FEBRUARY 2015
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SMOOTH CROONER
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MAN ON THE RUN
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PULSE HIT LIST
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BIG SCREEN RUNDOWN
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SISTER ACT
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CONTENTS
cedar falls . cedar rapids . iowa city . waterloo
issue 125
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02.15 100 E. Fourth St. | Waterloo, IA 50703
DEVINE INSPIRATION
HIT US UP
Waterloo-native-turned-all-Hollywood-comedian Adam Devine will deliver a belly full of laughs at Cedar Falls’ Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
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Because you can never have enough funny, “Fluffy” comedian Gabriel Iglesias is bringing his wacky laughs to the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids.
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@CVPulse And find out what’s going on and catch up on entertainment news 24/7 at
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Get ready for Hollywood’s biggest night before the Academy Awards are handed out Sunday, Feb. 22. Oscar makes the best after-party date.
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An award-winning product of Courier Communications
EDITORIAL STAFF Meta Hemenway-Forbes Editor 319.291.1483 meta.hemenwayforbes@wcfcourier. com
MASKS AND MONSTERS This month brings the Majora’s Mask remake, the delayed The Order: 1886 and a new Kirby title. Check out reviews of Citizens of Earth and Funk of Titans.
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Alan Simmer Associate Editor 319.291.1487 alan.simmer@ wcfcourier.com
John Molseed Staff Writer 319.291.1418 john.molseed@ wcfcourier.com
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David Hemenway Lead Designer 319.291.1475 david.hemenway@ wcfcourier.com
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SALES Sheila Kerns 319.291.1448 sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com
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PULSE 3
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JOHN MOLSEED | PULSE WRITER
W
aterloo R&B singer Jontay Damar doesn’t have a lot of competition when booking shows. He also doesn’t have a lot of company in his genre where he lives. “It’s only a handful of us,” he said. Damar looks online and to the past to get most of his inspiration and ideas. “I listen to a lot of that old-school R&B to keep me motivated,” he said. “I grew up listening Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross.” Damar released an EP last year, Taking Over Me. It has gotten radio play and shout-outs from DJs across the U.S. With the album, Damar is getting noticed in a genre and in a place he doesn’t have many contemporaries. That’s not to say Waterloo isn’t known for producing R&B artists. Waterloo native Tracie Spencer was the youngest American performer to sign with a major label when she signed to Capitol Records. Her single, This House reached number three on the Billboard 100 list. Spencer’s father, Marvin Spencer, was an inductee in the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association’s Hall of
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Fame. But Tracie has left the area and Marvin passed away last year at age 75. Frank Spencer, Tracie’s brother, collaborated with Damar on the album, co-writing Realize. Damar got his start singing gospel music at age 8. He grew up listening to R&B and found the two types of music require similar emotional expression. Damar says he uses that passion to try to distinguish himself as an R&B artist. “A lot of people say what makes me different is I have my own style,” he said, adding he occasionally embellishes songs with bits of hip-hop. “I’m trying not to just limit myself to singing,” he said. Damar is working on a video to I Like, a track on his new EP. He plans to release that on Valentine’s Day. He has a show at a comedy and music showcase at the Teamsters Hall, 5000 J St. SW in Cedar Rapids. Valentine’s Day Comedy Show Jontay Damar Saturday, Feb. 14@6PM Teamsters Hall, Cedar Rapids $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Photos by MI3RDEYE PHOTOGRAPHY
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COURTESY PHOTO
Adam Devine has become one of the most sought after young comedians and actors in the comedy world. The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls apparently knew just where to look, landing the funny guy on its February calendar. Devine is best known as a co-creator, writer and star of the hit Comedy Central show “Workaholics.” He can also be seen on Comedy Central’s “Adam Devine’s House Party.” You might also know him
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from the big screen comedy “Pitch Perfect,” or as a scene-stealing reoccurring guest star role as a nanny on “Modern Family.” He’s also got a few other films, including a “Pitch Perfect” sequel, in the works. But his finest credit, as far as we’re concerned, is that he’s one of the Cedar Valley’s own. Devine grew up on Waterloo’s Grant Avenue and has fond memories of the neighborhood.
“It was awesome, just a lot of children, so we liked to get into mischief and throw rocks at cars. For most of my childhood, I mostly remember throwing rocks and/or water balloons,” he said in a 2012 Pulse story after he landed the “Workaholics” gig. He was bitten by the comedy bug in elementary school. “There was this super babe, as far as you can be in the fourth grade, in my class,” he said. “We did some play, and I made everybody laugh in the play, and then af-
terwards she said, ‘Oh, that was so funny. I can’t believe how funny you were.’ Then all these kindergarten kids came over and asked for my autograph. I thought, this is a job.” Adam Devine Saturday, Feb. 28 @ 8 PM Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center Cedar Falls $23-29 | unitix.edu
He’s a lot less fluffy than when he first appeared on the comedy scene, but he’s no less funny. Gabriel Iglesias, aka “Fluffy,” is bringing his stand-up routine to the Paramount Theatre in February. He’s one of America’s most successful stand-up comedians, performing in sold-out concerts across the globe. His bit features a mix of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring his personal experiences to life. Last year, his comedy film “The Fluffy
Movie” saw a strong box office showing. Following that release, Iglesias appeared in the animated film “The Book of Life” alongside Zoe Saldana and Channing Tatum. This summer, he’ll reprise his role as Tobias in the highly anticipated “Magic Mike” sequel, “Magic Mike XXL.” Gabriel Iglesias
Saturday, Feb. 21 @ 7:30 PM Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids $47-$282 paramounttheatrecr.com
BUSH
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Bush’s debut album, and they want to celebrate with concertgoers in Cedar Rapids on Feb. 8. The multi-platinum rock band will stop at the Paramount Theatre as part of its headlining North American Tour, in supports of the release of the group’s new album, Man on the Run. Over two decades, Bush has sold close to 20 million records in the U.S. and Canada and compiled an amazing string of 18 consecutive Top 40 hit singles on the Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts. Six of those hits have shot to No. 1 — Comedown, Glycerine, Machinehead, Swallowed, The Chemicals Between Us and The Sound of Winter.
Bush is fronted by none other than vocalist/guitarist Gavin Rossdale — yes, THE Gavin Rossdale — and features Chris Traynor on guitar, Corey Britz on bass and Robin Goodridge on drums. Opening for Bush will be Theory of a Deadman and Stars in Stereo.
Bush with Theory of a Deadman and Stars in Stereo
Sunday, Feb. 8 @ 7:30 PM Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids $39.50-$225.00 | paramounttheatrecr.com
THEORY OF A DEADMAN COURTESY PHOTOS
HEARD THAT
THE LOWEST PAIR THE SACRED HEART SESSIONS
H
aving come together in late 2013, then crisscrossed the country on continuous tours and played various festivals, the Lowest Pair somehow managed to record a second full-length album.
Lee and Winter have tight harmony vocals, and their tickling banjo licks weave seamlessly without stepping on each other.
Made up of songwriters Palmer Lee of Minneapolis and Kendl Winter of Olympia, Wash., the duo splits songwriting and banjo-picking duties.
This new album features their impeccable harmonies, but only a couple of the tracks feature both playing the five-string banjo. Instead, most of the songs feature one on guitar and the other on banjo. In the bleak and beautiful track Scavenger Hunt neither pick banjo.
The Sacred Heart Sessions is the Lowest Pair’s haunting, powerful follow-up to their debut album, 36¢. It was recorded at the Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth, Minn. A historic cathedral, the space created a huge amount of natural reverb on the tracks.
What this album showcases is their songwriting. Much of their debut album featured songs they had written and performed solo. The Sacred Heart Sessions features the two crafting songs together with beautiful results.
JOHN MOLSEED | PULSE WRITER In Howl, Winter and Lee croon in perfect harmony with a ringing reverb that works great from the beginning to the last note. In Minnesota Mend Me, Lee sings about his home state with a yearning punctuated by the echoing reverb that reflects the windswept, driftless plains of the North country he sings about. Breaking up some of the mesmerizing and moving tracks are toe tappers Ruben’s Fortune and Fourth Time’s a Charm. For plaintive, soulful songs like Howl, Minnesota Mend Me and Scavenger Hunt, the album’s saturation of reverb fits perfectly. For others, like Winter’s Rosie, the echoing reverb doesn’t quite fit the tone of the
song and is almost a distraction. However, nothing can distract from the fact that these talented musicians have produced another moving piece of work.
SLEATER-KINNEY NO CITIES TO LOVE
NO GOOD DEED LOOKING FOR A MANTRA
N
o Good Deed’s Looking for a Mantra sounds like a greatest hits or anthology collection put out by a band that has accumulated years of experience and material. The versatility of the album probably comes from the years of experience each musician brings to the Des Moines band. The album features 13 tracks of high-energy rock with post-punk and hard rock flavors. In that variety, there are sounds of 1980s and 1990s hard rock to pop-sounding tracks like If I Confess and Frank Sinatra. No Good Deed are what some people
might call old-timers who have stayed true to loud, fast rock ’n’ roll while resisting grunge and other dreary trends from the ’90s. Feeling Better epitomizes this with layered, fuzzy guitars and harmony vocals, while Back in Time almost sounds like it could be from a quasi-metal phase. The album was produced on the cheap and recorded in the group’s practice space. However, the sound holds its own when compared to expensive productions. Looking for a Mantra shows exactly how good, energetic musicians with decent amplifiers do more to create a solid rock album than post-production ever does. — John Molseed, Pulse
AUSTIN TAFT THE HUMAN CONDITION
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changes to emphasize the emotional punch Taft works to deliver.
Almost entirely acoustic, the album showcases Taft’s technical proficiency on guitar. The strings ring bright and repeated refrains riffs and picking ring clearly.
Touches of keys add to the record to pull it back from being too moody. In Moving Day, keys add a light playful riff. In Ultimatum, they add an orchestral swell and in Superheroes, the layered keys and drums briefly depart from the guitar-riff driven songs that make up most of the rest of the album.
ustin Taft’s new solo album, The Human Condition, is a departure his usual harder, heavy rock sound from the Austin Taft Soundtrack.
Taft’s distinct, emotional voice is recognizable for those familiar with his other hard work projects. He pours his art into his lyrics both in penning them and belting them out. His inflections range from thin and reedy to roaring. The music is equally full of dynamic
Taft, of Cedar Falls, embraces a vintage 1990s sound. His lyrics are weighty, full of dichotomy and metaphors that aren’t always easy to understand. What is clear is his heart is in this work. — John Molseed, Pulse
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M
uch of Sleater-Kinney’s new album — the first since the trio called it quits in 2006 — seems dedicated to the question: How did this happen? Maybe it’s because of the successes they found in their time apart, but SleaterKinney sounds more confident and accomplished than ever — a real feat considering their riot grrl roots. There’s a grandeur on Hey Darling, an early song-of-the-year candidate that covers Carrie Brownstein’s anxieties about being onstage, showing the trio hasn’t been standing still over the past nine years. And that’s good because way more people are watching now — something very clear in the star-studded video for the title track of No Cities to Love, which includes everyone from Fred Armisen and Andy Samberg to Norman Reedus of The Walking Dead singing along with the song. Luckily, Sleater-Kinney is more than ready. — Glenn Gamboa, Newsday
READY TO ROCK OUR PICKS, YOUR CLICKS I Want to See the States by Hellogoodbye A modern This Land Is Your Land, the group’s latest single is a delightfully folksy departure from their usual electro-tinged pop. — Alan S. Turtles All the Way Down by Sturgill Have you ever wondered what Waylon Jennings would sound like on an acid trip? Wonder no more. — Wes T.
HEAD EAST 2.7
TOM ARNOLD 2.14
Taking Over Me by Jontay Damar Aux cord. Volume. And an irresistible urge to dance in the driver’s seat to this brilliant track by this Waterloo talent. (See his story on page 4.) — Meta H. Glamorous Glue by Morrissey This track, from Your Arsenal, is a Bowie-like rocker from the often sullen singer. — Doug H.
Coming Home by Leon Bridges Love his smooth voice and total ’50s vibe.
HELLYEAH 2.21
— Holly H.
Tall Tall Shadow by Basia Bulat When you are your own worst enemy, at least you can commiserate with this Canadian songstress. Bonus: the song’s totally danceable. — Christinia C.
PUDDLE OF MUDD 2.27
GIN BLOSSOMS 2.28
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True by Spandau Ballet This deliciously drippy early ’80s song makes me long for a Molly Ringwald movie marathon. And check out that sax solo. — David H. Goshen ’97 by Strand of Oaks Crunchy guitars a la Dinosaur Jr. drive this slightly-more-bitter-thansweet nostalgia piece about adolescent music making. — Wes T. Sugar by Maroon 5 Hate on them all you want; this catchy slow jam with an electronic edge makes me happy, and that’s enough for me. — Alan S.
Morning Song by Avett Brothers The ache in the vocals belies ostensible hope in the lyrics.
— Doug H.
Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants The Johns combine irresistibly catchy music with slightly off-kilter lyrics to make this 1988 classic ode to an unmet woman across the globe. — Christinia C. I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith There’s a meteor on a path to destroy Earth, so what do you do? Grab a silk scarf and belt out this power ballad, that’s what. — David H.
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THE NOMINEES BEST PICTURE
American Sniper Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Boyhood The Grand Budapest Hotel The Imitation Game Selma The Theory of Everything Whiplash
ACTOR
Steve Carell, Foxcatcher Bradley Cooper, American Sniper Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game Michael Keaton, Birdman Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything
ACTRESS
Marion Cotillard, Two Days, One Night Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything Julianne Moore, Still Alice Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl Reese Witherspoon, Wild
SUPPORTING ACTOR Robert Duvall, The Judge Ethan Hawke, Boyhood Edward Norton, Birdman Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
SUPPORTING ACTRESS Patricia Arquette, Boyhood Laura Dern, Wild Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game Emma Stone, Birdman Meryl Streep, Into the Woods
MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING
Foxcatcher The Grand Budapest Hotel Guardians of the Galaxy
DIRECTING
Alejandro G. Inarritu, Birdman Richard Linklater, Boyhood Bennett Miller, Foxcatcher Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game
CINEMATOGRAPHY Birdman The Grand Budapest Hotel Ida Mr. Turner Unbroken
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM SOUND MIXING
Ida Leviathan Tangerines Timbuktu Wild Tales
American Sniper Birdman Interstellar Unbroken Whiplash
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
SOUND EDITING
Jason Hall, American Sniper Graham Moore, The Imitation Game Paul Thomas Anderson, Inherent Vice Anthony McCarten, The Theory of Everything Damien Chazelle, Whiplash
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Alejandro G. Inarritu et al., Birdman Richard Linklater, Boyhood E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman, Foxcatcher Wes Anderson and Hugo Guinness, The Grand Budapest Hotel Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Captain America: The Winter Soldier Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Guardians of the Galaxy Interstellar X-Men: Days of Future Past
American Sniper Birdman The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Interstellar Unbroken
ORIGINAL SCORE
PRODUCTION DESIGN
COSTUME DESIGN
THE FACTS EIGHT IS ENOUGH: For the first time since the academy expanded possible best-picture nominees to 10 contenders in 2009, just eight films are up for the top prize. There were
10 contenders in 2009, 2010 and 2011, while nine films vied for the trophy in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The academy tweaked the rule in 2011 that films must receive a certain amount of first-place votes to receive best-picture consideration. GOING FOR GOLD: Into the Woods costume designer Colleen Atwood and Unbroken cinematographer Roger Deakins have the most nods in their respective categories for living folks. Atwood is at 11, while Deakins has 12. However, both have a few ceremonies to go before topping late costume designer
10 PULSE FOX SEARCHLIGHT, WEINSTEIN, PARAMOUNT, WARNER BROS., FOCUS FEATURES, SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES
CitizenFour Finding Vivian Maier Last Days in Vietnam The Salt of the Earth Virunga
Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 Joanna Our Curse The Reaper (La Parka) White Earth
ORIGINAL SONG
The Grand Budapest Hotel Inherent Vice Into the Woods Maleficent Mr. Turner
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
DOCUMENTARY SHORT
The Grand Budapest Hotel The Imitation Game Interstellar Mr. Turner The Theory of Everything
Big Hero 6 The Boxtrolls How to Train Your Dragon 2 Song of the Sea The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
TRIPLE THREAT: Bradley Cooper’s nomination for his leading role in American Sniper is his third consecutive acting nod, following American Hustle in 2014 and Silver Linings Playbook in 2013. The previous performers to three-peat were Renee Zellweger (Bridget Jones’ Diary, Chicago, Cold Mountain) and Russell Crowe (The Insider, Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind).
American Sniper Boyhood The Grand Budapest Hotel The Imitation Game Whiplash
VISUAL EFFECTS
Everything Is Awesome from The Lego Movie Glory from Selma Grateful from Beyond the Lights I’m Not Gonna Miss You from Glen Campbell … I’ll Be Me Lost Stars from Begin Again
The Grand Budapest Hotel The Imitation Game Interstellar Into the Woods Mr. Turner
FILM EDITING
ANIMATED SHORT FILM The Bigger Picture The Dam Keeper Feast Me and My Moulton A Single Life
LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM Aya Boogaloo and Graham Butter Lamp (La Lampe Au Beurre De Yak) Parvaneh The Phone Call
Edith Head (35 nominations) or cinematographers Charles B. Lang Jr. and Leon Shamroy (18 nods). FIRST TIMERS: In the acting categories, almost half of the nominees are up for their very first Academy Award, including Steve Carell (Foxcatcher), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game), Michael Keaton and Emma Stone (Birdman), J.K. Simmons (Whiplash), Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything), Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) and Patricia Arquette (Boyhood).
SUNDAY, FEB. 22 @ 6 PM, ABC TEXT BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PULSE 11
STARRING: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Marcia Gay Harden It is getting hot in here, or is it just all the bondage set to Beyonce songs? Cool down with a glass of white zin, because you know there will be bottles of that smuggled into every theater in the country. Wouldn’t it be a hoot if this was actually hot and good?
FEBRUARY 13
FEBRUARY 6 STARRING: SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, Mr. Krabs, Sandy Cheeks, Plankton SpongeBob is trading the pineapple under the sea for superpowers to chase down Puss in Boots for an autograph. Just kidding, they’re trying to stop Burger-Beard, a evil pirate played by Antonio Banderas, who is controlling the world with a magic book.
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UNIVERSAL, PARAMOUNT, 20TH CENTURY FOX, SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS
FEBRUARY FILMS FEBRUARY 6 Jupiter Ascending Mila Kunis is humanity’s last hope, so keep your fingers crossed she can save us all by having Ashton Kutcher’s baby. We know she’s good at that. Seventh Son Prince Caspian takes a break from Narnia to play the titular warrior. His first assignment? Take down Julianne Moore. Good luck! Ballet 422 A backstage look at the New York City Ballet as a new production comes together.
FEBRUARY 13 Kingsman: The Secret Service Colin Firth (at right) and Michael Caine show a bunch of chavs how to wield a pistol, throw grenades and execute a karate chop like proper gentlemen. The Last Five Years This is based on a musical I’ve never heard of, apparently, but Anna Kendrick is in it, so it has that going for it. What We Do in the Shadows My least favorite half of the Flight of the Conchords team runs around with his fellow vampires.
FEBRUARY 20 Hot Tub Time Machine 2 Lou gets shot! So the most obvious way to save him is to get in a hot tub that is also a time machine. The bubbles still only stay on for 30 minutes, though. The DUFF If you’re not hep to the jive, DUFF means Designated Ugly Fat Friend, which is incredibly cruel. I like to think I’m at least a DUFFF, with the extra F standing for funny. *twirls hair* McFarland, USA It’s Chariots of Fire, but with Americans instead of Brits and a cross-country team instead of Olympians. This will probably not win Best Picture, though. Wild Tales I watched two clips from this. One was at a wedding and the other was on an airplane, and I have no idea what the movie is about. Gloria A biopic about “controversial Mexican pop/rock icon Gloria Trevi.” Sorry, but who now?
FEBRUARY 27 Focus Will Smith is an old hand at grifting, but adding an attractive woman to the mix leads to complications. Whose family will they go to on Christmas? Little Boy A 7-year-old boy will do whatever it takes to end World War II and bring his father home. Not to be a dream crusher, but unless you’re a brilliant theoretical physicist, move on, kid. Maps to the Stars Hey, more Moore! Also some Cusack (male) and that sparkly vampire guy. Julianne gets stalked by someone who may be the reincarnation of her dead actress mother. ’71 A young British soldier gets left behind after a riot in Belfast. Hints for survival: Stop waving the Union Jack and singing God Save the Queen. Everly Salma Hayek defends her apartment from her ex, a mob boss, with a machine gun. I think that’s enough to make this worthwhile, don’t you? My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn A film about a guy you’ve never heard of who made a movie you’ve never heard of (Only God Forgives). Ryan Gosling is in it, at least.
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Music ALAN SIMMER | PULSE
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ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER
Criminal Girls: Invite Only This game includes “oneon-one motivational sessions” with your team of heroines, so, uh, pretty sure this is a pervy kind of game. Consider yourself warned!
The creepiest of the Zelda games is back, looking FEBRUARY 13 better than ever. Seriously, if you never played FOR: 3DS Majora’s Mask, get on it. Live the same three days over and over, helping the people of Termina as the end of the world draws nigh. And what better way to play than on a New 3DS XL, with face-tracking 3-D and a new C-stick? (Good luck trying to find a limited edition Majora’s model like this one, though. It ain’t happening, chum.)
Vita; Feb. 3.
Evolve The next generation of multiplayer shooter!!!!!! Gee, I’ve never heard that before, but I guess setting four hunters against one big scary monster in a five-player match sounds kinda fun.
FOR: PS3, PS4, X360, XB1
FEBRUARY 17
PC, PS4, XB1; Feb. 10.
Dead or Alive 5: Last Round It’s the biggest roster for a Dead or Alive game to date, and you can dress them up in unlockable costumes, accessories and hairstyles! Wait, am I talking about a new Style Savvy or a fighting game? PS4, XB1; Feb. 17.
Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell — all the big names from the Dragon Ball universe are here, ready to fight each other. After standing around and talking for 14 episodes, of course.
Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart This one’s a pervy game for sure, no ifs, ands or buts. Well, probably butts. OK, definitely butts, but SRPG butts, which is a change for the series. Vita; Feb. 24.
Rugby 15 Hey, rugby! The sport everyone in the world considers better than football! Also soccer, everyone thinks soccer is better than football too. America is weird.
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PS3, PS4, XB1; Feb. 24.
FOR: Wii U
FEBRUARY 20 Draw Kirby a path to tumble along in this spiritual sequel to Kirby: Canvas Curse. (It’s sort of weird that eating is the puffball’s main trick but he won’t be using it here.)
Welcome to Neo-Victorian London, old chap! Now pick up your thermite rifle and let’s blast the heck out of some half-breed scum so we can make these pavements safe to walk again — aside from the poles that pop out of the fog, that is.
FEBRUARY 20 FOR: PS4
Citizens, unite! ALAN SIMMER | PULSE WRITER
T
he present day is not a particularly popular setting for RPGs. You’ve got your Personas, your The World Ends With Yous, but most of the genre involves magic and dragons and swords, oh my.
Citizens also owes a loving debt to EarthBound, the RPG from which it draws the most inspiration. There are little homages to the SNES classic scattered throughout the game, which never failed to delight me.
Citizens of Earth says no to a knight in the starring role, eschewing the fantasy life for something a little closer to home. You play as the Vice President of the World, recruiting loyal citizens to your cause — like a cop, a barista, a teacher, a handyman, a street musician, a beekeeper, a cat lady, a … well, you get the picture.
The unfortunate part is that characters can’t be hot-swapped during battle, though I see the difficulty of structuring fights if your back bench has 30 fully healed fighters on it.
Naturally, the VP doesn’t deign to get his own hands dirty, so the people you recruit form your team to take down angry protestors and unruly wildlife. Each citizen has their own battle techniques, and they all have a talent for use outside of battle. Your mom gives advice, your brother orders items from “FedUPS” and the school’s mascot changes the difficulty setting, for instance.
The practical consequence: Your roster will change fairly infrequently. The moves and elemental strengths of each character are useful in different situations, but it’s hard to keep everyone leveled up to the point of usefulness — or maybe I’m just too stingy with my money to pay for tutoring for everyone.
For: 3DS, PC, PS4, Vita, Wii U Price: $14.99 | Rated: Everyone 10+ PROS: C. CONS: Lines of text are weirdly close together vertically; no auto-scroll. But hey, it’s not like you were going to get super attached to that many characters anyway. (Sorry, plumber guy.) Citizens of Earth is a cheeky, charming game regardless of who ends up doing your bidding.
Recruitment often involves completing a side quest, and winning everyone over to your side is a little dose of “gotta catch ’em all.”
Play that funky music, Greek boy JAMES FRAZIER | PULSE WRITER
F
unk of Titans is a 2-D sidescroller with a lot of soul and the moves to match. In this case, I say “soul” as in “music” or, perhaps more accurately, “funk.” The game is a downloadable indie for the Xbox One that takes a classic type of gameplay and coats it in a celebratory coat of hip African-American funk culture with a liberal dusting of Greco-Roman imagery. The gameplay consists of Perseus, the son of Zeus, sporting an impressive afro and running through multiple levels to defeat the titans of pop, rap and rock, genres that offend the funk-loving Zeus’ good sensibilities. Perseus runs automatically, leaving the player to control his jumping and melee attacks. Through the levels, you are tasked with collecting gold vinyl records (analogous to coins in the Mario games), finding a Pegasus statue and doing so with as little damage as possible. Not that much damage is possible, as Perseus can take exactly two hits before succumbing to death. This isn’t as much of a handicap as
making plans? we’ll point the way
loaded traps and various other features that keep the action fast and fun.
For: XB1 | Price: $8.99 | Rated: Teen PROS: Classic gameplay, fun design, irreverent humor. CONS: Perhaps too easy at times, graphics underpowered.
it might sound, as Funk of Titans presents us with levels that are readily beatable despite the blistering pace of movement and low tolerance for error. They involve a lot of enemies, jumping on platforms, catapulting around the map through spring-
A CROWD OF MONSTERS, ATLUS, SONY, NINTENDO, NAMCO BANDAI, SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES
Upgrades can be purchased to customize Perseus’ appearance and weaponry in irreverent ways, such as equipping him with a Friday the 13th-style hockey mask or a vintage boom box in place of his trusty sword. These items make few modifications to gameplay but heighten the fun absurdity of the atmosphere, spicing up the playtime for those into its simple, breezy gameplay and deliberate silliness. The design often transcends the technical horsepower, such as during a level where Perseus continues his musical crusade cut against a setting golden sun. The 39 levels don’t make for an especially long experience; without any particular talent for platformers, I burned through the game in a handful of hours. But it’s something that Funk of Titans is enjoyable enough that you’ll actually feel compelled to play through it that quickly.
ReaD. WATCH. sURF CVPulse.com
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Heavenly entertainment Sister Act, Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash, tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would look – a convent. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the power of friendship, Sister Act, based on the award-winning movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, is a reason to rejoice. Sister Act Sunday, Feb. 8 @ 2 & 7:30 PM Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center Cedar Falls $33-$53 | gbpac.com
COURTESY PHOTO
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm | 500 Westfield Avenue, Waterloo, IA | 319-292-6126 | WaterlooTractor&EngineMuseum@JohnDeere.com
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Cedar Falls Downtown ~ Explore Discover Indulge
Get
the Look
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“Fashion For Less”
Friday, February 20, 7pm - Oster Regent Theatre - Boeing, Boeing Saturday, February 21, 7pm - Oster Regent Theatre - Boeing, Boeing Sunday, February 22, 2pm - Oster Regent Theatre - Boeing, Boeing Friday, February 27, 7pm - Oster Regent Theatre - Boeing, Boeing Saturday, February 28, 7pm - Oster Regent Theatre - Boeing, Boeing Sunday, March 1, 2pm - Oster Regent Theatre - Boeing, Boeing
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ain Slls M 1 32 dar Fa 497 Ce 66-6
-2 319.- fri. 10aM - 6pM
8PM-1 0PM 8PM-10PM
Feb 20 Open Mic
Mon aM - 5pM 0 Sat. 1
aM Davee MalaM 14 Dav Feb 14
Feb 21 Zoot ot & Newt all ll wa eRw deR and Van Feb 28 Rick V Live Jazz by Hands of Time Every Thursday 8-9:30pm
Pa stries
!!!
Check our website for 2015 Events at
www.cedarfallsdowntown.com
102 Main ST. Cedar Falls | 319.277.1596
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in good CEDAR FALLS
Beck’s Sports Grill | American, Sports Bar 2210 College St., Cedar Falls 319-277-2646 Hours: Open daily at 11 am www.barmuda.com
Soho Sushi Bar & Deli The Stuffed Olive | Deli, Sushi, Tapas, Martinis 119 Main St., Cedar Falls 319-266-9995 Hours: Monday – Friday at 6:30 am; Saturday – Sunday at 7:00 am www.barmuda.com
Featuring Beck's homemade microbrews, voted best burger, locally owned restaurant, sports bar and place to play pool in the Cedar Valley.
Bourbon Street is a step off of Main Street into the French Quarter featuring Certified Black Angus steaks and delicious seafood complimented by an extensive menu and great wines. Ferrari’s Ristorante | American and Italian 1521 Technology Pkwy., Cedar Falls 319-277-1385 Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am - 10 pm, Saturday 4 - 10 pm www.barmuda.com Ferrari’s features only the finest steaks, freshest seafood and authentic Italian fare. Offering light, quick lunch options along with an extensive dinner menu and wine.
WATERLOO
Bourbon Street | American, Cajun and Creole 314 Main St., Cedar Falls 319-266-5285 Hours: Monday – Saturday 4 - 10 pm www.barmuda.com
Fresh made sushi and deli sandwiches, salads and paninis combined with globally inspired tapas dishes and over 100 different martinis. Also serving homemade breakfast selections and cookies made from scratch. Beck’s Sports Brewery Sports Bar | American, Microbrewery 3295 University Ave., Waterloo 319-234-4333 Hours: Open daily at 11 am www.barmuda.com Featuring Beck’s homemade microbrews and famous burgers, wings and pizza. Voted best burger (10 years running), best happy hour, best locally owned restaurant and sports bar in the Cedar Valley. Guerilla Brewing/Lava Lounge/Beer Hall | Microbrewery and Bar 2401 Falls Ave., Waterloo 319-234-5686 Hours: Monday – Thursday 5 pm - Midnight; Friday & Saturday 4 pm - Midnight Artisanal Nano Brewery is releasing limited run beer, producing 10 gallons of each new recipe.We produced 50 different beers in 2013. Brand new brew.
PRICING GUIDE (per entrée) | $10
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$20
$30
$40+
Hilton Garden Inn
Garden Grille Restaurant | Conference Center 7213 Nordic Dr., Cedar Falls 319-266-6611 New Hilton opened in 2012, elegant dining and entertaining of Hilton standards. Full service hotel with Ballroom seating up to 350 people. Garden Grille Restaurant and Bar open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as large exterior patios with firepits. Full service dining on site, Chefs with banquet menus and banquet bars available. Deposits and minimums required, full payment required prior to event. Guest room blocks available. The Lone Wolf | Bar, Restaurant 777 Isle of Capri Blvd., Waterloo 319-833-2157 Hours: Monday – Friday Breakfast 7:00 am - 10:30 pm Sunday – Thursday 11:30 am - 1:00 am Friday & Saturday 11:30 am - 2:00 am Karaoke – Wednesday 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Howl Hour 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Monday – Thursday Glass of Wine $1.50 Retro Beers $1.50 $2.00 off appetizers www.waterloo. isleofcapricasinos.com Whether you feel like getting food to go or plan to stay a while, The Lone Wolf is sure to please.
Otis & Henry’s Bar and Grill. | Bar and Grill 777 Isle of Capri Blvd., Waterloo 319-833-2241 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday open at 5 pm Closed Sunday and Monday www.waterloo. isleofcapricasinos.com Combines the comfort of a neighborhood bar and grill with the favorites of a steakhouse. Choose from the delicious pastas, sandwiches, salads, steaks, fish and desserts. Rudy’s Tacos | Mexican 2401 Falls Ave., Waterloo 319-234-5686 Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm www.rudystacos.com Rudy’s uses local ingredients through the Northern Iowa Food and Farm Partnership’s Buy Fresh/Buy Local program. Hurricane Grill and Wings American Restaurant and Bar 2027 Crossroads, Blvd., Waterloo 319-833-9464 Hours: Open daily at 11:00am www.hurricanewingsia.com Hurricane Grill and Wings is a fun family restaurant with a tropical feel, specializing in wings that are “LIVE WITH FLAVOR” with over 30 sauces to choose from. Offering an outdoor patio with a super menu and specialty drinks.
the dish
ExpEriEncE thE cuisinE and crEativity of hilton GardEn inn’s nEw ExEcutivE chEf
Chef on the edge tHE GARdEn GRIllE & BAR The Garden Grille & Bar 7213 Nordic Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613 319.266.6611 www.hiltongardenincedarfalls.com MondAy- FRIdAy HouRS: Breakfast: 6AM-10 AM Lunch: 11 AM-2 PM Dinner: 5 PM-10 PM SAtuRdAy & SundAy HouRS: Breakfast: 7 AM-11 AM Lunch: CLOSED Dinner: 5 PM-10 PM
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Since opening in 2012, The Garden Grille and Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn has become one of the Cedar Valley’s premier culinary hotspots, a must-visit dining location for visitors and local residents alike. Although already renowned for stellar cuisine and an inviting atmosphere worthy of the Hilton name, The Garden Grille & Bar has a new addition that’s already taking the restaurant to new heights of excellence. Executive Chef Sean Donohue was recently welcomed to the staff of The Garden Grille & Bar, bringing with him more than three decades of experience and the expertise to match. Raised in Dublin, Ireland, Chef Donohue’s culinary career began as a dishwasher, but he quickly advanced, soon finding himself studying at culinary school under the tutelage of Certified Master Chef Graham Bieur. Since coming to the United States in 1986, Chef Donohue has managed and owned a variety of top-tier restaurants in places such as Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, New Jersey, South Carolina and Vermont. Mary Carlson, the hotel’s General Manager, first met Chef Donohue when he came to The Garden Grille & Bar to work some important functions. Carlson was so impressed with his talent that she personally appealed to Chef Donohue to be The Garden Grille & Bar’s new executive Chef. She was thrilled when he agreed.
MAttHEW PutnEy | Pulse Photographer
“We had so many talented young Chefs,” Carlson said. “We also wanted a talented, experienced Chef to organize everyone and move us in the right direction. And that was definitely Sean.” One of Chef Donohue’s first tasks was to create a brand new menu for every aspect of The Garden Grille & Bar, from tasty bar food to elegant dinners. “My philosophy is to do things out of the ordinary, always take things one step above,” Donohue said. He’s done that with a number of his irresistible new menu items such a duck sliders and miniature brioche buns with real lobster. “I’ve seen what’s in the area and I’m doing exciting stuff you won’t find anywhere else around here,” he said. While Chef Donohue is committed to pushing the envelope and bringing amazing new flavors to the Cedar Valley, he recognizes and celebrates the value of time-tested favorites. “Some people just want a great steak, others love pasta,” he said. “You’ve got to have a little bit of everything and appeal to everybody.” With that in mind, his menu includes such staples as succulent steaks, fresh seafood, delectable sandwiches and colorful salads. One of Chef Donohue’s personal favorites is a special called Chicken Sinatra, a fabulous Italian dish featuring mushrooms, onions, olive, and tomato Alfredo sauce with angel hair pasta. JAMES FRAZIER | Pulse Writer
PULSE 19
S A T U R D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 2 8 GALLAGHER BLUEDORN
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