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FILM
L i n k l a t e r ’s ‘ E v e r y b o d y Wa n t s S o m e ! ! ’ a te st ament to c ol l e ge mov i e s of ol d By Harrison Long Opinion Editor @HarrisonGLong
Having been hailed as the “spiritual sequel” to 1993’s cult hit “Dazed and Confused,” it isn’t too difficult to understand the skepticism many held anticipating Richard Linklater’s latest film about teenage debauchery. How do you take a periodpiece as uniquely raunchy and hilarious as “Dazed” and ever hope to replicate it? Do you follow the model of the previous film or break off into an entirely new entity, albeit to the tune of a plotless recount of non-stop partying? Fortunately for moviegoers, Linklater chose the latter (no pun intended) in making a followup that plays far more into the “spiritual” aspect than the “sequel” one. “Everybody Wants Some!!” is a movie entirely its own animal, and will quite possibly stand up to the years as well as its predecessor. While it does take heed of the elements which made the first film so loveable — an “aww-shucks” nice guy who likes to party, a perfectly assembled entourage of misfits scorching paths alongside the lead, hapless adults without a clue — this is as far as the similarity goes.
The narrative is centered on Jake, a conspicuouslyskinny, college-baseball-playing freshman who arrives at the fictional Texas Southeastern University with an itch to not only party and run the diamond, but to experience all that life has to offer. Set to a 1980 backdrop, audiences will watch some of the quintessential characteristics of the time period from creepilythin mustaches to shorterthan-short short shorts and the unspoken optimism of finally being able to leave the wasteland of the 1970’s behind. Though not all of the characters are fully expounded upon, all are shown in such a way that is just enough to keep the viewer wanting more. Even those with only a few lines will have audiences cackling with laughter in the witty banter one would expect from a group of half-drunk, overconfident young men with too much time on their hands. Set to a soundtrack as equally reminiscent as“Dazed,” audiences will find themselves strapped in for a fun two-hour ride. The story takes place over the final three days before the fall semester begins, and as we watch in awe as the guys – all of whom are baseball players for the school
The cast of ‘Everybody Wants Some!!.’ Courtesy | Paramount Pictures – take to the town’s nightlife and understandably finding mischief wherever they go. From a disco to a cotton-eye-joe laden country tavern to a punkmetal garage concert, it is far too difficult to predict the next move of the ensemble to attempt to do so and enjoy the movie. Though the dialogue is biting and witty and the content delightfully degenerate, this film is meant to be savored. Despite some of its more philosophical undertones that are softly touched upon in the second
half, you will find yourself having fun without being preached to. Like “Dazed,” this film is meant to be fun with just a hint of depth, meaning that while it might inspire viewers to think about concepts such as discovering life’s possibilities while in college, it certainly is not a requirement for walking away from it with a smile. It isn’t lazy, it isn’t campy (no beer pong!) and has just the right amount of depravity to make it believable without going off the deep end.
“Everybody Wants Some!!” is a welcome addition to a collection those few top tier films about adolescents and their mischievous ways. It doesn’t try to be something other than what it is — a college movie about partying to follow up a high school movie about the same thing. Clear some space on your shelf next to “Dazed,” “Animal House” and “Superbad” — this is one you are going to want to see more than once.
FILM
What DC can learn from ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ By Preston Mitchell Staff Writer @presto_mitch
If you saw “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” last weekend, you were probably disappointed. Sitting at a 28 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it took the already mediocre “Man of Steel” and crammed several DC superheroes into its flawed universe. The result is an overbloated, overlong and overly maudlin crossover that juggled too many plots on top of occasionally laugh-out-loud bad dialogue. All brought to you by the hack that is Zack Snyder (“Watchmen”). While Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill say the film is for fans and
not critics, receipts say otherwise. It grossed millions on opening night, but had the single worst Fridayto-Sunday drop for a superhero movie in North American box office history. Another movie with a 58 percent decline was last year’s “Fantastic Four.” On those grounds, here are the only ways DC can fix its franchise: First and foremost, it’s time to lighten things up. “Man of Steel” shot itself in the foot by darkening down Superman. In the comics, Batman and Superman are at odds because of their conflicting ideologies. However, Batman is now just as dark as Cavill’s Superman, and it makes the new movie bland because both heroes share similar
portrayals. Since other characters barely crack a smile also, it dulls the overall atmosphere and makes matters flat. Also, “Batman v. Superman” had too many easter eggs setting up future movies. Unlike “Deadpool,” which told one single story in the context of a franchise, Zack Snyder helmed a convoluted narrative with homages that felt out of place. For example, the scene where the Flash ripples through time was absolutely random. Worse than that was Lex Luthor emailing videos of Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg to Wonder Woman. This scene was really ill-conceived because: 1) Luthor has no way of creating each character’s logo before they’re
introduced and 2) it’s terrible storytelling to foreshadow the Justice League. Honestly, the only tertiary character that worked was Wonder Woman, embodied perfectly by Gal Gadot. She made her dialogue palatable, wore the tiara well and I’m now looking forward to her solo adventure. What can be learned from this film is that DC needs to start delivering on their titles. The movie is a two-and-a-half hour “Batman v. Superman” film where the leads only fight for 15 minutes. That’s a big problem, especially since Batman had legitimate reasons for hating on the Man of Steel. Superman never gets a real
motivation. He simply flies right in the middle of Batman fighting crime, tells him to stop fighting crime and flies into the air. Even though “Captain America: Civil War” isn’t released yet, the trailers clearly address why Cap and Iron Man are fighting. Zack Snyder can’t even do that right. To be fair, DC can still redeem itself. The advantage that Marvel has is how it treats its characters seriously without sacrificing the fun that comes with the package; something DC needs to note. In the meantime, DC choosing talented directors like David Ayer (“End of Watch”) and James Wan (“Furious 7”) is a step in the right direction. Now please, guys, start delivering.
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TUNES
Miike Snow Offers Substance and Style with new album ‘iii’ By Tyler Hicks Contributing Writer @MightyAsAPen It’s never ideal for another artist to upstage you on your own record. Then again, most artists aren’t foolish enough to give Run the Jewels the opportunity to do that. On “iii,” the third album from the Swedish pop troupe Miike Snow, El-P and Killer Mike put their signature spin on the song “Heart is Full,” and their track (which appears as a bonus) is the best on the record. That being said, “iii” offers plenty for Snow fans and non-fans alike – as evidenced by the welcome presence of Run the Jewels, and the R&B inf luences that pervade the 10-track record. The Swedish-pop group has always reveled in a certain brand of stylish, trippy electro-pop, and this record is no different. But tracks like “Feel the Weight” and “Back of the
Car” find the band moving closer to bluesy James Blake. If the leap from house music to blues seems steep, don’t worry: “iii” succeeds in balancing the group’s signature synthesizer, known as “The Blob,” with interesting vocals and piano. Meanwhile, songs like “Lonely Life” and “Genghis Khan” are surefire crowd-pleasers that bring to mind sweet memories of 2012’s “Happy to You” and the band’s selftitled, 2009 debut album. However, they’re not all easy on the ears. “For U,” featuring Charlie XCX, features an interesting hook, but, even for an electro-pop band, the track is dripping with overproduction. Likewise, “The Heart of Me” sounds like Skrillex got bored and decided to remix a Miike Snow song. These duds aside, “iii” offers the most lyrically competent Miike Snow experience to date. House bands have always gone for
style over substance, and, for Miike Snow and dozens of others, it’s always worked. But this record, for all of the customary bells and whistles, represents a new direction for the group. The words on bluesy tracks like the aforementioned “Feel the Weight” aren’t exactly the stuff that Grammys are made of, but their emotionally-charged lyrics and vocals offer a nice departure from the previously shallow, synthheav y fare that the fans love and the critics hate. Still, “My Trigger” and “Longshot (7 Nights)” bookend the album with that classic Snow sound, as if to tell the fan base, “Don’t worry, we got you.” Even if Run the Jewels spit enough fire to burn the whole place down, Miike Snow has built a solid foundation from which to build future, more daring records.
The album cover for Miike Snow’s ‘iii.’ Courtesy | Downtown/Atlantic
JAZZ IT UP
for April 29, 30 & May 1 by attending the annual Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. Great music, good food, beautiful art and many activities are planned for the whole family in Denton, Texas, where FUN IS THE THING and JAZZ IS KING! The Denton Quakertown Park, on 32 acres in the heart of downtown, provides the perfect setting for the 2 ½ day event that is free to the public. The Denton Festival Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with the City of Denton, the American Federation of Musicians with the Music Performance Trust Fund, produces the festival with support from individual and corporate sponsorships. Over 3,000 musicians, artists and performers attract over 225,000 annually to enjoy the culturally diverse music and art. Paid Advertising
• 7 STAGES • FINE ARTS • CRAFTS • ART TENT • FOOD • GAMES • FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
Friday 5-11p.m. • Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Quakertown Park • 321 E. McKinney • 2 blocks NE of the Courthouse Square
Denton Festival Foundation P.O. Box 2104, Denton, Texas 76202 940-565-0931 • 1-940-566-7007 fax www.dentonjazzfest.com
No Coolers or Dogs! A Litter-Free & Recycling Event!
TAKE THE A-TRAIN! An easy 3-block walk to the park!
Denton Convention and Visitor Bureau Accommodations: 1-888-381-1818 www.discoverdenton.com
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TELEVISION
‘The Walking Dead’ has created a new television genre By Tyler Hicks Contributing Writer The Walking Dead has never been easy to watch, but how much misery can we handle? Sunday’s season six finale, “Last Day on Earth,” confirmed what I had suspected for a long time: no show on television aims to shock, disgust and depress its audience quite like this series. At first, the blood and guts was mostly fun and games, and most of us probably watched with the understanding that our favorite characters were always safe. We firmly believed that, no matter how bad the situation appeared, Rick and Co. would always survive the endless onslaught of hungry “walkers.” We were dead wrong. The Walking Dead doesn’t just settle for killing off major characters — it wastes them, often in gruesome and ghastly ways that leave dark clouds of terror and angst hanging over every moment of following episodes. This show is
just as painful as it is entertaining, and, for that reason, it has launched a brand new genre for the silver screen: misery television. Misery TV is like the news: almost always depressing, yet you watch it because, hey, staying upto-date is important. Likewise, The Walking Dead lures us in because it feels like necessary viewing. It is quality television that still manages to stick out in an age of television where great programming can be found on your TV, your laptop and your phone. Furthermore, fans of great TV have probably noticed that pervasive dread has been a major theme on the small screen ever since Breaking Bad premiered in 2008. Shows like Better Call Saul, Mr. Robot, Bloodline and Game of Thrones all make their audiences squirm with discomfort and despair, and it all adds up to an often depressing, yet entirely riveting viewing experience. But nothing can touch The Walking Dead when it comes to
creating elated discontent, and no other show in history has the moxie that Dead has displayed time and time again. Unfortunately for my fellow fragile fans out there, this moxie has brought about an increasingly wretched TV-watching experience. Like many of you, I have stuck with the show through a group of cannibals who ate a man’s leg in front of him, a young child forced to kill his mom to save her from zombification, and now, a charismatic bat-wielder who chortles and mocks as he crushes his victims’ skulls with a barbwired bat he calls “Lucille.” Regardless of what this bloody, brilliant show has thrown at us, we keep coming back for more. Just like Rick and his motley crew, we persevere, even if we don’t completely understand why. But with this season’s finale, both our resilience and our heroes’ resilience faced its biggest test yet. From the frequent run-ins with the murderous “Saviors,” to the
pounding heartbeat that served as the soundtrack to the opening scenes, the events of “Last Day on Earth” epitomized “misery TV.” We knew that Negan was coming, and, worse yet, we knew his arrival would bring about the death of one or more major characters. Ultimately, the writers swerved, ending on a cliffhanger that was more brutally effective than any blow from Lucille. After a tantalizing game of “Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe,” Negan chose an unidentified character to bludgeon to death. Through the eyes of this mystery victim, we watched helplessly as the bat came crashing down for hit after hit after hit. All we heard was the cracking of bones and the cries of our loved ones. Until this point, we’ve viewed the suffering from a safe distance, like onlookers in a terrible highway accident. But now, if only for a few moments, we were the victims. In the ultimate metaphor for Walking Dead fandom, Negan
Courtesy | AMC Television was beating us to death, and we couldn’t take our eyes away from the horror. But it can’t get worse than that, right? It probably can. I’ll lie to myself all summer long, and repeatedly say that I won’t tune in when the
show returns in October. But of course I will. Like all misery television, The Walking Dead is good and hellishly entertaining, and I’ll stay with it ‘til the bitter end. Or at least until Daryl dies.
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North Texas’ own Edgefest 2016 entering national territory By Morgan Sullivan Staff Writer @sadsquadch Positioned before most of the major festivals, Edgefest 26 will ser ve as a sort of crashcourse into the 2016 festival season. The Edgefest lineup has a little bit of something for ever yone: featuring headliners like The 1975 and Chvrches, who will both be touring the festival circuit this summer. As the fest is now pulling in major acts year af ter year, it’s dipping its toes into the waters of full-sized festivals and gaining national attention.
Bastille The UK band also played the festival in 2014, but is back af ter a few years and a newish release from summer 2014. Attendees will be able to sing along to all of the band ’s hits, like “Bad Blood ” and “Pompeii.” The band ’s electronic feel will allow crowds to jump around and have a good time, while singer Dan Smith commandeers attention. What the band
might lack in charisma (simply because of the somewhat slow nature of songs), they ma ke up with sound qualit y. CHVRCHES Scottish electronic band Chvrches is now basically a festival staple. Featured on nearly ever y major festival lineup this year, the band k nows how to work a crowd. A festival experience isn’t complete
Edgefest 26 will feature 14 bands, but here are four you can’t miss: Cage the Elephant The Kentucky natives have played the festival before, but much has changed since the band last played in 2014. Its new album, “Tell Me I’m Prett y,” dropped in December and pea ked at No. 26 on Billboard ’s Top 200 chart. Show-goers can expect lots of high energ y from vocalist Matt Schultz, who is notorious for getting up close and personal with the crowd. Also anticipated is a mix of old hits and new, including “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked ” from its 2013 album “Melophobia,” and “Mess Around ” from their latest release. The 1975 The band dropped its latest album, “I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It,” last month. In a complete change of sound, festival attendees will be treated to a whimsical performance reminiscent of the ‘80s. Front-man Matt Healy struts the stage with a head full of bouncy curls, cigarettes and usually a bottle of red wine. The band t y pically has a live performance hard to match – from lighting, to stage design, band charisma and most importantly, the sound is pristine.
without seeing Chvrches. Lead singer Lauren Mayberr y is perhaps one of the cutest humans to ever exist, which doesn’t hurt. Formed in 2011, the band has risen to a level of popularit y in a short amount of time, landing on BBC’s Sound of 2013 list of the most promising new music. The band ’s upbeat songs will keep attendees dancing even in the April heat.
Other artists include: Good Charlotte Silversun Pickups Foals The Struts X Ambassadors The Joy Formidable Blue October ... and more! For more information visit http://w w w.kdge.com/features/ edgefest-185/
escape the ordinary
CHVRCHES singer Lauren Mayberry performs at the MTV Woodies 10 for 16 at SXSW. Meagan Sullivan | Visuals Editor
HAPPY HOUR
Special!
We’re Open Late! Hours: Mon 11AM - 12AM Tues 11AM - 12AM Weds 11AM|- 20th 12AMCentury Fox Courtesy Thurs 11AM - 3AM Friday 11AM - 3AM Sat 11AM - 3AM Sun 11AM - 12AM
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$5 bucks Bring all your friends!
10% off everything students | faculty | staff
1800 S Loop 288 Suite 222 Denton, TX 940.380.1196 davantisalon.com
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GAMES
Here’s what’s headed to Netflix and HBO this month. Oh, and ‘Game of Thrones’ By Nicholas Friedman Editor-In-Chief @NMFreed It’s going to be one hell of a month in the world of streaming. With blockbusters like ‘Jurassic World’ and original series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ headed back to television, there will be no reprieve from couch-binging this April.
Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer Looking for Richard Love It or List It, Too: Season 4 The Mask You Live In Morituri My Girl Mystic River The Next Best Thing The Perfect Storm
God’s Pocket Hush April 9 Look Who’s Back April 10 Girl Meets World: Season 2
Courtesy |Netflix
Netflix April 1 16 Blocks 2001: A Space Odyssey A Clockwork Orange Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: Season 5 The Ascent of Woman: A 10,000 Year Story Beat Bobby Flay: Season 1 Best in Show Bob’s Burgers: Season 5
White Fang Wild Wild West X-Men X-Men Days of Future Past
April 24 Minions
Courtesy |Netflix Courtesy |Netflix The Phantom The Princess Bride The Ranch
April 14 Moonwalkers Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine April 15 Belgica Cuckoo: Season 3 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Season 2
April 27 Begin Again The Fosters: Season 3 April 29 Danger Mouse: Season 1 Hellion Special Correspondents Team Foxcatcher April 30 Sensitive Skin: Season 2
HBO
Courtesy |Netflix Boogie Nights Breathe Chaplin Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Codegirl Colegas Cujo Deep Impact Dolphin Tale Erin Brockovich Explorers Fixer Upper: Season 2 Frank and Cindy Giada at Home: Season 7
April 9 Lucy Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper
April 16 Confirmation
Courtesy |Netflix April 16 How to Get Away with Murder: Season 2 April 17 Lost Girl: Season 5 The Messengers: Season 1
Courtesy |HBO American Pie 2 Breach Casper Mean Streets Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium Slither The Fault In Our Stars The Invasion We Are Marshall
April 23 Jurassic World April 24 Game of Thrones
Courtesy |HBO Silicon Valley VEEP April 25 Heart of a Dog
Courtesy |Netflix April 5 Walt Before Mickey April 8
April 4 Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures
April 18 We Are Your Friends
April 22 Catching The Sun Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping
Courtesy |Netflix
April 2 Trainwreck
April 11 Inherent Vice
April 1 American Pie
Courtesy |Netflix Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers The Right Stuff Rising Sun The Running Man Say It Isn’t So The Shawshank Redemption Scrooged Something’s Gotta Give Sunset Boulevard Transporter 3 Uncommon Valor Under the Same Moon V for Vendetta
Courtesy |HBO
Courtesy |HBO Courtesy |Netflix
April 27 Dracula Untold
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WHAT TO DO IN DENTON
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 UNT College of Music Guest Artist The accomplished and talented tuba player Scott Roeder and world-renowned pianist Brendan Kinsella will both be performing at 6:30 p.m. on April 12 at the UNT College of Music Recital Hall for free and open to the public. Heralded as an amazing pianist by the Houston Chronicle and described as a “sensitive musician with an ear for color” by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Kinsella is a very talented performer with an impressive track record. Roeder is currently serving as the Principal Tuba with the Valley Symphony Orchestra and is Associate Professor of Tuba at Euphonium at the University of Texas Pan-American. For those interested in excellent live music performances, this is a great night out.
Friday, April 15, 2016 University Day 2016 Does free food, music and activities sound like a good time to you? Then this 55-year-old North Texas tradition is the one for you. University Day dates back to when North Texas State College became North Texas State University. The anniversary will be celebrated with a picnic lunch (free to all who have a current UNT ID), a proclamation by Denton Mayor and music from the UNT pep band. For the fifth year in a row, the event will be preceded the Flag Parade starting at 11 a.m. outside of Marquis Hall. The parade will feature students from across the world in their native garb carrying their countries’ f lags. Local vendors and student organizations will also be on hand. Jazz Singers Event If there is only one jazz performance you see on campus this year, make it this one. Acclaimed vocalist and director of vocal jazz studies at UNT Jennifer Barnes will be putting
on a vocal jazz performance with Australian singer-songwriter Jo Lawry at 8:00 p.m. on April 15 in Voertman Hall. Since the release of her debut album “I Want to Be Happy,” Lawry has worked with a variety of musicians. Most notably touring with singer-songwriter Sting and providing duet vocals
Counseling and Testing Services and the Student Health and Wellness Center want to take you back to a simpler, more stress-free time and let you express yourself creatively. They will provide crayons, markers and pens to color. Coloring books are provided, but students can create their own original stress relieving
House Exhibit rolls into Fair Park. Icons of the minimalist mentality, the tiny houses are a great way to learn about sustainability and a simpler lifestyle. The event is part of Earth Day Texas and admission is free. The Tiny House Village will be on display Earth Day weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on April 22-24. Beth Ann Norrgard,
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from Midnight River Choir at 6 p.m. and a screening of the Will Ferrell movie “Daddy’s Home.” Gates open in Farmer’s Branch Historical Park at 5:30 on Saturday, April 23. Childcare will be available for $10 per child. Childcare registration ends April 21. Further information can be found on the Farmer’s Branch official website or the event hotline at (972) 247-4607. UNT Music 75th Anniversary True or Falsetto? UNT has had a music Library for over 75 years: True The College of Music Library will be cello-brating 75 years at UNT with a variety of speakers and topics Friday afternoon and all day Saturday, crescendo-ing with a concert Saturday night ‘Fessor Graham’s Saturday Night Stage Show featuring Jazz Studies Division and Department of Dance. The music library at UNT is one of the largest academic music libraries in the country and has helped educate many successful musicians throughout the years and to keep them out of treble. So round up your friends and tell them they Staccato go check this concert. You would have to be a bassoon not too.
on his album “Symphonicities.” Barnes is also extremely well-versed as both a vocalist and vocal director, having won several awards and appeared on the soundtrack of hit films like “Enchanted” and “Star Trek.” The ticket price is $8-10 and is open to the public. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 Color Away Your Stress Remember when coloring was your favorite part of school? Well, it can be again.
works of art too. Snacks will be provided for free, because coloring experience wouldn’t be complete without snacks. Take a step back through time and come color your stress away. The art creating will start at 6 p.m. in Sage Hall on Wednesday April 20. Friday, April 22, 2016 Tiny House Exhibit Earth Day is about to get a whole lot greener as the Tiny
who owns a 112-square foot house and runs popular Tiny House blog “A Bed Over My Head” will be hosting a panel at 11 a.m on April 24. Saturday, April 23, 2016 Date Night in the Park Looking for the perfect way to usher in spring with your sweetheart or friends? Look no further than Date Night in the Park in Farmer’s Branch. Guests will have their pick of 11 food trucks as they enjoy music
Tuesday, May 3, 2016 Red, White & Jazz What could possibly capture the spirit of Denton better than jazz music paired with art and washed down with some wine? This May, come and experience the essence of Denton while mixing and mingling with the strong women that make this community great. Red, White & Jazz will take place from 5 p.m. 7 p.m on May 3 at the PattersonAppleton Arts Center. The event is hosted by Women in Commerce and the Denton Chamber of Commerce and will feature wine tasting in addition to business networking opportunities for Denton women. For more information, visit the Women in Commerce website www.dentonchamber.org/winc.
RECY CLED ON THE SQUARE 200 N. Locust