbath. Doss is belittled, mocked and abused for his beliefs by fellow army men. He is even faced with a possible heavy prison sentence for disobeying orders after refusing to participate in rifle training for these reasons. Many of his commanders and peers considered Doss a coward because of his beliefs. Ironically, Doss ends up being the man who singlehandedly saves 75 of his comrades without a weapon while he is under constant enemy fire. Hacksaw Ridge is a phenomenal film. Garfield’s constant, genuine and kind performance is award-winning. The message of the movie is to be faithful to your beliefs, no matter the cost and live courageously. Though there was a lot of gore and conflict, you will leave the theater feeling happy and inspired. It is a must-see film! Photo courtesy of...
by Becca Risley | Oct 27, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
A tale as old as time takes center stage at Lipscomb’s Collins Alumni Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday night to kick off the opening weekend of the theatre department’s fall musical. Beauty and the Beast features Belle, a young woman from a provincial town, and the Beast, a handsome young prince trapped in a spell that transformed him. The story follows the Beast as he learns how to love and be loved. If he can master this, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former, more attractive self. Lipscomb’s production of this Disney classic focuses on the simple and dramatic elements that push the message of the story forward. With an underlying theme of overcoming fear and judgment, Beauty and the Beast captures the story of learning to love someone regardless of how he or she may appear. “There’s a lot of fear surrounding things that we don’t really understand,” Wilson said. “The only way that you can become unafraid of something is to get to know it. And then if you come to not like it, then that’s your choice. “That’s a big thing with these townspeople and even with Belle when she first meets the Beast. When she gets to understand him she realizes that he’s just a person just like her even though his outside is not like her.” Lipscomb’s adaption stars senior Bekah Purifoy as Belle and Wilson as the Beast. According to Wilson, the production showcases talent from all departments within the College of Entertainment and the Arts. “Theatre is one of those art forms where everything is involved,” Wilson said. “It’s visual...
by Myckelle Williams | Oct 26, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
The John C. Hutcheson Gallery, which showcases a variety of exhibits each semester by local artists, students and faculty, opened an exhibit entitled, “And Most Slow I Have Been” on Monday, featuring local artist Karen Speaker. The exhibit was unveiled at 6 p.m. shortly after Speaker gave a brief lecture. After the presentation, she fielded Q&A for the moderately large crowd of curious students, faculty and local art-enthusiasts. “I love the physical connection that I am able to make when creating art,” Speaker said. “I don’t want to only relate to [my work] visually. Paintings have an interesting way of calling to our senses, but because they are images by nature, they are an illusion — so it is like a virtual sensation. I want people to imagine physically engaging in my work.” Speaker’s gallery paintings were all created in the past three years. Speaker said she has a fascination with creating “rockstacking” images, which initially presented a challenge for the new artist. She said was inspired by novelist Virginia Woolff, who committed suicide at age 59 by filling her overcoat pocket with rocks and drowning herself in a river near her home. Speaker cited historical French artist Henri Matisse as another main influence for her work. Matisse was famous in the early 1900s for his use of color and fluidity in his paintings. Fine Arts major and art-lover Ian Corvette expressed a great appreciation for Speaker’s artwork. “The pieces spoke to me,” Corvette said. “The sensitivity of the figures and colors have a dramatic, almost theatrical affect.” Speaker’s work will be featured and sold at Zeitgeist Gallery, located...
by Anna Rogers | Oct 25, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, Galleries
Sponsored by Lipscomb’s College of Entertainment & the Arts, a men’s fashion show was held in Shamblin Theatre Monday night. The event featured special guests Jeff Loring, owner of Loring & Co: The Art of the Fit and Stitch It Alternations; Michael Shane Neal, artist-in-residence for Lipscomb’s College of Entertainment & the Arts; and Reggie Blair, director of admissions. Each shared tips on style, how style affects employability and how to afford the professional look while on a college budget. Photos by Ben Davis ...
by Becca Risley | Oct 22, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Lipscomb resides in the heart of Music City and sophomore Nordista Freeze has single-handedly brought that music mentality to campus over the past two years. Not only is he a prominent member of the contemporary music program, but he has also taken over as host of SGA’s weekly “Coffeehaus” live music night, started an annual music festival geared specifically for college students and performs constantly in Tennessee and surrounding states. “When I make music, I want to make something that’s beautiful, something that resounds, something that people can experience in their heart,” Freeze said. “Whether it’s for healing purposes or something that inspires them, I want to be a part of that cultivation, sewing seeds in their heart of beauty, love and ideas that unify everyone and help us to all move forward as better people.” Freeze began his journey as a musician in junior high. He would make music and upload the content to YouTube before making CDs and sharing them with his friends and family. Making and sharing music always been a passion of his, and he recognizes growth in his music as he matures from a teenager to a young adult. “[My music has] evolved just from understanding it more and observing music more,” Freeze said. “I’ve definitely started to understand the the theories; I’m studying songwriting and wordplay, focusing on what makes me like a song and how I can mimic that or adopt that idea, whether its like melody or a type of song or style.” In the name of making music, Freeze has traveled cross-country, performing with friends and fellow musicians in houses, churches, dorms, coffee shops and more. Over the summer,...
