Dec. 1, 2005
Music, Movies and More
Joaquin Phoenix brings Johnny Cash alive
MUSIC USIC:: Punk band MXPX talks to the Daily TItan MOVIE: Felicity Huffman talks about ‘TransAmerica’ MORE ORE:: CSUF’s Hip Hop Congress, plus the latest entertainment news
2 THE
BUZZ
Contents 02 03 04 05 06
The Inside Buzz MXPX Interview New Movie Reviews New Movie Reviews Flashback Favorite Ryan Seacrest Preview Concert Calend Calendar 07 CSUF Hip Hop Congress 08 American Music Awards Celebrity Fashion Cele ON THE COVER: Joaquin Phoenix stars in Twentieth Century Fox’s “Walk the Line,” the story of legendary singer and songwriter Johnny Cash’s early life and career. With Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, the movie has been a hit in theaters. (Photo provided by Twentieth Century Fox)
THE BUZZ
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AMANDA PENNINGTON A ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR MAHSA KHALILIFAR EXECUTIVE EDITOR NICOLE M. SMITH DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING CAN SENGEZER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING EMILY ALFORD PRODUCTION AMANDA PENNINGTON, MAHSA KHALILIFAR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES LESLEY WU, DERRICK SALATNAY, VANESSA RUMBLES, RICH BOYD, KIMBERLY LEUNG, JACKIE KIMMEL The Daily Titan 714.278.3373 T The Buzz Editorial 714.278.5426 thebuzz@dailytitan.com Editorial Fax 714.278.4473 The Buzz Advertising 714.278.3373 ads@dailytitan.com Advertising Fax 714.278.2702 The Buzz , a student publication, is a supplemental insert for the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan. It The is printed every Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. Copyright ©2005 Daily Titan
THE INSIDE BUZZ By MAHSA KHALILIFAR Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor
The truth always comes out in the end, even in Hollywood, believe it or not … Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey officially called it quits after months of rumors. Under California law, Lachey is entitled to half of Simpson’s assets: Let the war begin … NBC and The Donald, as in Trump, have decided they need to step up their game if they want to improve the slipping ratings of the hit show “The Apprentice.” They hope that moving his fifth season
Word
of the reality show from New York to Hollywood will help with just that, according to People … Perhaps taking cues from Sir Elton John hilmself, controversial singer George Michael plans on marrying his partner Kenny Goss. The couple has been together for 10 years and is going to make it official soon, although no date has been set … Speaking of controversy, the blunt and cold Simon Cowell has ended the money battle with “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller, inking many more years on the popular show. His smirk will grace viewers for five more years on the reality series. The details of the deal are not available, but reports say it will make Cowell millions … Jack White, the bizarre singer of the White Stripes and former flame of actress Renee Zellweger is going to be a dad. Many may not remember his June marriage to model Karen Elson, but it happened and now they are expecting a little one, according to her reps. This will be the first child for both and we’ll see how that one turns out … New CD releases of the week include Shakira’s Oral Fixation, vol. 2
[Enhanced] … rock band INXS’s Switch, which features the band’s newly picked singer, J.D. Fortune from their stint on the reality series “Rock Star INXS.” … Dave Matthews Band’s Weekend on The Rocks [live CD and DVD]… The Darkness’s One Way Ticket to Hell… And Back ... New hiphop sensation Chris Brown is out with his self-titled debut Chris Brown … New DVD releases include “March of the Penguins” … check out Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s steamy chemistry in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” … The sequel to funny man Rob Schneider’s adventures as a male escort in “Deuce Bigalow – European Gigolo” … Kurt Russell’s “Sky High” … Celebrity sighting of the week: Former wrestler Bill Goldberg getting out of a black Mercedes about to eat at a restaurant in Irvine with a female companion before the holiday … Celebrity gossip of the week: Could actress Gwyneth Paltrow be expecting again? Photographs seem to show a little belly bump on the wife of Coldplay frontman Chris Marti … Stay tuned for that and more on next week’s Inside Buzz …
Want more Buzz? Check us out on the Web for the latest hot new music reviews. www.dailytitan.com
Quote of the Week
On The Web
“Obviously, he irritates me on a significant basis, as everyone’s significant other does.” – Madonna to Rolling Stone about her director husband Guy Ritchie
3 MXPX talks about indie labels, history MUSIC
By KELLI FADROSKI Daily Titan Staff
Amid pop glamour and the throwback rock ‘n’ roll monopolizing prime radio and TV slots, the independent music scene is thriving without marketing trickery and million dollar budgets. Washington punk band MXPX shed its major label cocoon and emerged more collected on California-based indie label, SideOne Dummy. Panic is the perfect title for the new album as each track explodes with urgency. “It seemed very appropriate for the time,” MXPX drummer Yuri Ruley said. “In the world right now it just seems like all we were seeing on the news was panic and, especially in America, it seems like the government likes to instill panic ... so we thought – ‘lets name it Panic.’” Ruley, along with vocalist/bassist Mike Herrera and guitarist Tom Wisniewski are currently on tour spreading their message. MXPX has been touring since the album’s release in the spring. Taking on the summer-long Vans Warped Tour, and now this U.S. tour, the guys aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. “My favorite track on the album [is] ‘Waiting for the World to End,’ because of the melodies,” Ruley said. “It’s got a cool vibe ... We’ve actually never performed it live but we’ve been working on other songs off the album ... It seems like ‘Young and Depressed’ just gets the crowd nuts.”
Since its departure from major label A&M, MXPX has found peace in a less restrictive environment. The band is able to do things its way with a label that understands what the guys want to do. “On our first couple of records we would literally just get in there and make the record because we just didn’t have any money or a record budget,” Ruley said. “When we moved on to a major label it was several months in a big fancy recording studio in Los Angeles, which was cool ... but now we’re in a very different place and realize that that’s not really important.” The guys actually built their own recording studio in their hometown of Bremerton, Wash., where they were able to capture the exact sound they wanted. “Basically we just fixed up the old garage and now it’s our studio,” Ruley said. “We planned on making this record really quickly and not spending months and months recording it so ... the panic comes across in the recording. There was never a loss of momentum.” The band has been able to make music a profitable profession for 13 years and is thankful for its fans. After every show the guys come out for a fan meet-and-greet. “There was a girl on this tour that came and saw us and said if it weren’t for us she would have killed herself,” Ruley said. “One fan handed me an envelope and I was like ‘oh thanks’ and it felt like there was money in it ... I never thought someone would actually hand us an envelope full
of money so I put it in my bag and kinda forgot about it and one day I pulled it out and there was $300 in it and a note that said ‘this is the least I can do.’” The three also truly enjoy touring. No matter how vigorous the schedule, MXPX is up to the challenge and prepared to play arena gigs as well as small clubs, as long as the guys have feel-at-home amenities. “I bring my cell phone,” Ruley said. “I’ve had some bills in the past that I’m embarrassed to talk about today.” As far as the bands advice for getting out there and getting in tune with the indie scene, Ruley suggests “…get out of the house and don’t watch TV.” With months of touring still to go, the band is slated to spend the next six months in Europe, Japan, Canada and back to the United States by summer. Although there are no definite plans to start writing a new record, the guys are content with letting whatever happen, happen. “I think it will become obvious to us when we need to put out a new record,” Ruley said. “We don’t like to let too many years go by in between records.” After playing the same songs over and over again each night – does it get old playing the ever popular “Punk Rock Show?” “The songs get new life every night,” Ruley said. “I’m up there doing what I love to do, even if it’s a song we’ve played a thousand times or more and the kids are going crazy, it’s hard to think of that as a boring moment.”
INTERVIEWS
KELLI FADROSKI/Daily Titan
Mark Herrera, vocalist/bassist for punk band MXPX, played for fans on last summer’s Vans Warped Tour.
4 MOVIE
REVIEWS
The Buzz NEW MOVIE REVIEWS REVIEW S REVOLUTION STUDIOS
Idina Menzel (center) and Tracie Thoms (right) star in the Broadway-smash-hit-turned-movie, “Rent.”
THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
‘Rent’ sings about life, love, death in the city
Kevin Zegers and Felicity Huffman star Friday’s release “TransAmerica”
By MARISSA WELTMER
‘TransAmerica’ crosses genders
Daily Titan Staff
By JENNY STAR LOR Daily Titan Staff
With a captivating aura, Felicity Huffman breezed into the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills looking more like Lynette Scavo from “Desperate Housewives” than her character Bree in The Weinstein Company and IFC Films Dec. 2 release, “TransAmerica.” The movie tells the story of Bree, a conservative transsexual about to undergo the final sexual reassignment surgery to make her a full woman. Living in the slums of Los Angeles and working two jobs to pay for surgery, Bree receives a phone call one day from Toby (Kevin Zegers), a jailed 17-year-old New Yorker looking for his father. Persuaded by her therapist to settle her past before the final operation, Bree hesitantly flies to New York to bail Toby, her son, out. Plans falter and through a whirlwind of mishaps, the two wind up at the home of Bree’s parents who have shunned her because of her new life. During the journey, Toby realizes his admiration for Bree and tries to offer her the only gift he thinks he possesses – his body. Bree has to confess the truth. Directed by Duncan Tucker, “TransAmerica” is a fascinating
movie that gives viewers a chance to look at the life of a modern American family. “The main character is transsexual, but the film is not about transsexuality,” Tucker said of his first feature debut. “The idea behind the movie is about family and what it’s like to be a misfit.” Huffman was offered the part before her first table read of the then-soon-to-be-hit “Desperate Housewives” and recalled taking the roll of Bree as an “intimidating prospect.” “I didn’t think I could pull it off,” Huffman said in a press release. A brilliant actress who can transform from a woman playing a man who is becoming a woman, Huffman pulled off Bree with great vigor. She gives an amazing performance as if the roll of Bree was created solely for her. Zegers is also memorable as Toby. Wanting the role from the start, Zegers proved himself to be more than the cute face in his best known role as Josh Framm of the “Air Bud” movies. Huffman and Zegers are fantastic together. They both engage in their roles as Bree and Toby and are able to portray the characters effortlessly. “TransAmerica” will be in limited theaters Friday and will be in wide release Dec. 23.
“Rent.” The musical is great and the movie is better. After seeing “Rent” on Broadway, most audience members became fans. Many musicals are stuffy and deal with unrealistic situations, but “Rent” doesn’t follow that stereotype. Although some may be skeptical about Hollywood taking the Broadway explosion away from its theatrical roots, director Chris Columbus did more than a great job. The camera angles for the dance sequences captured every-
thing anybody would want to see on Broadway, but couldn’t. The cast, which was mostly the original Broadway castmembers, sing and dance better than ever. Rosario Dawson fit right in and made the movie more incredible. The brilliant songs make “Rent” a hit for a generation dealing with heavy topics. The plot line is simple, but complicated. It trails eight young people living in New York City who, through a series of connections, spend a year together as friends. Faced with difficult issues, like AIDS, poverty, death, and the
daily grind, the group develops a strong bond. For those who have not had the chance to see the theatrical show, just know you will be spoiled by the fantastic aerial views of incredible dance sequences. The lyrics tell the story of when the decadence of the 1980s left some of the generation stuck in its pitfalls. The musical numbers are not the happy-go-lucky ones of the past, but are filled with depth and heartache. “Rent” is a great musical theater production and the movie is evidence of just that.
Usher heats up the big screen Usher said with a laugh. What brought Usher and Chriqui together was their chemGrammy Award-winning R&B istry, Usher said. artist Usher Raymond continues The last girl cast in the movie, his transition to the big screen as her charisma and talent enchanted Darrell Williams, New JerUsher. After reading their lines, sey nightclub disc jockey, their lips connected. in the romantic comedy, “In “She knew how to kiss,” the Mix.” Usher said. “To tell a story The movie, directed by about love or a relationship and Ron Underwood, produced the obstacles you go through by Jon Dellaverson and exyou have to have ... chemisecutive produced by Usher try.” has the singer-turned-actor Chriqui began her career in as the DJ and entrepreneur Toronto at 10 years old. Lately, who aspires to run his own she’s gained momentum in her record company. When recurring role in “Entourage,” mobster “Don” Frank Pacelwhile appearing in “The O.C.” li (Chazz Palminteri) hires and HBO’s “Unscripted.” LIONSGATE FILMS Williams to spin records at R&B celebrity Usher stars “In the Mix” The story is lighthearted and his daughter’s party, Wilpredictable from the beginliams’ life is turned upside down ating our American James Bond? ning to end and some of the mob after he saves young Dolly (Em- Cause there is not one. I think scenes are gratuitiously violent, manuelle Chriqui). I might be the next vehicle to but “In the Mix” serves as the The movie follows the romance American James Bond. I think luxury vehicle to market Usher that blossoms between the two this [Darrel Williams] is close,” and delight his fans of all ages.
By CARMELLIA MUNGUIA Daily Titan Staff
who come from opposite worlds. In the movie, Usher plays astrong and sexy, yet vulnerable man who will surely woo his fans on the big screen. “How do we get close to cre-
MOVIE
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
“Walk the Line” tells of Johnny Cash and June Carter tumultous and intense love affair.
REVIEWS
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TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon play Cash and Carter in “Walk the Line”
Phoenix, Witherspoon “Walk the Line” By MARISSA WELTMER Daily Titan Staff
Johnny Cash: a legend, a songwriter, father, husband, adulterer, drug addict and a religious man. Cash could do anything and be whoever he wanted to be. “Walk the Line” captures the beginning of Cash’s life and career. The movie depicts his childhood and his rocky relationship with his father, his interest in music as a child, and the departure from his home when he left for the Air Force. The movie is based on Cash’s autobiography and personal stories passed down to his son John Carter-Cash, who is Johnny Cash and June Carter’s son. Joaquin Phoenix eerily becomes Johnny Cash. His attitude, demeanor, guitar playing, and even his voice are just like Cash’s own. Before Cash and Carter died they were working with the screenwriter. Cash reportedly specifically wanted Phoenix to play him. Reese Witherspoon played June Carter and brought the humor and strength that epitomized the country starlet. The movie followed the troubled road that brought the pair together, from buying his first guitar to convincing his first wife to marry him, as well as his inspiration for “Folsom Prison Blues” and living a life in front of the public eye.
There were great expectations for the film and it surpassed them. The most important detail was the music. Phoenix seemed to encompass Cash’s persona and it seemed as if legend himself might have been in the movie. The movie helped describe the personal troubles Cash, including his drug problems. It delved into the personal love story of Cash and Carter and all the passion they had for one another. It goes through the evolution of their relationship, including his first wife’s struggles with his infidelity. Although it was difficult to take positively, it seemed natural watching Cash and Carter’s story unfold, even though Cash had a wife and family. The movie’s continued theme is music and its importance in Cash’s life, with the appearances of Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton) and Buddy Holly (Jonathan Rice). As the audience watches the legend’s life unfold onscreen, Cash becomes human. He felt despair, happiness and had pitfalls like everyone, however fantastic his life may have been. But the movie does hit an abrupt end and leaves the audience wondering about the life Johnny Cash spent with June Carter, as well as his well publicized troubles after her death. Despite this minor nit-pick, “Walk the Line” is an incredible movie and one worth seeing.
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Cash (Phoenix) gained notoriety for his song “Folsom Prison Blues” even performing there.
6 TELEVISION Flashback Favorite
Gladiators ready By ASHLEY MAJESKI Daily Titan Staff CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATION
TV, radio host to launch new T-shirt line KIIS-FM morning disc jockey and American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, will be introducing his new T-Shirt line this Saturday at South Coast Plaza. His line, called “The R Line” is based on the Los Angeles pop culture scene. The event will take place at Nordstrom’s from 12 to 2 p.m. Check out The Buzz next week for an interview with Seacrest about his line and the inside scoop on the event. – Mahsa Khalilifar/Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor
They were tough. They were strong. They were fierce. They were the American Gladiators! Kids wanted to be them and contestants wanted to beat them. The premise of the show was simple: Gutsy contestants competed head-to-head against the muscled-up gladiators. Events ranged from the Wall, Powerball and, of course, the fan favorite Atlasphere, where contestants rolled around in over-sized hamster balls and tried to score, while dodging the gladiators. After competing in a series of events, the contestants met their final challenge in the Eliminator, a crazy obstacle course that decided who won. Though the events were exhilarating to watch, it was the gladiators that made this show such a hit. With names like Turbo, Ice and Nitro, these muscled-up challengers bordered the line between ‘roid-raging
rivals and good-natured competitors and were extremely likeable. The female Gladiators were beautiful and strong, and were great role models for young girls, except for Blaze (Sha-Ri Pendleton), who was often penalized for being excessively rough. Perhaps the best role model was Siren (Shelley Beattie), who, despite being deaf, was just as fierce as the rest of the group. Kids enjoyed the show because they could picture themselves competing in the events. The Hang Tough contest undoubtedly spurred many chicken fights on the monkey bars at schools across the nation. As the show’s popularity continued to grow, so did the sophistication of the events. In the beginning, events like Powerball, where competitors attempted to dunk balls in flimsy cylinders before being squashed by a gladiator, ruled the game.
In later seasons, however, the flimsy cylinders gave way to events like Rat Race, which featured an upside-down maze where competitors raced gladiators to the finish. The show ran for many years, but lost some of its flair when spin-offs like “International Gladiators” and “Celebrity American Gladiators” were introduced. Let’s face it, seeing Dean Cain getting slammed during Powerball by the monstrous Hawk (Lee Reherman) may have been fun, but didn’t have quite the same edge as seeing real, athletic contestants competing. Because the show does not air on TV anymore, your only hope of catching some of your favorite Gladiator moments is if the show is released on DVD. Of course, fans can always suit up in the red, white and blue Spandex outfits and challenge their buddies in true gladiator fun.
Concert Calendar Fri. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. The Dan Band Avalon Hollywood Fri. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. The 88 Troubadour West Hollywood Fri. Dec. 2, 8 p.m. De LA Soul Royce Hall – UCLA Los Angeles Fri. Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Bangles House of Blues Anaheim Sat. Dec. 3, 7 p.m. The Germs Key Club Los Angeles Sun. Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Propagandhi Chain Reaction Anaheim Mon. Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. International Noise Conspiracy Troubadour West Hollywood Mon. Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Kanye West UCI Bren Center Irvine Tues. Dec. 6, 6 p.m. KIIS FM Jingle Ball Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles
Hip Hop Congress
7
LEFT: Students sit back and watch their peer break dance during a lunch time performance presented by CSUF’s chapter of the Hip Hop Congress. This performance at the Becker Amphitheater precluded the group’s show, Revival of the Fittest, a show that took place at the Pub in the TSU Undergound. The festivities went on all day right before students went on Thanksgiving break. BELOW: Emcee Vice Varsa of the hip-hop group Deux Process looks off into the crowd at the TSU Pub during the Hip Hop Congress’ Revival of the Fittest show. The group was one of many acts to play in the Pub during the three hour show. The Hip Hop Congress puts on one big event like Revival of the Fittest every semester. (Photos by Kyle Schisler/ For the Daily Titan)
Hip Hop Congress showcases talent By DIANIKA ABBOTT Daily Titan Copy py Editor
From graffiti Chucks to iced-out bling, hip-hop, an artistic form of music rooted in the heart of New York’s inner city, has not only transformed the art of self-expression, but has also united many races and economic classes. That’s why members of Cal State Fullerton’s chapter of the Hip Hop Congress coordinated a show called Revival of the Fittest in the TSU Underground Pub right before the Thanksgiving break. The Hip Hop Congress is an international organization established to inspire young people to get involved in social action, civic service and cultural creativity. Revival of the Fittest showcased local hip-hop group Fresh Air, Rahman Jamaal, an open-mic session for emcees and B-boy battles. Rahman Jamaal, who starred in “The Beat,” an independent film about a young man who must choose between becoming a police officer or a rap artist, said hiphop has endured an evolution. “When [hip-hop] first came out it felt very community-based and the vibe was very organic,” said Jamaal, a former member of USC’s Hip Hop Congress. “Since then, its popularity has spread … and the industry has really capitalized on the talent.” Jamaal said that, through organizations like the Hip Hop Congress, he feels a shift back to hip-
hop’s original purpose of bringing people together, sharing knowledge, good times and music. Eric Santa Ines, CSUF Hip Hop Congress co-chair, said the organiztion arose in two different states separately. “Two guys in California started up a group called Hip Hop Congress,” Ines said. “At the same time there was a group in New York who had a similar organization. Ines said that the members of the organization in New York found the California groups online and decided that instead of fighting for the name they should join forces and the Hip Hop Congress movement took root. While hip-hop culture has grown from the basic elementary form of the 1980s to today’s imaginative and diverse form, Khalil of Fresh Air said that hip-hop is now more lucrative. “You have kids who parents bumped hip-hop while they were in the womb,” said Khalil. “They were fully immersed in the [culture] making them better producers, d-jays and emcees.” Ines said the CSUF Hip Hop congress not only sponsors events like Revival of the Fittest, they also sponsor guest speakers, producing, d-jay and emcee workshops. While members of the CSUF and the surrounding community packed into the Pub, it was apparent that hip-hop is not just a style of music – it is a way of life.
8 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
Celeb fashion at the AMAs Celebs walked the red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium for ABC’s 33rd Annual American Music Awards on Nov. 22. As usual, the stars dressed to impress, or not. Celebrating their second wedding anniversary, Dave Navarro and Carmen Electra looked stunning. Her green and black empire waist dress was perfect. She surely took home
the award for best cleavage. Lindsay Lohan’s new black ‘do and long black gown not only made her look washed-out, but she looked more Hot Topic than houte couture. Black is slimming, which may explain her emaciated look. Though not nominated for any awards, she went head-to-head with rival Hilary Duff for worst performance.
Looking like they just came from playing a gig at a house party, the All American Rejects still managed AMA’s hip-but-dressed-up look, though in dire need of a hairstylist. Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker and pregnant wife Shanna Moakler didn’t dress up for the occasion. He wore a white T-shirt and cargo shorts and with her in a smock shirt
and white jeans. Both wearing head-to-toe black outfits, Sheryl Crow and Lance Armstrong looked very much in love even cuddling once inside. Crow’s leather-and-fur look straddled the line of being too much, but she still managed to pull it off. – Ashley Majeski/Daily Titan Staff