by Cory Woodroof | Aug 14, 2012 | Opinion
Shameless cash grab just seems too harsh – even if there is truth in the statement. Those were the words that ran across my mind as I exited the theater of The Bourne Legacy. As a new fan of the original trilogy, I’m quite honestly disappointed by the newest Bourne outing. Sure, there’s nothing too new about the approach – we follow a rouge agent on the run with a girl while government officials use their powers to try and stay one step behind. While the first three films in the Bourne series were engaging, The Bourne Legacy just feels exhausted. Tony Gilroy’s (a writer on the first three Bourne films) first directorial try at the franchise ends up being a muddled piece of seldom entertainment – coasting off the likability of its cast and a few paperback-worthy developments. The story takes in the ripple effects of Jason Bourne’s actions in the third film. As the CIA begins to get rid of their other secret programs, one in particular called Outcome becomes the center of attention. Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), the new Bourne, so to speak, is an outcome agent who managed to evade the group’s mandatory terminations (all who were involved got the cut). As Cross begins to wonder why he is being targeted, he comes across a doctor from his past (Rachel Weisz) who helps him on his quest for answers. This time around, Edward Norton’s Eric Byer and Stacy Keach’s Mark Turso are the ones in the control room barking orders – hoping to eliminate Cross to cover their tracks. Franchise players David Strathairn (the villainous Noah...
by Cory Woodroof | Jul 27, 2012 | Opinion
I dare you to find a film released in 2012 that offers more originality, heart and sheer bewilderment than Beasts of the Southern Wild. With Beasts, first time director Benh Zeitlin manages to do what most veteran filmmakers cannot – create a uniquely uplifting story with a realized atmosphere and grand ambition. Honestly, Beasts of the Southern Wild is one of the most staggeringly original products to come out of Hollywood in recent memory (even though it’s an adaptation of a stage play). The film follows Hushpuppy (newcomer Quvenzhané Wallis), a young child living with her hard-drinking father Wink (Dwight Henry, another fresh face) in the Bathtub – a community on the outskirts of Louisiana blocked off from the rest of the United States by a gigantic levy. The citizens of the Bathtub take their community pride to heart, throwing large celebrations with no other reason than to celebrate their existence. To the people of the Bathtub, their pride fuels their way of life – Wink and Hushpuppy being no exception. But when a terrible oncoming storm threatens their home, many residents flee. Wink and Hushpuppy stay alongside a handful of others, believing in the power of their pride. Besides the impending weather, Hushpuppy faces other issues. Wink is slowly dying. Although she’s only a child, Hushpuppy must quickly rise to the occasion, becoming the film’s unsung hero in the midst of her strife. She longs for her long-lost mother but still manages to perk up the enthusiasm to leave behind signs for “scientists in the future” of her and her father’s predicament. As the storm closes in, her...
by Terry Briley | Jun 1, 2012 | Opinion
My first exposure to Bonnaroo didn’t exactly draw me to the event. The organizers in the early years were still trying to get their act together, and it was a major ordeal just getting to the property. My older son attended a couple of times in the early years. The fact that he came back grungy and smelly and sunburned didn’t help. The music, on the other hand, carried a strong appeal. I attended my share of concerts “back in the day.” Three of the more memorable ones to me were The Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper (twice!). A ZZ Top concert also stands out because one of the lead acts that night was a promising new band with the odd name Lynyrd Skynyrd. I decided to attend Bonnaroo the first time in 2004 when my younger son, then 17, wanted to go. He actually consented to go with me, perhaps because it was the only way he was going to get there at that age. As we stocked up on camping gear, our inexperience revealed itself in several ways. For example, we learned that the label “two-person tent” means that two grown people can technically fit into it. Let’s just say the tent provided a cozy bonding experience. In spite of the tight sleeping quarters, we had a great time. I enjoyed the overall experience so much that 2004 began a streak of four straight Bonnaroos for me. I haven’t been able to get back the past few years due to a variety of conflicts. On Bonnaroo weekend this year, for example, I am speaking at a conference,...
by Sarah McGee | May 11, 2012 | Opinion
It’s finally that time again! Exams are over, grades are in, and we can all relax and take a little breather. I am so glad it’s summer because summer is one of my favorite seasons. One of the main reasons I love summer is all of the fun fashion opportunities that it offers! Here are the top five trends that I am loving this summer: 1. Neons: Neon colors can be integrated in different ways. Sometimes they are used just to add a pop of color, like a pocketbook or belt. Other times, a neon dress may be accented with a neutral black or a natural leather. They look great when you are out in the sun. Don’t be afraid to add in a pop of color by wearing neon colored jeans or bright accessories! 2. Button ups: This is a trend I love because it applies to both girls and boys. Button ups make any outfit look sophisticated. You can make an outfit casual by throwing one on over a blouse or t shirt. If you want to make it dressy, all you have to do is wear it with a nice pair of shorts or jeans. They are also light, so they won’t make you sweaty on hot days. 3. Hats: Another trend that is for boys and girls. A hat can really tie an outfit together! I’m currently obsessed with wearing my fedora hats with everything. I also think fedora hats are great on guys because they add a fun touch to an outfit. 4. Baby doll pink/coral lipsticks: Since it’s summer, you are able to have...
by Whitney Jarreld | May 9, 2012 | Opinion
Maurice Sendak, died May 8, 2012, at the age of 83 from complications of a stroke according to The New York Times. The name might not be familiar, but his work is. Sendak, is most famous for his book “Where The Wild Things Are.” Other works by Sendak include “In The Night Kitchen,” “Bumble-Ardy” and “Outside Over There.” NPR’s show Fresh Air dedicated the entire program to Sendak by airing previous interviews with him. Past the subdued fog and alluring designs of his books, his writings deal with deeper issues. Sendak created a protagonist child that battled the conditions of being a well-mannered and groomed character who triumphed in an attractive manner. His characters, which would exist in creative dreamlike circumstances, would bring the reality of life into childhood. Sendak broke boundaries with his writings and illustrations that brought the reality of monsters into children’s book. Sendak grew up in a Jewish home, where Yiddish was spoken, and lived with his relatives that were brought over by his parents because of the Holocaust. In a 1986 NPR audio interview, Sendak spoke about his childhood. As a child, Sendak said he had fears that were different than others. The vacuum cleaner, when turned on, became a huge monster that billowed and was very frightening. After watching the 1933 movie, “The Invisible Man,” he became petrified of the Invisible Man who became “[the] most terrifying [fear] and led to being an insomniac for rest of life.” As a child he saw adults as “…big and grotesque… and couldn’t see it happening to him.” Later in the interview, he suggested that being...
by Crystal Davis | Apr 12, 2012 | Opinion
I’m one of the not-so-young students here on campus, so I experience some things younger, normal-aged Lipscomb students might not – like losing your life, your meaning, your point of being here. I’m almost 25, a Lipscomb senior with an Associate of Science, and I’ll be receiving my Bachelor of Arts this fall. I’m what you call ‘extremely indecisive about life.’ After a lot of soul searching, I first decided I wanted to be a doctor. I had my heart set on being a pediatrician. I got through a few random courses at a small community college and then finished my Associates degree at another community college in Franklin. I came to Lipscomb still intending to pursue my pre-medical coursework. Then my world fell apart. At 23, my parents decided to divorce after 32 years of marriage. My father told me about it as we were sitting in the hospital while my mother was having surgery to remove a tumor the doctors thought was cancerous. It wasn’t, thank God. You would think, being an adult, the divorce wouldn’t hit me as hard as it would a child, but not only did it hit me – it knocked me over, beat me up and threw me back down. I had no idea how it would change me forever. The divorce consumed me. The whole process ended up being pretty nasty. I was pushed and pulled on both sides, as my parents started to treat me more like an equal than a daughter. I wasn’t shielded from any information or opinions. I ended up mediating their divorce and settlements just to get...
