Inside Beat 2011-03-10

INSIDEBEAT MARCH 10, 2011 • VOL. 29, NO. 4

THE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE OF THE DAILY TARGUM

To the the Rescue!

Rescue!

To New super-actors swoop up old comic book favorites

TRIBUTE S E L T A E B : EEK • RAIN W N IO H S A E • PARIS F Y E Y D A E B UMBER 4 • N M A I • LT JODI PICOU

Page 2 • Inside Beat

March 10, 2011

Column • Theater

RANT

COURTESY OF ZIMBIO.COM

e i b r a B l l i W Take Ken Back?

BY OLIVIA KINTER THEATER EDITOR

Celebrity couples. We love hearing about them, reading about them and wondering what they will do next. At best, we believe they are perfect for one another. When we were little, we had similar feelings about toys, those fun fads that we played with and wished for our next birthday. Although the toys we are more likely to hope for now include iPhones, cash or a new car from mom and dad. After all, our lives would be a lot easier if we had these things, right? Despite the aesthetics, however, just how important are they to us on a day-to-day basis?

If you have taken a recent trip to New York City, are watching reruns on Hulu or happen to be searching the Internet, you will notice a new trend in both celebrity names and classic toys — it’s a little campaign entitled “Should Barbie Take Ken Back? Vote Now!” Cute? Think again. This item of pop culture is commercial reality, and more so, a marketing tool for the next reality television show. No matter what they

will settle for in ever yday life, women still want the perfect boyfriend, fiancé and husband.

Barbie and Ken have been a hot topic since their first appearance together back in 1961, and both have evolved in looks and ethnic types thanks to manufacturer, Mattel. Barbie, who was launched

by Ruth Handler in March 1959, has been the central cause of conflict for women and young girls.

Complaints of the Barbie doll being too tall, too thin and having impossible physical proportions have made mothers, daughters and teens more aware of how advertising operates. And yet Barbie is still a popular collectable item.

Last July, Mattel produced Mad Men figures of Don Draper, his wife Betty, co-worker Roger Sterling and sultry secretary Joan Holloway, curves and all.

The tables are turning and women are now judging men openly in front of a large audience on Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend.

Think America’s Next Top Model only instead of fashion, the men are analyzed on accomplishing tasks as well as their masculinity, and are given a baby blue KEN wristband if not eliminated. De-

RAIN:

Brooks Atkinson Theatre | A

A Tribute to The Beatles

BY MIKE BITHER STAFF WRITER

COURTESY OF SHOPPINGBLOG.COM

spite the sociological research that explains how today’s society is the most carefree, single and non-judgmental, the psychological aspect of women still searching for “Mr. Right” has not faded thanks to commercial media. The concept is projecting to viewers that women should highly consider looks, choices and taste when choosing a mate. Is Genuine Ken a load of fluff entertainment intended to make money, to gain attention or highlight a woman’s true desires? Ironically, the show’s host Whitney Port (The Hills) has been compared to Barbie herself on the show by one of the contenders. Will Whitney and Mr. “Genuine Ken” possibly be America’s next perfect couple?

We have certainly had our share of real Ken and Barbie couples over the past decade: Brad and Jennifer, Ryan and Reese, Justin and Britney, and the most current royal one, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Is it all based on good appearance, status or the chemistry that each couple had between one another? Keeping these factors in mind, ask yourself if it is the outward or internal appeal of something you wish for or hope to keep forever.

There is a moment, specifically during the recreation of the Beatles’ famed 1965 Shea Stadium concert, where it becomes apparent that RAIN is more than a simple Broadway tribute. At the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City, an audience is up out of their seats, blissfully dancing and singing along to the performers’ rendition of The Beatles’ international hit “Twist and Shout.”

It is very clear that this is not a mere simulation, but a rapturous celebration of the greatest band of all time. Impeccable vocal, physical and musical impersonations carry this nostalgic reminiscence of the Beatles through the years.

RAIN begins by taking the audience on a visual trip through time back to 1964. With the usage of video screens on the sides of the stage flashing images and videos of the fads, fashions and other noteworthy events of the time period, it eventually reaches coverage of the unforgettable arrival of The Beatles in America.

The curtain finally rises to reveal a model of their famed performance on the iconic The Ed Sullivan Show as they rip into “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” From this point on, the audience witnesses a pure, unabashed celebration of the undying music of the Beatles as the settings, atmospheres, wardrobes and even hairstyles pay homage to the ever-changing Fab Four. The group’s dynamic

history is chronicled from Shea Stadium to the psychedelic landscapes of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) to the group’s final performance on the rooftops of the Apple Corps (1969), set solely to the transcendent sounds of arguably the most beloved group in music.

Musically, the performers are fantastic, showcasing their flawless vocal and physical impersonations.

Bassist Joey Curatolo (Beatlemania) orates Paul McCartney’s distinctive singing voice and Liverpudlian accent to such perfection that it would be nearly impossible to tell the difference without visual proof. Even the foursome’s individual mannerisms are meticulously replicated; Joe Bologna has Ringo Starr’s carefree playing style and gleeful head-swinging down to a science, while Steve Landes (Mars Attacks!) wholly channels John Lennon’s unmistakable vocals and trademark bow-legged bob.

RAIN is not a musical in the traditional sense, nor is it a concert — it falls more into the vein of the latter. It is a joyous remembrance of a musical group that, more than 40 years removed from breaking up, continues to affect countless individuals across multiple generations. There are few pleasures in this world that so many people can share, but it is incredibly poignant to witness audience members — some are old enough to remember the band’s arrival, some barely entering their teens — all dancing, singing and connecting through a unified love of timeless music.

EDITORIAL BOARD S TACY D OUEK ................................................ EDITOR ROSANNA VOLIS..............................................ASSOCIATE EDITOR KATHERINE CHANG........................................ASSISTANT EDITOR FREDDIE MORGAN.................................................................TV EDITOR EMILY GABRIELE...........................................................MUSIC EDITOR OLIVIA KINTER...........................................................THEATER EDITOR ZOE SZATHMARY..........................................................FASHION EDITOR NANCY SANTUCCI..............................................................COPY EDITOR RAMON DOMPOR..............................................................PHOTO EDITOR ALEX NATANZON................................................................FILM EDITOR INAYAH BRISTOL.............................................................BOOKS EDITOR ASHLEY PARK................................................................ONLINE EDITOR RYAN SURUJNATH................................................VIDEO GAMES EDITOR

INSIDEBEAT THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS INSIDE BEAT :

TO

Jenna Grunfeld, Ciara Copell, Charlie Rawcliffe, Tiffany Gonzalez, Samantha Bonizzi Diana M. Cholankeril. Chelsea Schep, Mike Bither.

Michael E. Rosenthal Cover Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures Rutgers Student Center 126 College Avenue, Suite 431 New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Phone (732) 932-2013 Fax (732) 246-7299 Email beat@dailytargum.com Web www.inside-beat.com Advertising in Inside Beat, Call (732) 932-7051 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

March 10, 2011

Books • Fashion

Inside Beat • Page 3

INTERNATIONAL F.W. JOURNAL

PARIS FASHION WEEK

B U L C S L R I G BAD

BY ZOË SZATHMARY FASHION EDITOR

A heady mixture of leather, lace and attitude sauntered down the Paris runways last week. Designers offered looks for all types of fashionistas comfortable with their darker sides. Givenchy and Rue du Mail focused on bookish peek-a-boo, the former seen here ser ving a sexed-up version of Mar y Quant’s mod ’60s creations. Itbrands Balmain and Lanvin provided a range of tougher looks with fur and leather accents, a perfect complement for the Parisian it-girls’ smudgy eyeliner and mussed tresses. Haider Ackermann, in rich satins, whipped up draped jackets and bustle dresses, complete with chains and heavy belts. Honorable mentions go to Yohji Yamamoto for his gothic exposed hoop skirts and Jean Paul Gaultier’s Bardot-esque models semi-stripping on the runway. Paris was the place to be to let out your luxe, louche sensibilities.

Left to right: Haider Ackerman, Givenchy, Rue du Mail, Balmain All photos courtesy of style.com

Jodi Picoult | C+

BY INAYAH BRISTOL BOOKS EDITOR

Jodi Picoult is known for tackling ver y controversial topics in her novels. While her new book Sing You Home may achieve the same commercial success as other works such as My Sister’s Keeper, the book is definitely a step down in terms of writing for Picoult.

Sing You Home touches on two ver y sensitive topics: gay rights and religion although other topics such as disease, divorce and infidelity are discussed as well. Told in three different perspectives, the book’s focal point is Zoe Baxter, a woman who has been through a great amount of misfortune in her life. Zoe’s biggest problem is that she can’t have the one thing she longs for most: a baby. Just when she finds love, and having a baby no longer seems like a faraway dream, she finds herself dealing with even more obstacles. Because her

newfound love is not considered right and is labeled as “untraditional,” she is put under fire by members of the religious community. This leads up to a court case to determine whether Zoe and her partner should even be able to raise children.

The book is filled with twists and turns that will captivate and frustrate readers at the same time. It seems like every 50 pages, a new problem arises, all the way down to the very last pages. And while readers do like to be surprised, Picoult may have overdone it a bit in this book. If she had focused and expanded on one or two of the big topics she’d chosen, maybe the outcome would have been better. Instead, the book is cluttered with various side plots and drama, seeming more like a soap opera than a novel. It also feels rushed instead of flowing and progressing naturally as it should have.

Picoult does do a good job at exploring a subject that is often shied away from in a ver y tasteful and objective manner. She lets readers see the problems from both sides of the spectrum and leaves it up to them to decide which side is right or wrong. She also gives her characters a sufficient amount of complexity — maybe a bit too complex for one novel.

Picoult has proved that she can write a solid piece, but this novel just doesn’t have the same effect as some of her previous works.

Her loyal fans will appreciate the novel, but for everyone else we may have to sit this one out and wait for the next release.

Author Spotlight: Heather Gudenkauf

BY INAYAH BRISTOL

COURTESY OF HEATHERGUDENKAUF.COM

Sing You Home

BOOKS EDITOR

Name: Heather Gudenkauf Background Info: Gudenkauf, a South Dakota native, graduated from the University of Iowa. She has a degree in elementary education and currently works as a literary coach in Iowa, where she lives with her husband and children.

Why We Like Her: Gudenkauf’s work is very capturing. She has only written two books, but she has already shown that she has a knack for creating suspense and characters that stay with you days after you’ve finished reading her work. She picked intricate plots for her two novels, and it will be interesting to see what new ideas she comes up with for future books. Fans of the suspense genre will appreciate her work. People who are interested in family dramas will enjoy her novels as well.

Preview the Books: The Weight of Silence The Weight of Silence deals with a parent’s worst nightmare: losing their child. Calli Clark, a 7-yearold girl suffering from selective mutism goes missing, along with her best friend. Told from several different points of views, The Weight of Silence shows two families’ struggle to deal with not only the disappearance of their children, but also family secrets that were deeply hidden. In Gudenkauf’s debut novel, she tells an engrossing tale that will leave readers unable to put the book down.

These Things Hidden Everyone can remember that one girl from high school: the perfect one who did everything right.

These Things Hidden tells the story of that girl—except the protagonist in this book serves five years in jail for murder. Allison Glen, who managed to get released from prison after serving five years out of her ten-year sentence, is determined to start anew and put her past behind her. But with parents who are less than accepting and a sister who is equally unforgiving, Allison finds that starting over is easier said than done. This story, full of untold truths and buried lies, proves to be a great follow up to Weight of Silence and offers a different but equally enjoyable read.

C O M I C B O O K H E RO

They fly, shoot lasers and pick up ridiculously heavy objects, all while amazing us an idealized as kids. They spoke to our childhood fantasies, and their superpowers served t crusaders, these masked heroes that were the epitome of “awesome.” It is no surprise t witness their idols brought to life on the big screen with mesmerizing special effects a Inside Beat takes a look at some of the fresh faces portraying these heroes and see if th

R ya n Rey n o l d s

GREEN LANTERN

BY SAMANTHA BONIZZI STAFF WRITER

Superheroes need to possess a certain array of admirable qualities, determination, skill, willpower — and a buff body wouldn’t hurt. Maybe that’s why People Magazine’s 2010 Sexiest Man Alive, Ryan Reynolds, will star in the upcoming superhero movie, Green Lantern.

Green Lantern is based on the comic book series about a league of warriors called the Green Lantern Corps. This force is bonded together to keep peace and order in the universe. Members of the league wear rings that grant them superpowers.

Reynolds plays the role of Hal Jordan, a test pilot who is the first human ever to be accepted as a Green Lantern. The Corps is normally resistant to humans, but Jordan may be just what they need to defeat their enemy, Parallax.

Reynolds first made a name for himself in Hollywood with comedies such as Van Wilder, Waiting and Just Friends. But he has since starred in more dramatic and intense films including Amityville Horror and Smokin’ Aces. This will not be the first time that Reynolds has embraced the role of a superhero. Reynolds played Wade Wilson, who later becomes Deadpool, in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. For the role, Reynolds had to undergo extensive training in sword fighting as well as other physical preparations.

Not only does Reynolds have the physique, strength and experience to be the Green Lantern, but he will also add his personal charm to the role. He brings his humor to every movie, which is why people love watching him on the big screen. Blake Lively, will serve as his romantic interest Carol Ferris. Honestly, who doesn’t gush over a sexy superhero love affair?

Above all, Reynolds’ success as a superhero in X-Men proves that this Canadian has what it takes to be the legendary Hal Jordan. This upcoming summer, all types of audiences can expect to be blown away with Reynolds as the Green Lantern.

SPIDERMAN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

A n d rew Gar f ield

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES

BY RYAN SURUJNATH VIDEO GAMES EDITOR

The Spider-Man trilogy was a critical and commercial success, so it came as a surprise to many when Sony Pictures announced a reboot of the franchise. The Amazing Spider-Man is due for a July 2012 release and will star Andrew Garfield as the masked web-crawler.

Garfield’s first lead role came in the British film Boy A, which was met with positive reviews. After a relatively minor role in The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Garfield once again assumed a lead role in Never Let Me Go. The movie received generally positive reception, citing Garfield’s brilliant, breakout performance.

Garfield’s most notable role is also his most recent, having starred alongside an ensemble cast in the 2010 film, The Social Network. Though Jesse Eisenberg received the Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, it was Garfield’s performance as Eduardo Saverin that made the film worth watching. Garfield captures the essence of this role by delivering a performance that conveys the emotional gravity of this betrayal, but he never exaggerates emotion to the point where it becomes cheesy and contrived.

Garfield’s performance in The Social Network suggests that he should be able to depict the human vulnerability of Peter Parker well. The Amazing Spider-Man will focus on Parker’s struggles through high school, as he develops his spider powers. In the comic book, Parker is ridiculed by his peers and must also suffer the added burden of helping his widowed aunt cope with the death of her husband, Ben. Meanwhile, Spider-Man remains a misunderstood figure to the city of New York and must consta Garfield has never starred in an action film, so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to such a role. Nonetheless, it seems that Garfield will be able to capture the personality and soul of Spider-Man.

OES

k s a M e h t h t a e n e B

nd enchanting our fancy. They are the comic book superheroes that we grew up with and to spark our imagination in countless, creative ways. We wanted to be just like these caped that when a new superhero flick comes out, huge masses of viewers flock to the movies to and CGI. Well, with a whole new shipment of superhero films coming out this summer, hey have what it takes to embody these comic book legends and fill those heroic boots.

THOR

C h r i s H e m s wo r t h

BY ALEX NATANZON FILM EDITOR

The mighty thunder god Thor is slated to join the rank of champions to appear in this summer’s wave of superhero films. With overwhelming strength, majestic amour and a magical hammer that is suspiciously large for just simple carpentry, the character of Thor is quite a force to be reckoned with and a top-dog in the Marvel comic book series. So the main question remains: Is the young Chris Hemsworth ready to don the cape and winged helmet to take on the role of this comic book icon?

Based on the character of Norse mythology, Thor tells the tale of a proud and noble warrior who is banished to Earth by his father, Odin. Thor is punished for his careless actions, which initiate an ancient war. On Earth he takes on an alter ego but soon finds himself wielding his colossal hammer again in defense of the people against an army of dark forces bent on destruction. While the film will deviate slightly from the original plot of the comic, it will still maintain key stor y elements.

When it comes to embodying the bodily features of Thor, Hemsworth need not worry. In trailers he is seen sporting a beard, and it’s evident that he has undergone intense physical training. While he may look the part, it isn’t clear if he can talk the talk, as the young Australian doesn’t have many starring roles under his belt, let alone any super-hero experience.

Hemsworth came to prominence in the Australian soap opera, Home and Away, and had minor roles in Star Trek and A Perfect Getaway. He delivered an average performance as James Kirk’s father in Star Trek, and his character in A Perfect Getaway was forgettable to say the best.

Yes, Hemsworth is a fresh, young face, and while he has been groomed properly for the role, he hasn’t had much previous acting experience that reflects upon his current character.

But perhaps he can transform himself the way Gerard Butler did for the role of the stoic King Leonidas in 300, having all Thor’s epic attributes shine thru. Also, having a cast of veteran costars like Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins and Stellan Skarsgård may be just what this Australian needs to raise the bar. Let’s just hope that Hemsworth can find that spark and bring to his character the charisma and commitment deserving of a super-hero.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES

CAPTAIN AMERICA

C h r i s E va n s PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES

BY MICHAEL E. ROSENTHAL STAFF WRITER

Next up to take over the silver screen this summer will be actor Chris Evans, appearing in Captain America: The First Avenger.

Captain America’s alter ego, Steve Rogers, is the perfect symbol of patriotism, fending off the evil Axis powers during World War II. Moviegoers will wonder if Evans can encapsulate a character that personifies our freedom and spirit in this modern day take on the classic comic character.

Evans, best known for his roles in teen movies, puts in solid performances in Not Another Teen Movie and The Perfect Score.

He’s shown ability to grab audiences with his flashy looks and comical skill in funny situations, but he faces the challenge of becoming the serious hero that makes a person feel truly moved.

Evans put on an admirable performance as Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four. But with the disappointment the movie generated overall, Evans’ ability to shine in the spotlight was due to pure acting skills and making the role his own. His role in Captain America: The First Avenger, is the focal point of the entire movie.

Certain actors have become synonymous with movie characters, like Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, and Heath Ledger as The Joker. These kinds of performances make the difference between an enjoyable movie and cinema gold. Filling Captain America’s shoes is a tall order, and while Evans won’t fail to entertain, he might not be able to put on the kind of memorable performance that makes the viewer sympathetic toward the character as if he were a real person.

Page 6 • Inside Beat

March 10, 2011

Film • TV • Video Games

new memories

Hall Pass

We all remember Barney and Sesame Street as the childhood staples, but these underrated classics are worth revisting.

Bobby Farrell y & Peter Farre lly | B

BY JENNA GRUNFELD STAFF WRITER

The Puzzle Place 1995-1998

BY CIARA COPELL

The Puzzle Place is a show of little note. While its ratings were often some of the highest in children’s programming, it was overshadowed by kids’ obsessions with Barney. The Puzzle Place featured a cast of diverse young puppets who spent their free time at a puzzlethemed hot spot. The series tackled serious issues like racism and morality while keeping kids laughing with the mischievous cat and dog, Sizzle and Nuzzle, and the fairly incompetent “Piece Police.” The Puzzle Place is not often remembered, but it certainly deserves its place in the ranks of beloved childhood shows.

STAFF WRITER

Hall Pass, the newest comedy from the Farrelly brothers, the guys that brought you There’s Something About Mary and Shallow Hal, lives up to expectations as far as crude humor is concerned, but is not the instant comedy classic that many of their past movies are.

Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers) and Jason Sudeikis (The Rocker) complement each other well as Rick and Fred, best friends convinced that they could get with gorgeous women if not for their wives, played by Christina Applegate (Anchorman) and Jenna Fischer (The Office, Blades of Glory), respectively. When they are finally given the chance, the two friends go on a wild adventure to find women to hook up with.

Zoom 1999-2006

but the gross-out humor gets to be a little bit much after awhile. However, thanks to well-timed jokes — which there are plenty of — the film moves at a good pace, and the audience is not left wondering when it will finally be over. The funniest thing about Hall Pass is not the outlandish humor but how amazingly awkward Rick and Fred are. When they try to pick women up in Hawaiian shirts and motorcycle helmets, using ridiculous pick-up lines they found on Google, the audience can’t help but squirm. It is this awkwardness that makes the movie watchable.

Though Hall Pass relies a bit too heavily on gross-out humor, the film is fun to watch, and the acting is solid all around. Even with a very predictable plot line and slightly disturbing antics, Hall Pass is worth seeing.

inFamous 2

BY RYAN SURUJNATH VIDEO GAMES EDITOR

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PBS

COURTESY OF IFC

n eye oPortlandia

Sucker Punch released two new trailers for their upcoming game inFamous 2 at last week’s 2011 Game Developer’s Conference. The first trailer is entitled “Karma” and aims to show the game’s new morality system.

The trailer sets up a basic framework for the overarching story of inFamous 2. Following the events of the first inFamous, protagonist Cole McGrath leaves his home in Empire City and ventures to a new locale called New Marais. The town is clearly influenced by New Orleans, and it appears to be a more colorful setting than Empire City was.

Unfortunately, humans with superpowers are frowned upon in New Marais, and thus enters Cole’s

moral dilemma. Does he assume the role of the selfless hero? Or does he remain indifferent to the fates of those who hate him? The trailer introduces two female characters who appear to serve as Cole’s moral compasses. One seems to be a heroine and the other a criminal.

Unfortunately, the trailer does not answer some of the burning questions regarding karma. It is still unclear how moral alignment from the first inFamous will affect the game. It is unknown how moral choices will affect the game. Will there be dramatic differences in the plot and gameplay, or will these changes in morality be relatively minor and cosmetic, as in the first game?

The trailer also shows a number of new features. Melee combat is more detailed than in the first game, now making use of Cole’s new electrified cattle prod. The improvements

SNEAK PEEK

Zoom was a show for kids, by kids. A remake of a kids’ series from the early ’70s, this show came back in 1999 with a brand new cast of “kids like us.”

The cast members entertained with jokes and riddles, demonstrated recipes and science experiments, spoke made-up languages and just hung out answering viewer questions. It was a sort of variety show for the younger generation. Zoom became such a cultural phenomenon that a “Where are they now?” video on Youtube dedicated to locating former “Zoomers” has gotten more than 50,000 hits.

COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

The audience is kept laughing throughout thanks to the crude humor the Farrelly brothers are famous for. This includes a scene where Rick appears to be drowning in a hot tub and has to be pulled out by two naked men. It is not only the two main characters that bring the laughs, though. Perhaps the funniest addition is Rick and Fred’s English friend Gary, played by Stephen Merchant, the writer for the British version of The Office. In one of the most memorable scenes in the film, Gary provides the guys with hash brownies during a day of golfing.

The plot of Hall Pass is predictable, with the audience able to guess what’s coming next. The only unexpected aspect is the outrageous humor, which gets more and more unbelievable and shocking with every second that passes.

This is good for most of the time,

to combat do not end there, however.

Cole’s electrical abilities manifest themselves in deadly new ways, and it appears that he will also have access to ice and fire-based powers. It is also clear that the graphic engine has been improved. Veterans of the first game will remember the rigid character models, but it appears that this problem has been fixed.

Sucker Punch released another trailer, detailing an interesting new aspect of inFamous 2. While no multiplayer is expected to be announced for the game, players will have the ability to create their own custom missions and upload them to PSN. Different types of missions can be created, varying from combat to platforming and races. inFamous 2 promises to be one of the most interesting titles of the summer. The game currently has a release date of June 7.

I AM NUMBER FOUR D. J. Caruso | C

IFC, Fridays at 10:30 p.m.

The Independent Film Channel’s newest series has attracted the most attention the network has ever seen. While its first season has already aired, Portlandia is returning for a second season, so there is plenty of time to catch up.

Portlandia is a six-episode sketch comedy show that takes place in a bizarre version of Portland, Oregon. The show was created by Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live and Carrie Brownstein, formerly of the band Sleater-Kinney. The team performs skits in which they play a variety of characters, including cult members, punks and hippie vegans. During the episodes there are also guest appearances from famous actors and musicians.

You may wonder if Armisen draws heavily from his experiences on SNL. Many of the skits do satirize popular culture, using mostly dry humor with several laugh-out-loud moments. However, while the shows have similarities, Portlandia does not use stages, sets or live audiences. Instead, it takes place right on the streets of Portland.

While this show may have slipped under your radar, Portlandia attracted 1.1 million viewers by its third episode.

That’s a lot of attention for the Independent Film Channel.

Viewership encouraged the network to request a second season — this time with four more episodes. Go see what Portlandia is all about and judge for yourself.

—Tiffany Gonzalez

BY DIANA M. CHOLANKERIL STAFF WRITER

I Am Number Four is the highly anticipated film adaptation of the young adult novel by Pittacus Lore. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film confirms what we should come to expect of movies in this new digital age.

John (Alex Pettyfer, Stormbreaker) is an alien from a little known planet who lives under the guise of a normal high school student. He lives with Henri (Timothy Olyphant, Hitman), who pretends to be his father but actually takes on the role of guardian, protector and mentor. John is one of six people from his planet being pursued by the Mogandorians, evil beings from his world who want to kill John along with the rest of these six unique individuals.

In the midst of all this, John befriends Sam (Callan McAuliffe, Flipped), the kid who is incessantly

bullied by high school hitman, Mark (Jake Abel, The Lovely Bones). John also finds a love interest in Sarah (Dianna Agron, Glee), a girl who is completely taken by his mysterious demeanor and wishes desperately to understand him. Of course, she eventually gets sucked into his world of super-human strength and intensely epic battle scenes so much so that she adds unnecessary baggage to the storyline Do these character types sound familiar? They should, as they echo the characters of many other super-teen comedies such as Spider-Man and Transformers.

Unfortunately, each scene in the film is so disconnected from the next that it’s difficult to understand Caruso’s vision for the movie. The characters lack a great amount of development so that throughout the film some friendships are torn apart while others are created without any real explanation or back story. The verbal banter between the kids is

often clichéd and lacks the punch that the director and screenwriters were most likely aiming for.

The screenwriters try to keep the wordplay fresh by adding racy lines but the end result is more unsettling and unnatural than it is a realistic representation of American adolescence.

Don’t go into this viewing with high hopes of being blown away by the storyline. Go to this movie with the intention of seeing some mindnumbing action scenes, superb special effects and some pretty good looking people — but that’s about it.

COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

March 10, 2011

Music • Video Games

Inside Beat • Page 7

LOCAL

Anna Root Glen at The Court Tavern Calvi CORNER

BY EMILY GABRIELE MUSIC EDITOR

Anna Calvi | C+

BY CHELSEA SCHEP STAFF WRITER

Anna Calvi is the latest of a slew of British exports to break into the international music scene.

Having completed tours with Interpol and Nick Cave’s Grinderman, as well as being included on the BBC’s prestigious Sound of 2011 list, Calvi’s self-titled debut album is set to impress. Her deep, buttery voice is a pleasant alternative from other Brits. Florence

Welch (of Florence and the Machine), Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Pixie Lott sound screechy and abrasive in comparison.

Opening the album with an instrumental, “Rider to the Sea” not only showcases Calvi’s dexterous guitar skills, but the track also is a nod to her flamenco and classical roots. “Suzanne and I” is a prime example of her luxurious voice. With smooth vocals that simply fall out of her mouth, Calvi seems to draw her music from a purer source than today’s auto-tune top 10.

The singer/songwriter’s inspirations are obvious, with “Desire”

echoing the style of Nick Cave and “No More Words” alluding to a time when Diana Krall reigned. Even Chris Isaak can be felt behind the hollow guitar on “I’ll Be Your Man.” However, Anna Calvi is not an album that can happily dwell in the background. Her haunting style commands the listener’s full attention, most noticeably, “The Devil,” which features Calvi repeatedly howling, “the devil will come.” A versatile yet cohesive album, the debut showcases the Brit’s song writing skills as well as her musicianship. Anna Calvi will resonate long after the music ends.

dropkick murphys Going Out In Style | B+

BY MIKE BITHER STAFF WRITER

The Dropkick Murphys have made a name for themselves by combining brash, no-holds-barred punk rock with traditional Irish themes and melodies. However, in their seventh album-release, the Boston natives add an additional element to their Celtic punk sensibilities: storytelling. Going Out In Style is the band’s most ambitious project to date, marking their first attempt at a cohesive concept album. Though the album’s story is unfocused at times,

the band’s good-natured aggression, diverse instrumentation and signature anthems make for a highly embraceable punk rock record.

For the most part, Going Out In Style blends the members’ own personal experiences and family folklore to tell the story of the fictional Irish immigrant, Cornelius Larkin.

The story begins with the elderly Larkin looking back on his life via the title track. The story continues forward including his difficult upbringing in Ireland in the song “Cruel,” followed by him joining the army in “Memorial Day.” To conclude the character’s story, “Climbing a Chair to Bed” exemplifies the fear that comes with such a decision.

The message becomes unclear on the album’s second half, which is

filled mostly with unfocused accounts of war that are difficult to tie into Larkin’s story. Musically, the album is filled with what the Murphys do best: rousing punk anthems, gang vocal chants and call-andresponse interplay from dual vocalists Ken Casey and Al Barr. The album also includes trademark characteristics of Irish instrumentation, including bagpipes, a tin whistle and a banjo. Even Bruce Springsteen gets in on the action, lending his distinctive drawl to “Peg o’ My Heart.”

The Dropkick Murphys’ first conceptual endeavor might not be the easiest album to fully understand, but the band’s exhilarating energy and overall fun nature make for a rousing record that’s sure to be a barroom staple.

Beady Eye Different Gear, Still Speeding | B+

BY CHARLIE RAWCLIFFE STAFF WRITER

When Noel Gallagher walked out of Oasis in August of last year, a lot of people were left wondering what the rest of the band was going to do next. Seven months down the line, Different Gear, Still Speeding is here, and the answer is abundantly clear: This is not a new Oasis record. Beady Eye is a different entity entirely. Following his brother’s departure, the responsibility of vocals has fallen to Liam Gallagher alone, and he’s clearly revelling in it.

Each song is built around a solid chorus, none more so than “The Roller,” which, while reminiscent of Oasis’ early work, has an understated charm that Liam has never really revealed before.

“Bring The Light,” the album’s lead single, is full of upbeat honkytonk pianos and sounds like Jerry Lee Lewis 50 years down the line — it’s something that could never have come out under the Oasis name. Nobody ever doubted that the members of Oasis were possessors of great music-making ability, but as their time together grew, it was almost as if they’d pigeon-holed themselves and were incapable of making drastic changes to their music at the risk

of upsetting their long-time fans.

But Beady Eye offers Gallagher and co. the perfect opportunity to try something new, and they’ve pulled it off to great effect. Different Gear, Still Speeding is a mix of the same influences that were always evident in Oasis’s work, such as The Kinks, The Beatles and other British bands of the ’60s and ’70s.

The swagger of Oasis seems to have been put aside, and what’s come to the forefront is an album full of charming pop songs. Beady Eye’s debut album quashes predictions that they’d produce a second-rate Oasis album. If you’ve got your fingers crossed for an Oasis reunion, take a listen. You might just end up uncrossing them.

Unique, quirky and musical, Root Glen closed an animated evening at New Brunswick’s own Court Tavern. Comprised of Ross Griswold, Dave Moroney, Eric Blank and Andres Gonzalez, Root Glen pronounced their eccentric dynamic on stage this past Friday. Their presence was unforgettable, as they supplied the close-knit venue with an abundance of energy and crowd engagement. Donning a Hansel n’ Griddle tee, Andres, the group’s bassist and a Rutgers alumnus, definitely demonstrated Root Glen’s enthusiasm for the location.

Labeling Root Glen’s musical style would be near impossible — it would be nothing but a limit to their diversity. So how would one describe Root Glen?

“That’s always the hardest question to answer. We’re a little bit all over the map at this point; it’s been nice as far as keeping it interesting. We’ve used ‘alternative rock with a funky nature’ before, but it’s really kind of tough to describe because we have songs that pull from all over the place,” says Ross Griswold, the quartet’s lead guitarist and back-up vocalist.

Currently, the group is working on recording their first EP, containing five original tracks, and it’s set to be released this upcoming May. For the future, Root Glen aspires to produce “seasonal” EPs — this upcoming one, fulfilling their summer expectation. “They’ll be titled Eponymous and just be referred to by their season,” Griswold says. Forming last May, the EP will mark the one-year anniversary of the group’s commencement.

Root Glen has played om venues all around New JerSite: rootglen.c sey and New York and tGlen will continue to provide Twitter: @Roo fans and newcomers alike with an entertaining gig. With upcoming shows in Long Branch, Warren, Brooklyn and Seaside, it’d be a shame to miss out on what these guys have to offer. But if you don’t get to catch Root Glen in a different location, they’ll undoubtedly be back around the New Brunswick area sometime again this year to ignite the aura in the Court Tavern once more.