Somewhere between a love story and a conspiracy theorists' worst nightmare lies the remarkably creepy tale, "Bug," directed by William Friedkin ("The Exorcist"). Rarely can an American horror film sustain such suspense, peak so sharply when it matters and trade cheap scares for soul-wrenchingly horrific moments the way writer Tracy Letts' "Bug" does all of these.
Agnes (Ashley Judd) is a lonely woman living long-term in a shabby motel room. She works at a honky-tonk lesbian bar with friend R. C. (Lynn Collins), and spends her free time avoiding her abusive, just-out-of-jail ex while drinking large quantities of alcohol and sometimes doing drugs. Then she meets Peter (Michael Shannon), a quiet and somewhat eerie man with a demeanor somewhere between a space alien and lost puppy. He has nowhere to go after a night of partying with Agnes and R. C., and one night on Agnes' sofa turns into a twisted love affair with more complications than you can shake a stick at - especially if that stick is covered with aphids which, according to Peter, are "plant lice."
Soon, Agnes and Peter have a lot more than one stick's worth of aphids to contend with. Peter has a lot of secrets about his time in the military, an ability to "pick up things unapparent" and an unhealthy dose of paranoia. Agnes has an ex-husband (Harry Connick, Jr., surprisingly convincing as a low-life jerk) who won't stop showing up at the worst possible times, enough depression to take the "O-K" right out of Oklahoma (where the film takes place), and a surprising ability to love someone so completely despite all the loss she's experienced.
With a different cast, this film would not have worked nearly as well. Letts' work began as a play and takes place mostly in Agnes' motel room. Shannon (who also performed Peter in the play) and Judd are so raw, and portray their devastatingly desperate characters with such painful realism, it's nearly impossible to look away. And just when it seems like it can't get more intense, it does.
"Bug" - out now on DVD - is rated R for some strong violence, sexuality, nudity, language and drug use, but it's the suspense and the feelings experienced during the film that are most disturbing. This isn't a movie for everyone. "Bug" gets under your skin and creeps through your veins - not because of what someone sees, but because of what they experience.
Originally published in The Chronicle in October 2007.
28.2.11
Bad plot, fantastic action in 'Resident Evil'
"Resident Evil: Extinction" - the third in writer Paul W.S. Anderson's series - brings us to a post-apocalyptic world five years after the T-virus escapes into Raccoon City (in 2004's "Resident Evil: Apocalypse").
After the conclusion of the second film, the virus spread throughout the United States and then the world. The oceans and rivers have dried up and the forests have thus turned to deserts. Everything is covered in sand - and moaning, walking undead. There are no animals to be seen - except for (skinless) zombie dogs and a murder of infected crows.
Director Russell Mulcahy (of "Highlander" 1986 fame) gives "Resident Evil: Extinction" a polished look, fantastic action scenes and some stunning suspense. Unfortunately, that's not enough to save the film from some serious plot problems. Alice (Milla Jovovich) has been in self-imposed exile because she realized - somewhere between "Apocalypse" and "Extinction" - the Umbrella Corporation was still able to track her via high-tech computer systems and satellites. She has also developed psionic (basically, telekinetic) powers, in addition to superhuman strength and dexterity that genetic alterations by the Umbrella Corporation have given her.
Despite all the good reasons she was exiling herself she returns to old friends, including Carlos (Oded Fehr), in their new convoy run by Claire (Ali Larter). The movie would be far less interesting if Alice wasn't trying to protect people she cares about while being pursued by the Umbrella Corporation. And pursuing they are, because scientist Dr. Isaacs (Iain Glen) is trying to find a way to reverse the virus - with hopes of domesticating the shambling herds (and trying to turn them into a "docile workforce"). He's been experimenting with clones of Alice, and their blood, but he needs the real thing - Alice herself - to make any real progress. Unfortunately, he's insane - and to say he'll stop at nothing to provide research results is a vast understatement.
Meanwhile, the diary of a dead man says Alaska is a refuge from the virus, so Claire's group considers trekking across Canada to get there. The movie ends about ten minutes after it should, and we should probably expect "Resident Evil 4" in theatres somewhere around 2009. "Resident Evil: Extinction" is rent-worthy, if nothing else. Sure, some of the plot doesn't make sense but Jovovich is great and there are some creepily suspenseful moments.
Originally published in The Chronicle in September 2007.
After the conclusion of the second film, the virus spread throughout the United States and then the world. The oceans and rivers have dried up and the forests have thus turned to deserts. Everything is covered in sand - and moaning, walking undead. There are no animals to be seen - except for (skinless) zombie dogs and a murder of infected crows.
Director Russell Mulcahy (of "Highlander" 1986 fame) gives "Resident Evil: Extinction" a polished look, fantastic action scenes and some stunning suspense. Unfortunately, that's not enough to save the film from some serious plot problems. Alice (Milla Jovovich) has been in self-imposed exile because she realized - somewhere between "Apocalypse" and "Extinction" - the Umbrella Corporation was still able to track her via high-tech computer systems and satellites. She has also developed psionic (basically, telekinetic) powers, in addition to superhuman strength and dexterity that genetic alterations by the Umbrella Corporation have given her.
Despite all the good reasons she was exiling herself she returns to old friends, including Carlos (Oded Fehr), in their new convoy run by Claire (Ali Larter). The movie would be far less interesting if Alice wasn't trying to protect people she cares about while being pursued by the Umbrella Corporation. And pursuing they are, because scientist Dr. Isaacs (Iain Glen) is trying to find a way to reverse the virus - with hopes of domesticating the shambling herds (and trying to turn them into a "docile workforce"). He's been experimenting with clones of Alice, and their blood, but he needs the real thing - Alice herself - to make any real progress. Unfortunately, he's insane - and to say he'll stop at nothing to provide research results is a vast understatement.
Meanwhile, the diary of a dead man says Alaska is a refuge from the virus, so Claire's group considers trekking across Canada to get there. The movie ends about ten minutes after it should, and we should probably expect "Resident Evil 4" in theatres somewhere around 2009. "Resident Evil: Extinction" is rent-worthy, if nothing else. Sure, some of the plot doesn't make sense but Jovovich is great and there are some creepily suspenseful moments.
Originally published in The Chronicle in September 2007.
"Saw IV" cuts through the mystery
Deliciously creepy, stuffed full of surprises and dripping with intelligence, director Darren Lynn Bousman's "Saw IV" picks up where last year's "Saw III" left off, and does it better. Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) is dead. His grisly autopsy is the first, and goriest, scene in the film. But his games don't end when his life does - and this leads officers Rigg (Lyriq Bent), Perez (Athena Karkanis) and Strahm (Scott Patterson, of "Gilmore Girls") to seek answers and attempt to identify his mystery partner.
"Saw" aficionados know how off-base the police are in suspecting Jigsaw's ex-wife, Jill (Betsy Russell), of being his accomplice - but the time Strahm spends questioning her and gives audiences new insights into his murderous motivation. We're also treated to a ringside seat of his first trap, and the knowledge of why his first victim fell into Jigsaw's homicidal hands.
Meanwhile, Rigg is racing against the clock to save Detective Eric Mathews (Donnie Wahlberg), among others. But his test is much more convoluted than most others' - he is asked to step out of his own obsession with saving others and see things through another set of eyes. Sometimes, this means making life or death decisions for people he encounters with very little time to think things through.
Unfortunately, after neatly answering nearly all the series' questions, the newest writers - Project Greenlight winners for "Feast" (2005) Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan -have left the door open for a fifth film. Fortunately, that is the biggest flaw in this film.
The other flaw is the abrupt, nearly strobe-like, crosscutting between images. What worked in small doses in the earlier "Saw" films, film editor Kevin Greutert has overused this time around. But the intricate story is so fascinating, this issue is easily forgiven.
Rated "R" for language as well as grisly, bloody violence and torture throughout, "Saw IV" is less gory than "Saw III" but still no place for children. Instead of parents in peril or vats of hypodermic needles, "Saw IV" has plenty of what made the series worth starting in 2004 - intrigue, suspense and character development.
Originally published in The Chronicle in November 2007.
"Saw" aficionados know how off-base the police are in suspecting Jigsaw's ex-wife, Jill (Betsy Russell), of being his accomplice - but the time Strahm spends questioning her and gives audiences new insights into his murderous motivation. We're also treated to a ringside seat of his first trap, and the knowledge of why his first victim fell into Jigsaw's homicidal hands.
Meanwhile, Rigg is racing against the clock to save Detective Eric Mathews (Donnie Wahlberg), among others. But his test is much more convoluted than most others' - he is asked to step out of his own obsession with saving others and see things through another set of eyes. Sometimes, this means making life or death decisions for people he encounters with very little time to think things through.
Unfortunately, after neatly answering nearly all the series' questions, the newest writers - Project Greenlight winners for "Feast" (2005) Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan -have left the door open for a fifth film. Fortunately, that is the biggest flaw in this film.
The other flaw is the abrupt, nearly strobe-like, crosscutting between images. What worked in small doses in the earlier "Saw" films, film editor Kevin Greutert has overused this time around. But the intricate story is so fascinating, this issue is easily forgiven.
Rated "R" for language as well as grisly, bloody violence and torture throughout, "Saw IV" is less gory than "Saw III" but still no place for children. Instead of parents in peril or vats of hypodermic needles, "Saw IV" has plenty of what made the series worth starting in 2004 - intrigue, suspense and character development.
Originally published in The Chronicle in November 2007.
Things I can't get behind
On William Shatner's album "Has Been" (2004), he performs a duet with Henry Rollins called "I Can't Get Behind That" where they list trends and societal situations with which they disagree. That song is the inspiration for this column.
Things I Can't Get Behind …
1) Burger King restaurants that sell tacos. If I want a taco, I'll go to a Mexican food restaurant. If I want a fast food taco, I'll go to Taco Bell. If I'm at Burger King, it's because I want American food - I'm all for Burger King having the veggie burger option, because it's still a burger. But having tacos on the menu is just ridiculous.
2) Chicagoans who think people shouldn't put ketchup on hot dogs. Apparently, because the traditionally prepared "Chicago-style hot dog" doesn't have ketchup on it, no hot dog should. And they get angry about it - as though it's actually wrong to put ketchup on a hot dog. Ryan Manno, a Q101 DJ, has even had a debate about this on his radio show. I say it's a matter of personal preference, but I can't get behind people who try to dictate what other people put on their hot dogs.
3) The way small, independently owned movie theatres have become an endangered species. Megaplexes are running the small theatres out of business and leaving us corporate-run places that are completely devoid of personality.
4) People who think it's pretentious to drink wine. Yes, wine coolers are girly - I'll agree with that - but there's nothing pretentious (or girly) about a bottle of merlot you can buy for $6 at Meijer, right across from the beer.
5) Anyone who text messages while actively driving a car. I can understand a glance down at an incoming text when you're at a stop light, but either drive or text (or call the person on your hands-free phone, since everyone on the planet seems to have a Bluetooth headset these days anyway).
6) States and local ordinances that ban smoking in taverns. I can understand banning smoking in restaurants because a lot of people don't like to smell cigarette smoke while they're eating. A lot of people who drink smoke cigarettes and a lot of people who don't consider themselves "smokers" smoke when they drink.
Originally posted in The Chronicle in September 2007
Things I Can't Get Behind …
1) Burger King restaurants that sell tacos. If I want a taco, I'll go to a Mexican food restaurant. If I want a fast food taco, I'll go to Taco Bell. If I'm at Burger King, it's because I want American food - I'm all for Burger King having the veggie burger option, because it's still a burger. But having tacos on the menu is just ridiculous.
2) Chicagoans who think people shouldn't put ketchup on hot dogs. Apparently, because the traditionally prepared "Chicago-style hot dog" doesn't have ketchup on it, no hot dog should. And they get angry about it - as though it's actually wrong to put ketchup on a hot dog. Ryan Manno, a Q101 DJ, has even had a debate about this on his radio show. I say it's a matter of personal preference, but I can't get behind people who try to dictate what other people put on their hot dogs.
3) The way small, independently owned movie theatres have become an endangered species. Megaplexes are running the small theatres out of business and leaving us corporate-run places that are completely devoid of personality.
4) People who think it's pretentious to drink wine. Yes, wine coolers are girly - I'll agree with that - but there's nothing pretentious (or girly) about a bottle of merlot you can buy for $6 at Meijer, right across from the beer.
5) Anyone who text messages while actively driving a car. I can understand a glance down at an incoming text when you're at a stop light, but either drive or text (or call the person on your hands-free phone, since everyone on the planet seems to have a Bluetooth headset these days anyway).
6) States and local ordinances that ban smoking in taverns. I can understand banning smoking in restaurants because a lot of people don't like to smell cigarette smoke while they're eating. A lot of people who drink smoke cigarettes and a lot of people who don't consider themselves "smokers" smoke when they drink.
Originally posted in The Chronicle in September 2007
'Scrooge! The Musical' a holiday delight
"Scrooge! The Musical," Leslie Bricusse's adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," is a holiday delight at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
Directed by William Pullinsi, this exciting tale of the miserable miser Ebenezer Scrooge (James Harms) is fun for the whole family. Classically set in London in the mid-1800s, the play begins as idealistic Nephew Harry (Jonathan Lynch, a brilliantly versatile actor) commiserates with Bob Cratchit (played well by Mark Larson) that Scrooge is a grouch and a cheapskate.
With such remarkably transformed sets by Scenic Designer Jack Magaw - the storefronts have surprisingly realistic-looking windows and even the floor is covered to look like an old street - it's easy to become immersed in the story. It is easy to stay immersed, because "A Christmas Carol" has never been so lively as it is in "Scrooge! The Musical."
Even Scrooge himself, a man who would never have been caught singing would be impressed at Harms' strong vocals as he performs "No Better Life," giving us a glimpse into the mind of Scrooge. Singing aside, the Scrooge character is still a man we can love to hate - especially as the ensemble performs the delightfully clever song "Father Christmas."
As Scrooge begins to realize something is amiss this Christmas Eve, creepy sound effects and theatrical haze set the stage for the first entrance of the late Jacob Marley (Dale Benson, who brings a whole new level of menace to the character). Eerily made up to be white as a ghost and wearing a long chain baring the links of his unsatisfying life (one of many great pieces by Props Master Katie Seibel), Marley is there to frighten Scrooge and warn him of the three visitors he'll face. And they come - first, the Ghost of Christmas Past (played by the lovely Meg Miller), who reminds Scrooge that he once enjoyed his life working for Fezziwig (John Riley, with delightful enthusiasm) and had love in his heart for his sweetheart, Isabel (played fiercely by Audrey Billings).
Choreography by Stacey Flaster in "December the Twenty-Fifth" is breathtaking (and is outstanding throughout the show). Then, the witty Ghost of Christmas Present (Larry Adams, with brilliant vocals) arrives on an ornate moving throne to encourage Scrooge to enjoy life. A glimpse into the current Christmas activities reveals the adorably hopeful Kathy (Brianna Konrad) and Tiny Tim (Liam Byrnes) enjoying what little they have. As the family prepares to dine, Tiny Tim sings "The Beautiful Day" (revealing Byrnes exceptional vocal talent). But when the Ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Come (Phil Higgins) arrives as a phantom and shows Scrooge the hell that awaits him, Scrooge may have a chance to rethink his misdeeds.
Backed by a phenomenal orchestra conducted by William A. Underwood, "Scrooge! The Musical" is a joyous event to attend this holiday season - with family, with friends or with someone special. "Scrooge! The Musical" runs through Dec. 23 at Theatre at the Center.
Originally published in The Chronicle in November 2007.
Directed by William Pullinsi, this exciting tale of the miserable miser Ebenezer Scrooge (James Harms) is fun for the whole family. Classically set in London in the mid-1800s, the play begins as idealistic Nephew Harry (Jonathan Lynch, a brilliantly versatile actor) commiserates with Bob Cratchit (played well by Mark Larson) that Scrooge is a grouch and a cheapskate.
With such remarkably transformed sets by Scenic Designer Jack Magaw - the storefronts have surprisingly realistic-looking windows and even the floor is covered to look like an old street - it's easy to become immersed in the story. It is easy to stay immersed, because "A Christmas Carol" has never been so lively as it is in "Scrooge! The Musical."
Even Scrooge himself, a man who would never have been caught singing would be impressed at Harms' strong vocals as he performs "No Better Life," giving us a glimpse into the mind of Scrooge. Singing aside, the Scrooge character is still a man we can love to hate - especially as the ensemble performs the delightfully clever song "Father Christmas."
As Scrooge begins to realize something is amiss this Christmas Eve, creepy sound effects and theatrical haze set the stage for the first entrance of the late Jacob Marley (Dale Benson, who brings a whole new level of menace to the character). Eerily made up to be white as a ghost and wearing a long chain baring the links of his unsatisfying life (one of many great pieces by Props Master Katie Seibel), Marley is there to frighten Scrooge and warn him of the three visitors he'll face. And they come - first, the Ghost of Christmas Past (played by the lovely Meg Miller), who reminds Scrooge that he once enjoyed his life working for Fezziwig (John Riley, with delightful enthusiasm) and had love in his heart for his sweetheart, Isabel (played fiercely by Audrey Billings).
Choreography by Stacey Flaster in "December the Twenty-Fifth" is breathtaking (and is outstanding throughout the show). Then, the witty Ghost of Christmas Present (Larry Adams, with brilliant vocals) arrives on an ornate moving throne to encourage Scrooge to enjoy life. A glimpse into the current Christmas activities reveals the adorably hopeful Kathy (Brianna Konrad) and Tiny Tim (Liam Byrnes) enjoying what little they have. As the family prepares to dine, Tiny Tim sings "The Beautiful Day" (revealing Byrnes exceptional vocal talent). But when the Ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Come (Phil Higgins) arrives as a phantom and shows Scrooge the hell that awaits him, Scrooge may have a chance to rethink his misdeeds.
Backed by a phenomenal orchestra conducted by William A. Underwood, "Scrooge! The Musical" is a joyous event to attend this holiday season - with family, with friends or with someone special. "Scrooge! The Musical" runs through Dec. 23 at Theatre at the Center.
Originally published in The Chronicle in November 2007.
Can't get behind this either
Two weeks ago, I listed a lot of things I can't get behind (from the William Shatner song), but I have one thing left to complain about - places that shouldn't have drive-thrus but do anyway. There are lots of places where a drive-thru is fine - even expected - such as fast food restaurants like Taco Bell, McDonalds and Burger King. I'll even grant the not-quite-fast-food places like Dairy Queen (though ordering a cooked-to-order burger in the drive-thru is likely to irritate all the ice cream seekers behind you), Boston Market and Long John Silvers.
There are places where a drive-thru just doesn't belong - like Starbucks. If you can't get out of your car and wait in line to list off your silly-sounding coffee order, you don't need it. If you're in too much of a rush, skip the "Grande Mocha Latte with skim, no foam, please," and get a cup of actual coffee somewhere. If the weather is too treacherous to get out of the car, you probably don't need the distraction of boiling hot coffee while you drive.
For a long time, there was a Fazoli's Restaurant in Schererville (there's still one in Valparaiso and one in Indianapolis). Fazoli's is one of those not-quite-fast-food places, but it takes awhile to get the food because they prepare dishes to order. They also serve messy, sauce-covered Italian dishes. Fazoli's is a great example of a place with food too complicated and messy for drive-thru service.
But the one that bothers me most - the place at which I think a drive-thru is nothing short of ridiculous - is pizza places. For instance, the Pizza Hut on Ridge Road in Griffith has a drive-thru. Pizza takes a long time to prepare, so ordering it through the drive-thru window (if you can even do that - I'm thinking you still have to order over the phone first) wouldn't make any sense. If you call in your order and don't feel like walking into the establishment, have it delivered. If you call in but don't want delivery, step inside and pick it up. I haven't even begun to figure out the physics of getting a pizza through the drive-thru window, through the car window, and down into the car without a cheese-covered disaster.
Originally published in The Chronicle in 2007
There are places where a drive-thru just doesn't belong - like Starbucks. If you can't get out of your car and wait in line to list off your silly-sounding coffee order, you don't need it. If you're in too much of a rush, skip the "Grande Mocha Latte with skim, no foam, please," and get a cup of actual coffee somewhere. If the weather is too treacherous to get out of the car, you probably don't need the distraction of boiling hot coffee while you drive.
For a long time, there was a Fazoli's Restaurant in Schererville (there's still one in Valparaiso and one in Indianapolis). Fazoli's is one of those not-quite-fast-food places, but it takes awhile to get the food because they prepare dishes to order. They also serve messy, sauce-covered Italian dishes. Fazoli's is a great example of a place with food too complicated and messy for drive-thru service.
But the one that bothers me most - the place at which I think a drive-thru is nothing short of ridiculous - is pizza places. For instance, the Pizza Hut on Ridge Road in Griffith has a drive-thru. Pizza takes a long time to prepare, so ordering it through the drive-thru window (if you can even do that - I'm thinking you still have to order over the phone first) wouldn't make any sense. If you call in your order and don't feel like walking into the establishment, have it delivered. If you call in but don't want delivery, step inside and pick it up. I haven't even begun to figure out the physics of getting a pizza through the drive-thru window, through the car window, and down into the car without a cheese-covered disaster.
Originally published in The Chronicle in 2007
PUGG is better than ever
After a long day of working, studying and going to class, relaxing with friends is a fun way to unwind. For students who enjoy role-playing games, that often means going to a meeting at the Purdue University Gamers' Guild (PUGG) for an evening of socializing with friends, meeting new people and sitting around the long, rectangular table as the evening's game host begins the night's activities.
Seven years ago, four students formed PUGG and spent Monday nights playing Dungeons & Dragons Second Edition. Now, PUGG - with 30 plus members - meets five days a week. The group also holds a campus-wide multi-genre gaming event once a semester in Calumet Falls and helps with Student Activities' new game nights on the first Thursday of each month.
As the fall semester of 2000 began, Will Race, a Griffith resident and PUC student, started PUGG in hopes of meeting other gamers and creating an environment where they discuss how to create the best gaming experiences possible. PUGG has come a long way from the weekly Dungeons and Dragons game. The group's fall semester activities include a biweekly Dungeons and Dragons game, and everything from a modified version of Marvel Superheroes to Warhammer 40K Table Top to a couple of GURPS (Generic Universal Role-Playing System). PUGG's fall schedule also includes a couple White Wolf Publishing's World of Darkness games.
Vice-President Mike Daniels, a sophomore majoring in broadcasting, said he enjoys participating in PUGG activities not just because of the games themselves, but because of the people involved. "Everyone is friendly and open to people, turning no one away," Daniels said.
PUGG President Sam Conley, a senior majoring in networking systems, joined PUGG in 2005 as the group was focusing on recruitment and expanding to include activities such as involvement in National Games Week. In November 2006, PUGG - partnered with other campus gaming groups and sponsored by Student Activities - held a campus-wide National Games Week (an annual event since 2004 during which social groups around the country participate) multi-game activity in Calumet Falls - including card games, board games, role-playing games and video games. Several of the games included mini-tournaments for which prizes were awarded.
PUGG's 2006 National Games Week event was so successful, the group held their first annual PUGG Games Night in April. PUGG Games Night is modeled after the National Games Week events and was added because students wanted a spring semester games night. Conley said it is important for PUGG to host campus-wide activities. "Too many people think we only stick with one kind of game, or we are exclusive and won't allow new players in, but none of this is true. We welcome newcomers and are always looking for new ideas that fit with our desire to help students relax and enjoy the comforts of a good game with good people," Conley said.
Students interested in learning more about the organization can e-mail the officers at pucPUGG@yahoo.com. "Don't pass judgment on something you haven't tried. If you like solving puzzles, working out a strategy, or just hanging out and talking with friends, stop by - we'd be more than willing to explain what we're up to," Conley said.
Originally published in The Chronicle on October 12, 2007
Seven years ago, four students formed PUGG and spent Monday nights playing Dungeons & Dragons Second Edition. Now, PUGG - with 30 plus members - meets five days a week. The group also holds a campus-wide multi-genre gaming event once a semester in Calumet Falls and helps with Student Activities' new game nights on the first Thursday of each month.
As the fall semester of 2000 began, Will Race, a Griffith resident and PUC student, started PUGG in hopes of meeting other gamers and creating an environment where they discuss how to create the best gaming experiences possible. PUGG has come a long way from the weekly Dungeons and Dragons game. The group's fall semester activities include a biweekly Dungeons and Dragons game, and everything from a modified version of Marvel Superheroes to Warhammer 40K Table Top to a couple of GURPS (Generic Universal Role-Playing System). PUGG's fall schedule also includes a couple White Wolf Publishing's World of Darkness games.
Vice-President Mike Daniels, a sophomore majoring in broadcasting, said he enjoys participating in PUGG activities not just because of the games themselves, but because of the people involved. "Everyone is friendly and open to people, turning no one away," Daniels said.
PUGG President Sam Conley, a senior majoring in networking systems, joined PUGG in 2005 as the group was focusing on recruitment and expanding to include activities such as involvement in National Games Week. In November 2006, PUGG - partnered with other campus gaming groups and sponsored by Student Activities - held a campus-wide National Games Week (an annual event since 2004 during which social groups around the country participate) multi-game activity in Calumet Falls - including card games, board games, role-playing games and video games. Several of the games included mini-tournaments for which prizes were awarded.
PUGG's 2006 National Games Week event was so successful, the group held their first annual PUGG Games Night in April. PUGG Games Night is modeled after the National Games Week events and was added because students wanted a spring semester games night. Conley said it is important for PUGG to host campus-wide activities. "Too many people think we only stick with one kind of game, or we are exclusive and won't allow new players in, but none of this is true. We welcome newcomers and are always looking for new ideas that fit with our desire to help students relax and enjoy the comforts of a good game with good people," Conley said.
Students interested in learning more about the organization can e-mail the officers at pucPUGG@yahoo.com. "Don't pass judgment on something you haven't tried. If you like solving puzzles, working out a strategy, or just hanging out and talking with friends, stop by - we'd be more than willing to explain what we're up to," Conley said.
Originally published in The Chronicle on October 12, 2007
Sequels, prequels, remakes, oh my!
I have a theory about major movie studios. Here's what I think happens: two filmmakers walk into an executive's office to propose an idea for a film. One says, "I want to make a movie unlike anything American audiences have ever seen. It'll be clever, interesting and cerebral - and it'll focus on a character people will talk about for years to come." The other says, "I want to take this movie that was released two years ago and make a sequel. I've figured out how to make it more violent than the original. The plot may not make as much sense as the first one did, but it'll be shocking. It'll also draw in audiences on name recognition alone." The executive considers both ideas briefly - and green-lights only the latter.
I'll grant that sometimes a sequel - or a series - is a good thing. "Star Wars" is a great example of this. But lately it seems there are as many sequels, prequels and remakes hitting theatres as there are original films. "Resident Evil: Extinction" (the third in the series) is in theatres now, "Saw IV" will reach the big screen on Oct. 26 and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" comes out just in time for the holidays. While I'll save my judgment on the last two until they come out, I can certainly say "Resident Evil: Extinction" was a film that suffered the plot degeneration from the original (and even the sequel).
I'm disturbed to know that though "Shrek the Third" has yet to reach DVD, there's already talk of "Shrek 4" (rumored to be titled "The Next Shrek") slated for release in 2010. Though I haven't heard anything substantial as of yet, I won't be surprised when they announce "28 Months Later" or "Saw V" - I'll just be disappointed.
Still, perhaps the sequels are better than remakes. After Rob Zombie's "Halloween" fell apart before the halfway point, I've lost hope that even the best directors can do better than what is already done well in previous films. And with remakes on the way for "Day of the Dead," "Footloose" (as a musical, apparently) and Hitchcock's "The Birds," I can see this trend isn't going away fast enough.
Originally published in The Chronicle on October 21, 2007
I'll grant that sometimes a sequel - or a series - is a good thing. "Star Wars" is a great example of this. But lately it seems there are as many sequels, prequels and remakes hitting theatres as there are original films. "Resident Evil: Extinction" (the third in the series) is in theatres now, "Saw IV" will reach the big screen on Oct. 26 and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" comes out just in time for the holidays. While I'll save my judgment on the last two until they come out, I can certainly say "Resident Evil: Extinction" was a film that suffered the plot degeneration from the original (and even the sequel).
I'm disturbed to know that though "Shrek the Third" has yet to reach DVD, there's already talk of "Shrek 4" (rumored to be titled "The Next Shrek") slated for release in 2010. Though I haven't heard anything substantial as of yet, I won't be surprised when they announce "28 Months Later" or "Saw V" - I'll just be disappointed.
Still, perhaps the sequels are better than remakes. After Rob Zombie's "Halloween" fell apart before the halfway point, I've lost hope that even the best directors can do better than what is already done well in previous films. And with remakes on the way for "Day of the Dead," "Footloose" (as a musical, apparently) and Hitchcock's "The Birds," I can see this trend isn't going away fast enough.
Originally published in The Chronicle on October 21, 2007
"I Blame Flavor Flav"
I blame Flavor Flav for the show "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila."
A lot of B-list, C-list and even D-list celebrities got another - albeit brief - taste of fame by appearing on "The Surreal Life." The show gave Tammy Faye Bakker a chance to hang out with Ron Jeremy, Vanilla Ice a chance to be known for something other than "Ice Ice Baby" (unfortunately for him, it was his anger problems and abrasive personality) and Janice Dickenson a chance to look even more crazy than usual.
Unfortunately, the show also introduced Flavor Flav to Brigitte Nielson. They weren't the first - or the last - couple to meet on a reality television show, but they were an interesting (or odd) enough pair to get their own show, "Strange Love." Perhaps this is where the trouble began because, obviously, Nielson toying with and then dumping him was a profitable venture. Apparently, more so than the union of Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight, as their reality spin-off "My Fair Brady" ran it's course quickly and quietly - like a mild case of the flu. Unfortunately, Flav-fever was far more virulent.
The next symptom was "Flavor of Love" - a parade of women chasing Flav's fame and money, but pretending to "love" him. Naturally, things didn't work out between him and the woman he selected. So they gave him a second season. And that meant more fame for an obnoxious young woman called "New York" (who, before starting the clock on her 15 minutes of fame, was known as Tiffany Pollard). Before you could say "gold-digger," she had her own show called "I Love New York" (the same premise as "Flavor of Love," but with a house full of men and Pollard's overbearing mother as her sidekick).
Of course, it didn't work out with the man she chose in season one, and VH1 is currently airing the second season - this time, complete with the near drowning of a midget. VH1 and MTV show only bad reality TV in lieu of music videos these days, G-list MySpace celebrity Tila Tequila is now seeking "love" in a house full of cameras. But her show needed a gimmick, so she has both men and women to choose from. Perhaps next we'll watch a "Survivor" reject try to find "love" among residents of a minimum security prison. It wouldn't surprise me - but I'll still blame Flavor Flav.
Originally published in The Chronicle on November 4, 2007
A lot of B-list, C-list and even D-list celebrities got another - albeit brief - taste of fame by appearing on "The Surreal Life." The show gave Tammy Faye Bakker a chance to hang out with Ron Jeremy, Vanilla Ice a chance to be known for something other than "Ice Ice Baby" (unfortunately for him, it was his anger problems and abrasive personality) and Janice Dickenson a chance to look even more crazy than usual.
Unfortunately, the show also introduced Flavor Flav to Brigitte Nielson. They weren't the first - or the last - couple to meet on a reality television show, but they were an interesting (or odd) enough pair to get their own show, "Strange Love." Perhaps this is where the trouble began because, obviously, Nielson toying with and then dumping him was a profitable venture. Apparently, more so than the union of Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight, as their reality spin-off "My Fair Brady" ran it's course quickly and quietly - like a mild case of the flu. Unfortunately, Flav-fever was far more virulent.
The next symptom was "Flavor of Love" - a parade of women chasing Flav's fame and money, but pretending to "love" him. Naturally, things didn't work out between him and the woman he selected. So they gave him a second season. And that meant more fame for an obnoxious young woman called "New York" (who, before starting the clock on her 15 minutes of fame, was known as Tiffany Pollard). Before you could say "gold-digger," she had her own show called "I Love New York" (the same premise as "Flavor of Love," but with a house full of men and Pollard's overbearing mother as her sidekick).
Of course, it didn't work out with the man she chose in season one, and VH1 is currently airing the second season - this time, complete with the near drowning of a midget. VH1 and MTV show only bad reality TV in lieu of music videos these days, G-list MySpace celebrity Tila Tequila is now seeking "love" in a house full of cameras. But her show needed a gimmick, so she has both men and women to choose from. Perhaps next we'll watch a "Survivor" reject try to find "love" among residents of a minimum security prison. It wouldn't surprise me - but I'll still blame Flavor Flav.
Originally published in The Chronicle on November 4, 2007
Saving money this winter break
It seems Fall Break just ended, leaving us with the final remnants of the term - and of course, the actual finals.
For some, Winter Break is an opportunity to go "home." For others, it's a chance to work full time without having to study. And others, with a bit more time on their hands will enjoy weeks of leisure activities.
But almost everyone finds a little downtime during the holiday season, so here are my suggestions to spend some free time during Winter Break (without spending a lot of money):
•Realized the Screenwriter's Guild's strike has forced your favorite show into reruns? Surely there is another show you've always been curious about. Stop by your local video rental place and rent the first season. If you like it, you can always rent the other seasons. If you don't, you have only wasted a few dollars. My recommendations - "The Sopranos," "House, M.D.," "Heroes" and "The Office."
• Reorganize a room, or even a closet, that you've been meaning to tidy up for awhile. Find clothes that no longer fit or books you haven't read since middle school? Donate them to a charitable organization - everyone wins.
• Go to the local public library and pick up a book to read - it doesn't need to be educational, just interesting to you.
• Check out a matinée at the movie theater. My recommendations - "I Am Legend" and "Sweeney Todd" (the previews for both look interesting, but I haven't actually seen either yet).
• Drag out your old video game system or some old board game and have a games night with friends or family.
• Cook or bake something from scratch. Whether it is an entrée-salad recipe you have seen online and always meant to try, a batch of holiday cookies, a casserole you remember from childhood or a comforting pot of stew, you'll have something to enjoy after your efforts.
Whatever you do this break, please don't drink and drive. Not only is it dangerous, but - from a purely practical aspect - no one wants to pay DUI fines during the holidays.
Originally published in The Chronicle on December 3, 2007
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