Dec. 12 12,, 2005
Music, Movies and More
Pennywise talks to Daily Titan
MUSIC USIC:: System of a Down out with part two of double album release MOVIE: Knoxville stars in ‘The Ringer,’ ‘Why We Fight’ politically charged MORE ORE:: Artist intervie interviews ws,, plus the last ws last Inside Buzz of the fall semester
2 THE
BUZZ
Contents 02 The Inside Buzz 03 Flashback Favorite DVD Preview Restaurant Review 04 Artist Interviews 05 Pennywise Interview 06 New Movie Reviews 07 New Music Reviews 08 Places to go in LA, OC
ON THE COVER: Punk band Pennywise has been banging out punk rock anthems for more than 15 years. Go to page 5 to see how the band has coped with the onslaught of sugary sweet pop acts. (Photo provided by Epitaph Records)
THE INSIDE BUZZ By MAHSA KHALILIFAR Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor
Well guys this is it… the last Inside Buzz of the semester and it has been a good time indeed! A lot has happened these three months: Hollywood kept us gossiping and will continue to … Comedian legend, Richard Pryor, died Saturday at the age of 65. The star, who had been sick for years suffering from multiple sclerosis, passed away after having a heart attack. Pryor, who was born in Illinois as Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor
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III, was one of the most influential clude American Idol winner Bo Biand controversial comedians of ce’s The Real Thing… movie sound his time … After reports on “Ac- from “The Chronicles of Narnia: cess Hollywood” surfaced that ac- The Lion, the witch, and the Witch tor Matt Damon, 35, and fiancée and the Wardrobe: [Soundtrack] Luciana Bozan, … “Gasolina” hit29, were expectmaker and Reging their first child, gaeton superstar wedding bells soon Daddy Yankee’s rang. The couple Barrio Fino en Dicelebrated their recto… New DVD nuptials Friday in releases include New York, People Steve Carell starreports … Another ring in the comedy couple that took “The 40-year-old their matrimonial Virgin” … Fox’s vows was counlong-running hit, try singers Garth “The Simpsons Brooks and Trisha - The Complete Yearwood. After Seventh Season” WWW.RICHARDPRYOR.COM getting down on … Lauren Graone knee in front Richard Pryor died Saturday. ham starring in of thousands of the WB hit series: fans, 43-year-old Brooks proposed “Gilmore Girls - The Complete to 41-year-old Yearwood in May. Fifth Season” … Celebrity gosThe stars said their vows in Okla- sip of the week: Could Britney homa on Saturday; this is the sec- Spears and Kevin Federline be ond marriage for Brooks, third for the next couple headed to divorce Yearwood … Survivor host, Jeff court? Splittsville could be in their Probst signed on to do two more cards… As always stay tuned to years of CBS’s hit reality show … those headlines, Hollywood is alNew CD releases of the week in- ways full of surprises …
On The Web
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
Want more Buzz? Check us out on the Web for the latest hot new music reviews. www.dailytitan.com
Quote of the Week “Good news: It’s been reported that Mary-Kate Olsen has gained 20 lbs. The bad news: Ashley Olsen is missing.” – Conan O’Brien
MAINSTREAM
‘The Aristocrats’ coming to DVD Come one, come all. Step right up and witness a movie about the most amazing, death-defying, rudest and crudest joke that has seldom been heard. A joke so tasteless and vile that you will to wish you never knew of its existence (especially after it’s been crammed down your ear for a full hour and 20 minutes). The movie is “The Aristocrats,” and the premise is a joke – yes, one joke – that is the nastiest, most disgusting, most obscene, filthiest joke anyone can ever have the utter displeasure of hearing. And audiences love it. As the legend goes, the joke is an old comedy secret but has never been privy to anyone except seasoned, stand-up vets. That is, until now. In this interview-style documentary, comedians describe the one and only way to tell the infamous joke – their own way. The cast of characters was a veritable comedic phonebook – ranging from the sage-like George Carlin to the sullen Steven Wright.
There was a part in the movie, a creepy part, when former “Americas Funniest WWW.THINKFILMCOMPANY.COM Home Videos” host and “Full House” family friend to all Bob Sagat becomes the dirtiest comic in the whole line-up. This movie is definitely not for the faint of heart or the weak-minded. So do yourself a favor. If you are not a fan of obscene artistic expression (potty-mouth humor) do not pursue this movie any further. For you might find yourself immersed in a world full of glitz and glamour, ascots and monocles, and a family act that consists of describing every bodily fluid known to man and woman. You might find yourself face to face with, “The Aristocrats.” The DVD comes out Jan. 24, so check it out. – Eric Sanders/Daily Titan Staff
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Thai Cuisine has fresh beach feel As the end of the semester draws near, finding an escape from the stress of finals and last minute projects is imperative. When Starbuck’s seems too hectic, enjoying good Thai food at a quiet restaurant poses a relaxing alternative. Thai Cuisine, on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and 5th Street in Seal Beach, is tucked in a building that can be easily overlooked. Planters of artificial flowers separate the main part of the dining room from some additional seating and the kitchen’s entrance. An interesting feature about Thai Cuisine is that the actual restaurant is always empty, or nearly empty. Available seating is pretty much a given, which makes it perfect for studying or finishing up homework. The atmosphere is
subdued and mellow while classical music hovers in the quiet background. The wide booths and large table surfaces allow enough room for textbooks, folders, the bell-pepper tray, egg rolls and a Thai iced tea. The Thai iced tea is a good choice. Half Thai tea and half cream, the specialty beverage is a staple of Thai dining. Thai Cuisine is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and then for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and a half hour later on Friday and Saturday. If a sit down meal takes too much time during the hectic last days of the semester, take-out is also an option. – Danielle Torricelli/Daily Titan Staff
Flashback Favorite
‘What’s Happening!!’ By DIANIKA ABBOTT Daily Titan Cop Copyy Editor
In a land of jive turkeys, dyno-mite hustlers and foxy ladies, the 1970s street colloquial term, “what’s happening?” is synonymous with one of the most popular black sitcoms of all time. “What’s Happening!!,” which ran from 1976 to 1979, was loosely based on the 1975 movie “Cooley High.” It journeyed through the high school years of three mischievous teenagers, who spent their
time devising get-rich-quick schemes. Roger “Raj” Thomas (Ernest Thomas), Dewayne Nelson (Haywood Nelson) and Fred “Rerun” Stubbs (Fredd Berry), learned the importance of taking care of responsibilities, friendship, love and how to maintain life in the inner city. Raj, the self-proclaimed man of the house, is a brainy writer who successfully juggles schoolwork and the responsibility of caring for his bratty smartaleck little sister, Dee (Danielle Spencer) while his mother (Ma-
bel King) is at work. While Raj may have a lot of responsibilities, his No. 1 priority is spending time with his two best friends at Rob’s Place, the neighborhood hangout. His best friends, Rerun, the plump, all-the-way-live dancer got his nickname from spending summers in school trying to rerun everything he learned during the year. Dewayne, the not-sosmart tag-a-long does everything in his power to look cool. Raj and his crew could be found on every episode at Rob’s
Place trying to pick up girls, drinking grape sodas, gossiping and making fun of the no-nonsense waitress Shirley (Shirley Hemphill). While the trio constantly got themselves in sticky situations, the show usually ended with Dee finding out what the three were involved in and saying that famous line, “Ooh, I’m telling mama!” Ms. Thomas would then discover their mischievous scheme, come to their rescue and discuss the moral of the story. This show was so successful
that in 1985, the creators and actors reunited in the syndicated sitcom “What’s Happening Now!!,” which ran for three years. After almost 17 years, TV Land has brought the gang back together for both the young and old to rediscover the journey of “What’s Happening!!” together.
4 MUSIC
INTERVIEWS
Concert Calendar Wed. Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Thur. Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Pennywise House of Blues Anaheim Sat. Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Guttermouth El Rey Theatre Los Angeles Fri. Dec. 23, 7 p.m. The Vandals House of Blues Hollywood Fri. Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. Death by Stereo Chain Reaction Anaheim Fri. Jan. 6, 8 p.m. The Adolescents El Rey Theatre Los Angeles Fri. Jan. 13, 8 p.m. D.I. Galaxy Theatre Santa Ana Fri. Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. Sat. Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. Slightly Stoopid House of Blues Hollywood Thur. Jan 19, 8 p.m. G. Love & Special Sauce House of Blues Hollywood Sat. Jan 21, 6:30 p.m. Anthrax Avalon Hollywood Wed. Jan 25, 7:30 p.m. Mon. Jan 30, 7:30 p.m. Social Distortion House of Blues Anaheim
The 88 talks about touring SoCal By JORDAN MASTAGNI Daily Titan Staff
“Two sides to every story, a third man in the shadows, seven lords a leapin,’ a land of a thousand dances, fifty ways to leave your lover. 88 keys on the piano; 88 constellations in the sky; the infinity sign; the most auspicious number in China; 88 mph to get back to the future; 88 cities in Los Angeles; a great French Kicks song. Welcome to the world of The 88,” reads the synopsis on the 88’s Web site about how the band claimed its name. The quintet includes Keith Slettedahl, vocals and guitar; Adam Merrin, piano; Brandon Jay, guitar; Carlos Torres, bass; Anthony Zimmitti, drums. With the release of the band’s sophomore album, “Over and Over” – which fuses melodies similar to a Bowie record with Blur influence – the band has been touring all over the country. Indie rock bands are now becoming a mainstream presence, and the 88 offers something new with a blend of harmonies and pianos. No stranger to playing at colleges, the 88 will rock the Pub in the Titan Underground at Cal State Fullerton next semester.
WWW.THE88.NET
The 88 will be playing at Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa on Dec. 22
Sarah Bettens solo with ‘Scream’ By KELLI FADROSKI Daily Titan Staff
Singer and songwriter Sarah Bettens soars solo with her new album Scream. Best known for fronting K’s Choice, Bettens decided to set out on her own and create an al-
Fri. Jan 27, 8 p.m. T.S.O.L. Galaxy Theatre Santa Ana Sat. Jan 28, 7 p.m. Dead Kennedys House of Blues Hollywood Sat. Jan 28, 8 p.m. Matt Costa Troubadour West Hollywood
“We are just trying to play as much as possible now that the album has come out, which still feels really new, and the goal of the band is to play out of Los Angeles as much as we can,” piano player Merrin said. The 88 employed producer, Ethan Allen (no, not the furniture company), to help with the production of the new album, “Over and Over.” Ethan “contributed a lot and got a lot of stuff out of us that we couldn’t do ourselves, and when he saw us perform live, he wanted to capture on tape the energy of the band, so we recorded some live songs,” Merrin said. The new album was recorded at a few locations including the Village, in West Los Angeles, which has also hosted a lot of the 88’s favorite bands. The 88 also use some selfpromotion tactics by networking through the Web site MySpace. “We were featured on the front page of MySpace over the summer, and we were getting over 5,000 plays a day,” Merrin said. “It was hard to keep up with it. Ever since then it has snowballed because we are on so many people’s pages that we are getting tons of friend requests every day.”
WWW.SCREAMTEAMUSA.COM
Sarah Bettens has gone solo with her new album “Scream.”
bum that would take her career back to infancy. Scream is born into the world with great purpose as Bettens strives to spark a connection with her newfound audience and attempts to evoke thought within her poetic lyrics. Although she refuses to be pigeon holed into any particular music category, Bettens is aware her music is a little scattered and directly contributes that to the music that has inspired her. “It’s always difficult for me to label myself and it’s difficult for labels too,” Bettens said. “I only say it’s pop, rock, alternative and it’s got some folk in it.” With catchy pop tunes and somber folk songs, Bettens broadens the spectrum and explores her talent throughout the album. “When I go in and start making a record, I go in and automatically make songs that sound a little more heavy and stuff that’s very intimate,” Bettens said. Bettens’ band, K’s Choice, has produced many international hits, been awarded gold and platinum records in Europe, and has played
gigantic overseas music festivals. Bettens stepped away from the group to find herself in her music and create a piece of art she could take sole responsibility for. “I think for me it was something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Bettens said. “I’ve been looking for that excitement and adventure, and I was looking for something new.” Bettens pays tribute to her musical inspirations as they shine throughout her record. “I’ve been generally inspired by a lot of singer/songwriters,” Bettens said. “I’m a big Indigo Girls fan, Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin; those are just things I like.” Scream stirs a melting pot of emotions as the songs flow on the album. Bettens brings listeners to a moment of clarity as her softwhisper vocals dance through the eardrums – her voice alone could bring tears. “I just want it to be a little bit of a positive emotional journey,” Bettens said. “You look at the record and it makes you feel
good, and it makes you think, and it makes you a little sad sometimes, but it makes you feel things. Whether it’s good or bad, it evokes emotion, and just being abele to do that and have people listen to it and say ‘It touched me’ and ‘It’s something that spoke to me,’ that’s kind of what I hope. That’s what I have with records that I love and that I listen to. It’s good to have something special, and I hope people walk away with the feeling that this record really said something.” Bettens’ music isn’t all mushy and tear jerking, she has ballads that can be empowering and definitely worthy of singing along to at the top of one’s lungs. Bettens is a serious artist, but seems to have a good sense of humor and a new lease on life since the release of Scream. “Most people in my life have a huge sense of sarcasm,” Bettens said. “I think they would say that I love life a lot. I live it to the fullest, and I don’t do things halfway. I have a lot of love and friendship to give. I’m in a good place, and I’m very happy to share it.”
MUSIC
INTERVIEWS
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Pennywise lives, loves punk rock By KELLI FADROSKI Daily Titan Staff
Being in a band for more than one album is a major accomplishment in today’s music scene. If a band is able to truly focus on its music and hurdle the pressures of labels, marketing and publicity, the band might be lucky enough to last a decade. To tough it out for more than 15 years and still be touring, writing, recording and selling albums proves gut instinct prevails over conforming to what’s popular. With each album, Pennywise becomes more intense, more passionate and definitely more furious. The Hermosa Beach punk legends have unleashed their all-out musical assault on the problems of society today. The Fuse, the band’s 10th album, was released in August and takes Pennywise back to its fast-paced roots, as the album was recorded in a 41-day whirlwind. Vocalist Jim Lindberg, guitarist Fletcher Dragge, drummer Byron McMackin and bassist Randy Bradbury took a cue from their punk forefathers – Black Flag, Bad Brains and Minor Threat – and decided collectively to push through the process and release their most raw album in years. As the pressure was applied, the band squeezed out 15 tracks without looking back. “We worked on it like the old school punk albums we grew up on,” Dragge said. “Those were recorded in, like, days and the sound might be shitty, and stuff is out of tune and there are problems technology wise ... but the passion of those albums is what’s moving. We were trying to get a hold of some of that but at the same time ... we had to have a good sound.” Pennywise didn’t head into the studio with any particular direction, just a slew of songs that had been brewing in the guys’ minds. “Everyone starts writing songs and you don’t really find a direction for it until you start picking at your songs and you have five or six songs that you like and you start finding a theme of the album,” Dragge said. “[The new album] is all over the place thematically. We’re a little politics, a little bit of hope and a little bit of negative images in life.” The band’s previous album, From the Ashes, was recorded in twice the time it took to record The Fuse. The guys found themselves just “letting it go” and trusting that the energy they packed into each day would carry the album. “It was really enlightening to just do it and go, ‘Wow that sounds good,’ and then move on,” Dragge said. “I really liked the album and thought it turned out really good ... We were willing to let it go. It was an easier and more fun process than
it had been in previous years.” and it’s our biggest song.” “‘Disconnect,’ the first single, re“Bro Hymn” is Pennywise’s sigceived constant play on rock radio nature. Released on 1997’s “Full in Southern California. Circle,” the band has yet to com“Jim wrote that one and in my plete a set without playing that eyes it’s such a fast paced world song. with cell phones and palm pilots, “It’s a hit song, but it was never a blackberries and laptop computers, hit song,” Dragge said. “People feel you can’t imagine life without a cell so strongly about it and they just go phone,” Dragge said. crazy. There can be a mediocre show The underlying message isn’t to and it’s not going crazy, but then completely bash technology and re- you play ‘Bro Hymn’ and, boom, vert to the days of stuffing change it’s nuts ... It’s a secret weapon. into socks just in case the need to Other bands say, ‘We’re not playing use a pay phone presented itself. after Pennywise; we’re not playing “We’ve become so reliant on e- after ‘Bro Hymn.’’ I’m just like, mail and we are constantly bom- ‘You’re Bush, you’re Gavin from barded,” Dragge said. “Before, Bush, don’t worry about it.’ These when you were driving from L.A. huge, big bands say they don’t want to San Diego it was quiet time, but to play after us, especially after that now you have 13 business calls. song and it’s funny.” Sometimes you just want to unplug Pennywise isn’t out to win any and go back to when it was more awards or keep up in the Billboard peaceful and quiet, when you didn’t pop-race. The guys are satisfied have ‘You’ve got mail’ popping up with their situation and their music. in the background or 10 missed “Everything has become so done calls. You want to just disconnect and played out,” Dragge said. “The and go back to the simple life but bands are add-water these days. you can’t because we’re moving ‘I’ve got my instruments and I’ve that fast and without it you are to- made a recording in my bedroom tally screwed.” with my Pro Tools rig and now I’ve Although only 15 tracks appear got a Myspace page and 10,000 lison the new album, the guys created tens, and I don’t have a record label nearly three times that before they and I’ve got my tight pants on and recorded the new disc. fingernail polish and my tight shirt “If you want to go the political on’ … nobody is original, and nothroute, we could write 50 albums,” ing seems passionate. It’s so hard to Dragge said. “We’re never going hear something that sounds real and to run out of topics. We’re about ... original now.” having songs that we think are all Although the pop music scene good. We try to put out an entire al- has become rather cookie-cutter, bum of good songs and we actually Dragge refuses to dismiss it totally. fight until the end to “There’s a make sure that evmillion other ery song is a good bands that are All I know is that I song.” super into what Now that the they do that like the music we secret is out that are good, but play, I like to listen there are so many it’s not someto our albums and extra songs floating thing that you around, the true fans go, ‘Wow-must I like playing live. continue to wait for have,’ like when a B-side album to you put on Fletcher Dragge emerge. Rage Against Guitarist for Pennywise “There are literthe Machine ally hundreds of or Nirvana’s songs,” Dragge said. Nevermind, “We talk about doing a B-sides re- something that just goes, ‘Wow.’ lease, but we never get around to it. When’s the last time we’ve had We have a ton of songs that are in that,’” Dragge said. “System of a their early stages and even some in Down: They are different and they the finished stage but they’ve never have a crazy singer and an original gotten heard and probably never flavor and they are one of the bigwill.” gest bands in the world and I’m not With years worth of material, giving out any secrets when I say the band has to narrow their live that they are a good band. You have set down tour after tour to accom- to dig pretty deep and in your own modate the classics as well as new back yard and find people that are material. The band does have their doing it because they love it, and favorites to perform live. not because they want to be rock “There are a couple that really stars and on a major label and have stand out,” Dragge said. “‘Every 24-inch rims on their Hummer.” Single Day’ has one of those break The allure of money can be downs and an ending that goes strong, but when the passion is completely crazy. With ‘Fuck Au- deeply rooted, it’s hard to break thority,’ the energy of the crowd is away from what is cherished and huge because they can relate to it not become an industry robot. and they just cut loose. ‘Bro Hymn’ “At this point we can’t really really has the most emotion to it change,” Dragge said. “We could
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KELLI FADROSKI/Daily Titan
Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg delivers a verbal lashing to fans. be a pop-punk band and we could write some ska songs and shift to whatever is popular, but we’ve kept a certain integrity in our music for all of these years and we’ve survived pop-punk, nu metal and we’ll survive the emo-screamo thing. The scene has kinda separated the troops a little bit, but we just keep doing what we do.” When Dragge attempts to predict what the next trend in music will be, endless possibilities blow his mind. “I think once everyone takes a good hard look around and realizes that everyone looks the same and plays the same style of music and realizes that they don’t want to be robots, then they’ll move on to something else,” Dragge said. “I don’t know what it will be; I can’t imagine what will be shocking or fresh at this point because everything’s just been played to the gills. I mean maybe we’ll have rap-punk rock or rap music with super fast infused punk or country-rap.” If rap-punk or country-rap takes off in the next few years, it’s safe to bet that Pennywise will once again not conform to the new “popularnorm” and continue to play the punk they set out to play more than a decade ago. “All I know is that I like the music we play, I like to listen to our albums and I like playing live,”
Dragge said. “I like all kinds of music but this is what I’m passionate about.” Pennywise is not big on taking long breaks, so rest assured that if they’re not seen around town, they’re writing new songs or in the studio preparing for a new album. The guys plan on continuing to tour and will enjoy their downtime. “Everyone has got different things,” Dragge said. “Byron hangs out and goes to a lot of events ... We’ll go to the drag races or Indy car races, skate or surf contests. Randy spends a lot of time with his family, writing songs. Jim writes songs, spends time with his family, surfs, goes to bars and gets drunk. I’ve been skating a lot lately and working on old cars and giving some people tattoos if they bother me enough.” With no plans of slowing down, and members already working on new material, Pennywise will continue to ride the tide of The Fuse. “We’ve always had the underlying message of no matter what you do, you can get what you want out of life if you’re willing to put the effort in and no dream is unreachable. We’re living proof of that,” Dragge said. Pennywise will be performing at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Dec. 14 and 15.
6 MOVIE
REVIEWS
The Buzz NEW MOVIE REVIEWS REVIEW S Word
On The Web
Be sure to check the Web for a review and interviews with creators of “Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story.”
‘Why We Fight’ is powerful By BRYAN BARNETT Daily Titan Staff
“Why We Fight” is the film “Fahrenheit 9/11” should have been. While Michael Moore’s subjective style ambushed his point, Eugene Jarecki’s much more objective film drives the same point right through the heart. After main character, Wilton Sekzer’s, son was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks, he e-mailed military personnel to get his son’s name on a bomb headed for Iraq. After certain facts came to light, Sekzer, a New York City cop and Vietnam veteran, was forced to reflect on whether he avenged his son or defaced his name. Jarecki uses a few Moore-like tactics, such as exposing debatably immoral documents, but the movie never feels irresponsible or fabricated. He starts the film with Eisenhower’s 1961 farewell address, in which he warns against the rise of a “military-industrial complex.” Most of the interviews draw a connection between the American government and the capitalist phenomenon of industry’s profits from war. Fascinating people from around the globe give surprising testimonials, especially the witnesses to the Baghdad bombings. They all add strokes to the bigger picture Jarecki creates, one that paints America as a war-mongering, capitalist society where no one is willing to stand up and say no. But the best part about “Why We Fight” is that it doesn’t focus solely on America’s war with Iraq. It sets out to find the trends that ignite war. History plays a big part here. The wider scope of the film gives it a deeper, more permanent feel, which is why it won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance this year. Even though “Why We Fight” won’t be in theaters until January, the relevance of this film to America and its looming “military-industrial complex” is profound and timeless.
FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
Johnny Knoxville and Leonard Flowers star in “The Ringer.”
‘Ringer’ set full of pranks By CARMELLIA MUNGUIA Daily Titan Staff
Peter Farrelly raises his arms, his shoulders sway and his pelvis jolts forward. He tells the story of one of his funniest moments while making “The Ringer.” During filming, Johnny Knoxville pulled a prank on co-producer Marc Fischer. On the set, Knoxville takes a cattle prod, comes up to Fischer from behind and sticks “it up his ass.” While Farrelly tells the story, Ricky Blitt, “The Ringer” screenwriter, also known for the series “Family Guy,” listens and Knoxville secretly pokes his head in the room at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Knoxville knocks the hat off his head and runs away. Farrelly, accustomed to such antics, continues with his story. Knoxville shrugs his shoulder and laughs. “The Ringer” is the story of a modestly competent, but nice character, Steve Barker (Knoxville) with a dull job. Bored Barker works up the courage to ask his boss for a promotion that is unexpectedly granted. Barker’s first assignment is to fire the longtime
janitor, Stavi (Luis Avalos), who he befriends. Barker, afraid to hurt Stavi’s feelings, offers him a job mowing his lawn. While mowing the lawn, Stavi accidentally loses his four fingers and lands in the hospital with a $28,000 bill that must be paid immediately. Barker, feeling responsible for Stavi’s misfortune assumes the responsibility to pay for his surgery. Barker’s uncle Gary (Brian Cox), who has gambling debts to resolve, talks a remorseful Barker into joining the Special Olympics as a mentally challenged athlete. During his two-week stint Barker’s mentally challenged competitors wise up to his scam. However, they go along with it in order to beat the arrogant longtime winner. Although the movie pokes fun at, and indelicately handles stereotypes, it also shows “normal” people with their flaws. This inspirational movie shows competent, witty and cynical people with mental challenges. After the first 20 minutes of the movie, viewers aren’t sure whether to laugh, but it becomes apparent that this crew pulled a well intentioned film together.
MUSIC
The Buzz NEW MUSIC REVIEWS REVIEW S
WWW.SYSTEM OF A DOWN.COM
Hard-rockers System of a Down released Hypnotize.
System ystem of a Down Hypnotize
Were we mesmerized seven months ago? Yes. Are we hypnotized now? Not really. Hypnotize, the highly anticipated second CD from System of a Down’s double album Mezmerize/Hypnotize, perhaps the band felt it simply had too much great material to release all at once. Or perhaps waiting six months was just brilliant marketing. A single CD with half the songs and a snazzy title would have sufficed. In fact, had the rockers and producer Rick Rubin edited Mezmerize/Hypnotize down to one solid CD, they could have claimed ownership of the best rock album of 2005 with Mezmerize. Instead of continuing where Mezmerize left off, with brilliant mind-shattering songs, Hypnotize sadly seems more like filler. Songs like “Kill Rock ‘N Roll” and “Lonely Day” are average at best. Hypnotize manages to do what Mezmerize somehow did not do – expose vocalist Serj Tankian and guitarist/vocalist Daron Malakian’s song-writing formula. The good news is that Hypnotize – in keeping with the band’s reputation – still has a few hardhitting songs that mean something, with politically and socially conscious lyrics far beyond the trash commonly heard on popular radio. Perhaps the greatest problem with Hypnotize is that after Mezmerize, fans simply expected another great album. Sadly, the band fell short this time. Maybe next time they’ll stick to making one great record at a time. – Gabriel briel Fenoy/ Fenoy/Daily Titan Photo Editor
REVIEWS
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Power Lloyd World Cowboy
It starts out clever enough. With a prelude that evokes a 1950s flight attendant coolly saying “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the album. Sit back and enjoy,” one would expect a medley of equally clever songs. Unfortunately for Power Lloyd, the songs on their new album World Cowboy, never really take the listener past any high school garage band practice. For the most part, Power Lloyd sounds like a band that is about two years shy of making it on mainstream rock radio. The band obviously takes note from bands like The Strokes and Jet There are a few bright spots. “Matching Luggage” is enjoyable, though the listeners never really find out what the song is about. With ska elements thrown in, the song could easily provide the background music for any teen movie’s “big party” scene. “Dish” is another highlight on the album. With an interesting intro that mimics new wave bands from the 1980s like Missing Persons, the song also provides though inducing lyrics. Power Llyod’s main problem is that almost all of their songs sound the same. Maybe they found one style that they liked and were too afraid to venture out, but almost every song leaves the listener wishing that they had just tried a little harder. – Ashley Majeski/Daily Titan Staff
Flyleaf Flyleaf
Flyleaf, a new punk band on Octone records. The band’s music is reminiscent of punk and hardcore rock bands from the early 1990s, with heavy drums and guitar behind screaming vocals. In the band’s first full-lenth album, common problems of fledgling bands arise. They have not quite found a signature sound yet. The band has a sound reminiscent of Evanescence, with female vocalist, Lacey Mosley on the microphone. Flyleaf does have potential with its heart-felt lyrics, which speak far beyond amateur level. The quality of a piece of music is not always gathered from the music alone; solid passionate words can revive dying sounds. With time, this band has potential to branch out and separate itself from other would-be punk bands. When Flyleaf brings its musicianship up to the same level as the lyrics, it might just be a hit. Check out www.flyleafmusic.com for more album information. – Stephanie Park/Daily Titan Staff
8 MAINSTREAM
Cheap alternatives in LA, OC By KIRSTEN ALTO For the Daily Titan
A ticket to Disneyland is $56. A ticket to Knott’s Berry Farm is $45. A night at the movies can be $20 with popcorn and candy. Prices on popular events and attractions in Southern California are so much because people are willing to pay. Students living on a budget do not always have the luxury of endless amounts of cash, but you don’t always have to pay 10 bucks to see poorly rated movies. Poker Tournaments: Texas Hold’em poker tournaments are so popular, they’ve even replaced hockey on ESPN. You don’t need to be at a casino to play either. FindPokerPal.com, PokerPal.org and LocalPokerPlayers.com will all tell you dozens of local sponsored and non-sponsored, real money and fake money tournaments in your
neighborhood. Yes, that’s right, fake money. This event can entertain for hours and is completely free. Curtis Theatre: Coming up at this 199-seat quaint theatre in Brea, a mere 3 miles from Cal State Fullerton, are live theatrical performances all for under $20 for great seats. Get dressed up and go see a live show locally for much less than the $75 it costs to see hits at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Seal Beach Bay Theatre: This movie theater shows classics such as “Citizen Kane,” “Dracula” and sometimes silent movies accompanied with the live organ. Movies at this theatre cost only $6 with student ID. International Surfing Museum: This Huntington Beach museum is a far cry from most museums. For $2 you can experience the past and present of surfing. “We have Dick Dale’s first
guitar [and] movies running constantly from classics to new releases,” said Gary Sahagen, chaiman of the museum. Going to Los Angeles? Live closer to Hollywood? Just don’t mind a drive? La Brea Tar Pits: This famous landmark may seem like something you’d only go to on a third grade field trip, but it can be and educational. For $4.50 students can see fossils and artifacts from the area, look at timelines and shop. Afterwards, take a walk around outside and see the real tar pits and some dig sites where there are skeletal remains being discovered everyday. This part is free! The Museum of Neon Art (Mona): Yes, there is a museum of neon art. According to its Web site, Mona was founded 24 years ago to show off art and educate the public on the cultural history
behind electric art. There are signs, vintage and new, and artwork from 24 artists displayed in the Hollywood location. For only $3.50, students can have this unique experience. And, for a little more, you can also take a tour around Los Angeles and look at all the neon lights in Hollywood, including the 150 vintage signs that Mona has helped relight. The Getty: The Getty Museum of Art is so well known and yet, barely anyone considers going there for an afternoon. With tens of thousands of art pieces, ranging from paintings to sculptures to furniture, the museum has six buildings filled with exclusive works of art. And if you don’t fancy art, go for the modern architecture and the view surrounding the museum. It will fill up the whole day, so plan to bring a lunch GABRIEL FENOY/Daily Titan or eat at the onsite café. Did I mention the Getty is free? The Garden at the Getty offers beauty at no charge.
