DU Clarion Volume 123 Issue 15

Voice of the University of Denver Pioneers since 1899

duclarion.com

VOL. 123, ISSUE 15

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CLUB LACROSSE WINS FIRST NATIONAL TITLE

4 DU’s women’s club lacrosse team took home the WCLA DII National Championship title after a 11-10 overtime victory pa g e

WERE CANDIDATES RIGHT TO DROP OUT?

THE 1975 THRILLS AT RED ROCKS

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6TH ANNUAL POW WOW A SUCCESS

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SENIOR STARTS NEW FOOD TRUCK

@DU_MLAX FALLS TO MARQUETTE IN BIG EAST FINALS. SEEDED NO. 2 IN D1 NAT’L TOURNAMENT

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6th annual Pow Wow a success KELLSIE BRANNEN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Editorial Staff JILLIAN QUERI, Editor-in-Chief KELLSIE BRANNEN, Executive Editor JOHN POE, News Editor BRAIDEN ALBRECHT-REED, Sports Editor ADRIAN BOGART, Opinions Editor CHLOE BARRET, Lifestyles Editor MADELINE ZANN, Entertainment Editor MONICA MCFADDEN, Assistant Entertainment Editor GINNY STOUSE, Copy Editor JACK FOERSTERLING, Copy Editor

Business Staff JOHN POE, Business Manager CONNOR W. DAVIS, Advertising Representative

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n May 8, DU held its 6th annual New Beginnings Pow Wow on Driscoll Green from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The theme of this year’s event, in accordance with its date, was a Mother’s Day special.

The event focused on traditional dances performed by dancers from various tribes and accompanied by music from traditional drum groups, including a gourd dance and performance honoring mothers. There was a contest for top dancers in the junior, teen and adult categories. Along with dancing and music, vendors sold various Native American jewelry, crafts and foods.

The pow wow is based on the Native American tradition of the same name in which people join together for singing, dancing and making new friends. The event focuses on these core concepts, along with that of honor-

ing and bringing awareness to Native American culture.

“We aim to establish the Native American culture within DU, as well as give the community the chance to learn about our cultures. We want Native American students and community members to feel appreciated,” said Justine Medina, the treasurer of Native Student Alliance who’s deeply involved in planning the event.

Although rain ended up driving the event indoors, turnout was still tremendous, with about 130 dancers and seven drum groups in attendance, along with countless community members.

Sponsors for the event included Student Life, the Center for Multicultural Excellence, the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Department of Anthropology, the Museum of Anthropology, the Center for Judaic Studies, the Graduate School of Social Work, the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, the Office of the Chancellor, the Native Student Alliance, Multicultural Social Justice and the DU Programming Board.

MEG MCINTYRE, Advertising Representative ANDREW MATRANGA, Faculty Advisor

Digital Staff GUSTO KUBIAK, Photo Editor NIKKI FRICK, Co-Social Media Director MADELINE ZANN, Co-Social Media Director OLIVIA HYDE, Staff Photographer

Staff Writers CAROLYN ANGIOLLO RUTH HOLLENBACK JOCELYN ROCKHOLD

Contributing Writers TARYN ALLEN JUSTIN CYGAN MADISON HELLER SYDNEY KAPP SASHA KANDRACH RYAN NINESLING

Cartoonists TONY BOREK, Staff Cartoonist ARTEMIS KATSARIS, Contributing Cartoonist

gusto kubiak | clarion DU’s sixth annual New Beginnings Pow Wow was themed around Mother’s Day.

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DU CLARION

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Turn your passion into a career.

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NEWS | 3

SPORTS DU CLARION

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Denver women’s club lacrosse wins national title BRAIDEN ALBRECHT-REED SPORTS EDITOR

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n May 7, the DU women’s club lacrosse team won the Women’s Club Lacrosse Association (WCLA) Division II National Championship, the club’s first national title. Denver defeated the University of Utah in sudden-death overtime by a score of 11-10 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The hero in overtime was freshman attack Kaitlin Ball, who scored just over a minute into the extra frame after receiving a pass from fellow Pioneer senior Courtney Place. Ball ripped a screaming shot past the Utah goaltender, clinching the penultimate victory for Denver.

The Pioneers were able to beat their out-of-state rival and conquer the tournament field with a cohesive, team-oriented effort. Three players were named to the Division II All-Tournament Team, including senior Amy Franks, junior Marigrace Scrivanich and junior Kelley Dingens.

Two more players took home individual awards. Ball, the overtime hero, took home the Most Outstanding Attacker Award for the game, while Nicole Cosmay was named the Most Outstanding Defender.

The club finished the season with a 14-2 overall record, including winning 14 of their last 15 games. It was a magical season for the team, accompanied by an equally special finish which saw them crowned as national champions.

jillian queri

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The DU women’s club lacrosse team huddles up before a game in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The team finished with a 14-2 record.

Three Pioneer lacrosse players up for Tewaaraton Award CAROLYN ANGIOLLO STAFF WRITER

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gusto kubiak

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Junior nominee Connor Cannizzaro (Casenovia, New York) battles in a 2016 home game.

n April 29, three Pioneer men’s lacrosse players were nominated for the coveted Tewaaraton Award. This award can be equated to the Heisman Trophy in college football and is given every year to the top college lacrosse player in the country. The first trophy was awarded in 2001, making this the 16th installment of the trophy in history. No DU player has ever received this award.

Junior attackman Connor Cannizzaro (Cazenovia, New York), sophomore faceoff specialist Trevor Baptiste (Denville, New Jersey) and junior midfielder Zach Miller (Steamburg, New York) were all nominated for the award.

The University of Notre Dame and Brown University are the only other universities with three nominees. In total, 25 student-athletes from 15 different programs are

nominated for the Tewaaraton this year.

Cannizzaro and Baptiste were both nominated for the second year in a row. Baptiste was recently named the 2016 BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year, while Cannizzaro was named the 2016 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year.

Baptiste is the Pioneer’s faceoff man, and this season he has won 220 out of 321 faceoffs, giving him a win percentage of .685 on the year.

Cannizzaro currently leads the team in scoring with 61 points, as of April 30, from 40 goals and 21 assists.

This is Miller’s first time being nominated for the Tewaaraton.

He is third on the team in points this season with 37 (19 goals and 18 assists).

All three nominees were named to the All-BIG EAST first team, as well.

Finalists for the Tewaaraton Award will be announced on May 12, with the award ceremony scheduled for June 2 at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.

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DU CLARION

SPORTS | 5

Men’s lacrosse drops BIG EAST final to Marquette

gusto kubiak | clarion Sophomore attack Connor Donahue (Groton, Massachusettes) cradles the ball and jukes.

SASHA KANDRACH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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ollowing an unsettling thunderstorm resulting in a 36-minute rain delay, the Marquette University Golden Eagles snapped the Denver Pioneers BIG EAST win streak during the conference tournament final. Denver hosted the conference tournament, looking to reclaim the title after dominating the Providence College Friars on Thursday, May 5 and advancing to the championship final on Saturday, May 7.

For the BIG EAST tournament, the No. 1 seeded Pioneers topped No. 4 seeded Providence 17-8. BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year Connor Cannizzaro (Cazenovia, New York) led Denver with four goals and one assist. Tewaaraton Award nominee Zach Miller (Steamburg, New York) and senior captain Jack Bobzien (Littleton, Colorado) each contrived six points throughout the game. Miller finished with a natural hat trick and three assists, while Bobzien dished out five assists and scored once. Junior captain Tyler Pace (Coquitlam, British Columbia) added to Denver’s high scoring with three goals.

The Pioneers took a 3-0 lead with five minutes left in the first quarter before the Friars cut the deficit down to one by the start of the second quarter. With 9:33 remaining in the first half, the score was tied 4-4.

Denver regained its electric offensive rhythm, sparking a five-goal run, including Miller’s natural hat trick to lead 9-4 at intermission.

Denver continued its momentum with three quick goals within the first four minutes of the third quarter. The Friars finally broke past Denver’s defense to tally their first in over fifteen minutes of play, which the Pioneers responded to with two conversions. Providence scored one more within the last five seconds of the quarter to trail 7-14 with one quarter remaining.

With a comfortable lead, Denver let up in the final quarter, rotating in its third and fourth lines across the field. The Pioneers outscored the Friars 3-2 in the final stanza to deliver their 17-8 victory, earning a spot in the BIG EAST tournament final against Marquette.

Meeting for the second time within the span of a week, Denver’s unsuccessful faceoff performances and absence of offensive rhythm proved costly, as the Pioneers fell 9-10 to the Golden Eagles. Both teams battled relentlessly until the final seconds of play, but Marquette stormed out victorious, earning a berth to the NCAA tournament.

gusto kubiak | clarion Junior midfield Zach Miller (Steamburg, New York) passes the ball upfield vs. Marquette.

Marquette scored off of the opening faceoff draw to take a 1-0 lead 2:59 into the opening frame, before the game was delayed.

“I thought it was weird with the whole rain delay. We didn’t [get] in sync with our warmup. I thought the first faceoff showed what game it was going to be.

It was war. You could tell it was going to be a high energy game,” head coach Bill Tierney said.

As play resumed, Denver responded with two goals from Bobzien and freshman Colton Jackson (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) to conclude the first quarter leading 2-1.

The Pioneers dominated the second quarter outscoring the Golden Eagles 5-2. Jackson scored Denver’s first 0:36 seconds into the first half off a midfield run.

Marquette countered as BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year Liam Byrnes scored in transition with 12:65 remaining.

Austin French (Danville, California), Brendan Bomberry (Ohsweken, Ontario), Jackson and Connor Donahue (Groton, Massachusetts) tallied the remainder of Denver’s second quarter goals.

Denver broke its trend of letting up scoring in the third quarter earlier this season, but returned to its detrimental habits following halftime. The Golden Eagles silenced the Pioneers with

a six-goal run to overtake the lead 9-7 after the third quarter.

“The third quarter has been our quarter. A week ago we outscored them 6-0 in the third and they turned that around to the exact opposite,” Tierney said.

Denver rallied two goals from Miller within the three minutes into the final stanza to tie the score 9-9. The Pioneers were unable to continue the momentum from Miller’s backto-back goals, as Andy DeMichiei netted the game-winning goal for Marquette with 5:55 remaining. Junior captain Christian Burgdorf (Westfield, New Jersey) forced a crucial turnover to provide the Pioneers with possession during the final minute of play, but Denver’s attempts proved unsuccessful.

Denver received the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will play the winner of Towson University vs. Hobart and William Smith Colleges. DU’s first game will take place at home on Sunday, May 15.

“The hardest thing for us is going to be shaking this one out of our system to get ready for the next one,” Tierney said. “We have a week to do that and our guys have great fortitude and great desire. They’re hurting in there right now, but I know what kind of young men they are and they’ll be back next weekend.”

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DU club figure skating hosts annual showcase CAROLYN ANGIOLLO

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STAFF WRITER

n May 6, the DU Club Figure Skating team hosted their annual showcase in Magness Arena. During the competitive season, the team qualified for the Collegiate National Competition after winning the West Coast Regional Championship. Nationals were hosted by the University of Delaware in April. The team finished ninth.

Senior Amber Dierking (Naperville, Illinois) was very proud of how the competitive season ended.

“It’s always really fun to get to travel and represent DU Club Figure Skating, especially at the national level, and to compete against the best teams in the country,” she said.

The annual ice show highlights the competitors and their skills.

They practiced for three weeks prior to the show to prepare.

The night opened with a fantastic group number to the Coldplay song, “Sky Full of Stars,” that introduced all 18 of the skaters.

Junior Nikki Frick (Grand Rapids, Michigan) was the fourth soloist of the night, performing an upbeat animal kingdom montage routine. The music contained portions of songs including “The Circle of Life” from the Lion King, “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj, “What Does the Fox Say?”

by Ylvis, and “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry.

Another noteworthy routine was performed by second year law student Sophie Fritz (Minnetonka,

Minnesota) to Haley Reinhart’s rendition of “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Fritz brought the level of grace required to capture the meaning of the heartfelt song. This air of grace largely came from the amazingly flexible tricks she flawlessly executed.

Junior Erika Stith (Indianapolis, Indiana) brought a new style to the art of figure skating with her performance to Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam.” Stith rocked her routine and really had the crowd going with her unique flair.

Sophomores Zoe Roswold (Chicago) and Echo Cassill (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) also provided a very original performance with a creative rendition of Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control.” Their duet was fun and was almost a full-blown party on the ice.

The ice show also featured a surprise from the DU varsity men’s hockey team. The current freshman, sophomore and junior classes all participated in the show. The hockey and figure skating teams performed to songs from the musical “Hairspray.” At one point in the number, everyone formed a giant circle that later split to the girls skating in an inner circle with the boys zooming around the outside.

Having the hockey players join in this event is a fun bonus, according to Dierking.

“My favorite part—and I think this may be true for a lot of other girls on the team—is when we get to teach them some figure skating moves; how to spin and stuff like that. But this year we added an impromptu competition for the hockey players for them to show off

a little, that was really fun as well,” she said.

Following the group performance, there was a competition amongst the hockey players to examine their unique ice skating skills and charisma. The team of juniors Evan Ritt (Lakewood, Colorado) and Evan Janssen (Green Bay, Wisconsin) won this skills portion of the evening thanks to their beautiful coordination and chemistry.

In the second half of the show, Cassill stole the show with her performance of Christina

Aguilera’s “Candyman.” Her performance was so enthusiastic and impeccable that it earned a standing ovation from the hockey team. During this past winter quarter, Cassill worked with Ice Creative Entertainment performing professional shows across the country.

The final number of the evening was a group performance to Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance”.

This year’s show was a great presentation of the team’s skill and charisma that also helped to raise funds for the team.

photo courtesy of du club figure skating facebook

DU club figure skating members pose for a picture in Joy Burns Arena in 2016.

DU women’s golf ends season at regionals BRAIDEN ALBRECHT-REED

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SPORTS EDITOR

he DU women’s golf team participated in NCAA Regionals on May 5-7 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The team would finish 15th overall, a mark which did not qualify them for the NCAA National Championships to be hosted on May 20 in Eugene, Oregon.

Although the season ended for the Pioneers, the team still won their third straight Summit League Championship behind the leadership of head coach Lindsay Kuhle.

Day one at the NCAA Regionals saw Denver shoot a team score of 315. The round, which took place at the University Club, placed them 16 overall in the field after one day.

Sophomore Jessica Dreesbeimdieke (Windhoek, Namibia) recorded the best performance for Denver on the first day, shooting a 3-over-par, the equivalent of a 75. The round tied her for 32 individually after she fired four birdies on the back nine.

The second day of play saw the Pioneers bounce back, moving up two spots to 14. Shooting a 204, the team improved its score by 11 shots.

Junior Mariell Bruun (Larvik, Norway) led the team with a score of 3-over-par, a three stroke improve-

ment from day one. She would finish day three with an 87 and a cumulative individual score of 240.

As a collective unit, DU fell one spot on the last day of the tournament, finishing 15 in the field. They shot a 307 on the final day.

An awesome showing from Dreesbeimdieke saw the sophomore shoot two-under-par, or a score of 70. She would tally an eagle on the day.

Junior Jessica Carty (Holywood, Northern Ireland) continued her consistent play, shooting a 78 after recording scores of 79 and 77 during the previous two days, respectively.

She ended the weekend with a score of 234.

Despite being eliminated from NCAA National Championship contention and seeing the end to their season, the team performed well in 2015-16.

“The future is bright for Denver golf and we look to use this tournament experience to learn where our games are and what improvements can be made in the offseason. Our goal is to get back to the national championship tournament and contend for a title,” said head coach Kuhle. “Through these experiences and learning situations I am confident we will get there in the near future with this hard working, determined group of ladies.”

photo courtesy of du women’s golf Sophomore Jessica Dreesbeimdieke (Windhoek, Namibia) follows through on her stroke.

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DU CLARION

SPORTS | 7

DU men’s lacrosse: one final ride for the seniors SASHA KANDRACH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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s Denver men’s lacrosse embarks on its conquest to reclaim the national title, the class of 2016 finish out their collegiate lacrosse careers and embrace their final moments amidst an exceptional program. Originally a staggering class of 17 players, it has tapered down to nine over the span of four years, including the addition of three transfers. The senior class will graduate one goalie, one attackman, two defenders and five midfielders.

Despite the size adjustments, this core group of seniors evolved alongside the program and instilled the level of excellence and discipline expected as a Denver lacrosse player.

“The landscape of our class has changed, but the program is rooted in [us] how it is,” senior goalie Joey Gigantiello (Shamong, New Jersey) said. “We’ve all grown and matured a lot. It’s been a great learning experience full of life lessons as well as getting better at lacrosse.”

Gigantiello serves as one of Denver’s back-up goalies. In his

senior campaign, Gigantiello has seen action in five games, logging 35:18 minutes, making seven saves, relinquishing six goals, for a goals against average of 10.20 and a save percentage of .538.

Denver will lose a prominent playmaker as senior captain, Jack Bobzien, closes out his collegiate career. A Colorado local (Littleton, Colorado), Bobzien transferred back to his home state following his freshman year, where he played at Hartford University. Bobzien’s leadership and selflessness will leave a hole to fill within the attack. In his senior season, Bobzien has registered 40 points (22 goals, 18 assists) and 21 ground balls.

Pat Karole and Jack Pruitt will leave two absences for Denver’s defense upon their departure. Karole (Glen Ridge, New Jersey), played and started in every game last season, and continued this season until he suffered a hand injury requiring surgery. Currently on the mend, Karole made his debut in the BIG EAST conference championship game on Saturday, May 7. During his nine appearances this season, Karole has picked up 20 ground balls. Pruitt (Sammamish, Washington) has played in all 14 games of his senior season, tallying one assist and two ground balls.

dazong chen | clarion Senior defense Jack Pruitt (Sammamish, Washington) focuses against John’s Hopkins.

The five midfielders include Joe Bano, Chris Hampton, Bryce Parietti, Christian Thomas and Colin Woolford. From Dublin, Ohio, Bano recorded nine ground balls in his 15 appearances during the 2016 season. Hampton (Bethesda, Maryland) has played in 14 games, earning three points (including his first two career goals) as well as 16 ground balls and one faceoff win. Parietti (Centennial, Colorado) transferred from High Point University back to his home state after his freshman season. In 12 appearances, Parietti logged six points (three goals and three assists) and one ground ball. Christian Thomas (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) has played in all 15 games so far, picking up six ground balls. Woolford (Norwalk, Connecticut) transferred to Denver from Syracuse University. Woolford has played in all 15 games, scoring 10 goals and securing five ground balls.

While the nine seniors developed genuine friendships on and off the field, the players’ relationships with the coaching staff has evolved throughout the years.

Entering college, the legacy of Coach Tierney and the expectation to maintain the program’s excellence is no meager transition.

“I think dealing with Coach Tierney your freshman year is

really intimidating,” Karole said.

“He likes to yell and scream a lot, but if he’s yelling and screaming at you, you have to remember that he loves you and he’s doing it because he’s trying to make you better. You come in and feel like the baby of the team and now you’re the senior leaders. It definitely is a different relationship with the coaching staff. “ With time, the seniors established their roles within the team and gained confidence representing the program to create close relationships with the coaches.

“I know that down the road, ten years from now, if I need something and I call them, they [coaching staff] will help me out,” Gigantiello said.

As the national tournament approaches, reclaiming the national title is just a component of the final ride for the senior class, who are cherishing their numbered days as student-athletes.

“It’s been the best thing ever,” Gigantiello said. “Every day, just getting to hang out with your best friends for a couple of hours.

Nothing else bothers you, it’s just lacrosse for two, three hours a day with your best friends. Winning the National Championship is great, but it’s the other times together that I’m going to remember forever.”

gusto kubiak | clarion Senior midfield Bryce Parietti (Centennial, Colorado) fires a shot at Peter Barton Stadium.

OPINIONS DU CLARION

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Were USG candidates right to drop out of race?

MADISON HELLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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ndergraduate Student Government (USG) candidates Aish Narang and Danny Kay removed themselves from the election race on April 27. They were found guilty of the following: misrepresenting the support and relationship with Chancellor Chopp, serving alcohol at campaign related events to those of age and to minors and hosting a campaign event for students, including those not part of the campaign team, before teams were allowed to campaign. Narang-Kay had a great platform for their race that had garnered plenty of student support. However, although they had good ideas, it seems reasonable that they withdrew from the race since their actions violated the DU Honor Code.

In a campaign video on their Facebook page, Narang-Kay laid out the platform for their campaign.

Admittedly, they had some great ideas for how to improve the school.

They wanted to make DU safer through sexual assault awareness and were striving to implement discount car rides on the weekend for students so they can get home safely. Also, they wanted to increase Pio pride by initiating a t-shirt exchange where students can trade in their old university gear for DU attire, which is a really cool idea.

They also advocated for increased transparency between students, faculty and campus safety, including finding out where funds from the tuition increase are going. This is a solid platform for students to stand behind.

However, the Honor Code has clear sections regarding misrepresentation and alcohol misuse (section II, subheading 2 and 4). Additionally, there is a section about student organizations that states they are responsible for upholding the Honor Code and may be held responsible for misconduct at university events, on university premises, on premises used/controlled by the organization or at off campus locations (section IX). It is unclear

to me the context in which alcohol was served to other students and to minors, but regardless, if it was a campaign related event, it is a violation of the DU Honor Code.

Additionally, the Narang-Kay campaign was found guilty of misrepresenting the campaign’s support/relationship with the chancellor. Even if the candidate has a solid relationship with the chancellor, putting the chancellor’s name behind the campaign was a bold move.

The two held an open dialogue in the Anderson Academic Commons from 12 a.m.-2 a.m. on Thursday, April 28. On their Facebook page, the candidates claimed this was for them to “display [their]transparency and commitment to the student body.”

However, if they were aiming for complete transparency, perhaps they would have set this at a more opportune time than the middle of the night on a school night. Additionally, the candidates declined to comment for this piece, which also seems against the spirit of complete transparency. Something seems a little fishy here.

It was an unfavorable situation that these former candidates found themselves in. They had the makings of a great campaign, but violated some pretty big rules set forth in the DU Honor Code. If they were to continue with the campaign and had been voted in as president and vice president of the student government, it could have sent the message that it is not a big deal to break the Honor Code. After all, if the leaders of the school did it, then it could open a can of worms leading to others students following suit. Letting one person slide with the rules can lead to a crumbling of the system.

While they did have a great campaign to run on, it seems appropriate that they resigned from the race. They did, in fact, break some important rules set forth in the DU Honor Code. The candidates who won are surely great options, and maybe Narang and Kay can still work to implement some of their great ideas. They had the makings of good leaders of the school, but due to their violation of the DU Honor Code, perhaps the timing was not right for them to be in charge.

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DU CLARION

Pioneer Voices

OPINIONS | 9

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: WHERE ARE YOU GOING ABROAD NEXT YEAR?

“I am studying in Prague, because they have an excellent nightlife and I work in concert promotion.”

— erik schutzler Sophomore Washington

“Pau, France, because I am a French minor and History major, and I’d like to learn about Basque country.”

— haley osborn Sophomore Colorado

“Brussels, because I have an oportunity to participate in an internship helping refugees in Europe.”

“Cadiz, Spain, because I wanted to study in a Spanish speaking country and I am interested in the history of Cadiz.”

— elizabeth wamukoya

— jessica johnson

Junior Kenya

Freshman Colorado

DU CLARION

LIFEST YLES

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DU senior launches catering company

photo courtesy of ryan mclean

From left: sous chef Alex Kowalski, head chef Kendall Flores and founder and owner Ryan Mclean in front of “Ole Blue,” Mountain Crust’s restored 1955 Ford F-600 truck.

CHLOE BARRETT

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LIFESTYLES EDITOR

en years ago, DU fourth year Ryan McLean’s love for pizza matured with the addition of a Mugnaini pizza oven in his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“My mom used to pay my friend Kendall and I to cater parties for her and her clients using the oven,” said McLean. “It was a blast—the guests would always say to us, ‘we’re not just telling you you have good pizza, you actually have really good pizza.’”

Two years ago, the finance major parlayed this part-time catering gig into a full-fledged pizzeria run out of his home on the weekends called Lynnhurst Pizza Co-op.

“Business was booming, we did really, really well.” Unfortunately, the restaurant was eventually shut down due to lack of proper health department licensing. “Even though we had to kind of abandon the restaurant, that’s when I really realized, ‘we’ve got something here,’” said McLean.

A year ago, McLean decided to

put his love for pizza, sustainability and proclivity for entrepreneurship into Mountain Crust, a catering company that specializes in wood-fired pizza, salad and a variety of other wood-fired appetizers and entrees.

“Right now our slogan in the works is ‘more than just pizza’ because we really offer such a wide range of food,” said McLean.

Mountain Crust officially launched on May 7. Everything on their menu is completely customizable and gluten-free crust is even available upon request—in fact, so is anything.

“Hosts can ask us to bring any additional toppings for their pizza. If they tell us they want mashed potatoes on their pizza, then we’ll bring mashed potatoes for their pizza.”

The pizza itself is thin crust with a “Minnesotan twist,” and is made with a Mugnaini oven out of a restored 1955 Ford F-600 truck endearingly referred to as “Ole Blue.” Beer taps are also readily available for customer use as long as the alcohol is purchased by the host. The types of pizzas available from the menu range from classics like the A-Basin Margarita topped

with homemade tomato sauce, sliced mozzarella and fresh basil to more distinctive flavors like Mountain Crust’s most popular pizza, the Aspen Amanda. This creation is topped with white truffle oil, fig chutney, prosciutto, goat cheese and fresh arugula.

“Our pizzas are named after Colorado ski mountains,” said McLean. “We want our customers’ dining experience to feel uniquely Colorado.”

Working alongside McLean is fourth year hospitality student Alex Kowalski as the sous chef, and his childhood friend Kendall Flores as

the head chef. Aditionally, a sustainability minor, McLean wants to run his business as environmentally responsible as possible.

“We want to incorporate as many green initiatives as possible,” said McLean. “One of the big ways we’re doing this is by using reusable plates, silverware, cups and salvaging them from ARC and Goodwill.”

Students can experience all Mountain Crust has to offer at the DU Vin Festival Grand Tasting on May 14. Tickets are $35 for DU students, $38.95 for DU faculty, staff and alumni and the standard price is $52.80.

photo courtesy of ryan mclean

Mountain Crust’s pizza and other wood-fired appetizers and entrees are baked in a Mugnaini oven.

Denver summer arrives with food trucks galore RUTH HOLLENBACK

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STAFF WRITER

olorado’s boasted 300 sunny days per year are becoming more consistent as the summer season approaches, and this is all the more reason to spend as much time outside as midterms and finals will allow. The verge of sweet summer freedom and living in as lively of a city as Denver means that no day should be spent without a walk to Wash Park, studying on Beans’s new patio or a trip to Civic Center Park’s returning 79 food trucks for lunch. Beginning May 3 and running through Oct. 6, Civic Center EATS returns to Denver’s central hub.

A ride downtown from DU on the E, F or H light rail lines and then the quick commute on the Free Mall Ride to the south end of 16th Street Mall ends right at Civic Center Park: the heart of Denver’s cultural community. Encircling Civic Center Park is the Denver Public Library, the Denver Art Museum, the State Capitol, the Denver Post, countless shops, restaurants and talented buskers that only continue to embellish the city’s individuality.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the park hosts practically every impressively gourmet food truck from Denver’s food truck scene. This year’s lineup includes six classic Colorado summer barbeque trucks, Vietnamese cuisine and

trucks containing delicious food from the Philippines, the Ukraine, Ethiopia and other places in Africa. Names like “The Bumblebee,” “The Denver Cupcake Truck,” “Lobster Bliss,” “Fat Sully’s Pizza,” “Fire Truck Crepes” and 74 more will adorn the park with craft food.

The variety is astonishing, and quite a step up from the past six years since Civic Center EATS’ inauguration.

Within each truck is a unique cultural surprise. This outdoor lunch accompanied by live music in the heart of Denver’s urban setting should without a doubt be placed on every member of the DU community’s summer to-do list.

The food truck lineup and music lineup for each day this summer can be found at civiccenterconservancy.org.

photo courtesy of denverpost.com The annual summer outdoor cafe program.

DU CLARION

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THE GRIND COLUMN

Ikea: 5 stars

Reviewing Denver’s many restaurants, bars, breweries, food trucks, coffeeshops and everything in between

justin cygan | clarion The Kycklingköttbullar meatballs are made with chicken and served with mashed potatoes.

JUSTIN CYGAN

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ocated 10 miles south of DU on I-25, Ikea Centennial masquerades as a furniture store, but in reality, it is the epicenter of authentic Swedish cuisine in the Mile High City.

The dining experience at Ikea is one of utmost excellence and culinary expertise.

One enters the dining area by way of escalator and is greeted by an open, bright and well designed (duh) eating space with a cafeteria-esque kitchen attached. The area is surrounded entirely by spectacularly large windows offering views of the gorgeous expanse of I-25 and Park Meadows Mall. First off, one grabs a plastic tray (no assembly required) and travels down a line of delectable food products. Up first on the gastro highway are the desserts: Apple Cake ($2.29 or 18.64 Swedish Krona), Daim Torte which costs $1.79 (author’s note: I have no idea what Daim Torte is and the internet is not helping) and Chocolate Mousse (no price given). After the desserts, one will find pre-made sandwiches, salads and other useless stuff like that because really, everybody is here for one reason and one reason only.

Meatballs—delicious, moist, melt in your mouth

Swedish meatballs; of which you have three overwhelming options: Köttbullar ($5.99), Kycklingköttbullar ($4.99) and Grönsaksbullar ($4.49).

Of course, as it was a dollar cheaper, this reviewer went with the Kycklingköttbullar….which means chicken meatballs by the way. The meatballs are served with a sauce of Gräddsås, a gravy-like cream sauce, a heaping of mashed potatoes (no fun Swedish names for these) and a tiddlywink-sized serving of Lingonberry sauce—not a bad deal for $4.99. Add a Bubbel Päron, a sparkling pear drink (you’re gonna know Swedish by the end of this article) and a chocolate chip cookie, and you get a pretty decently diverse meal for around 8 bucks (USD).

The chicken meatballs were just as good as imagined, and the lingonberry sauce paired perfectly with the mashed potatoes. The portion size was a little underwhelming though; I finished the meal quicker than you can say Kycklingköttbullar.

Honestly, the best part of the meal was the chocolate chip cookie. It was incredibly soft, as if just baked, and had both a mix of dark and milk chocolate. This reviewer thought about grabbing another one for the road, but did not want to be judged by the kitchen staff for eating two large cookies in one meal.

While the food was great, and the dining room enter-

LIFESTYLES | 1 1

Behind the names: campus edition RUTH HOLLENBACK STAFF WRITER

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eave through campus on the red brick pathways and glance around in awe at the massive buildings, each unique, adorning DU. This university, while undoubtedly invested in its students’ impressive involvement outside of the campus, finds its tangible substance in its buildings: the homes of learning, practicing and expressing their creativity so that when they step off of these 125 acres, they can rest assured in their firm brick-structured foundation.

It comes to no surprise, therefore, that DU’s building myriad has over time acquired a powerful assemblage of names representing DU’s all encompassing excellence.

Twenty-nine of DU’s 80 buildings are catalogued to have been named after men and women, ranging from a zoology professor, to the father of cable television, to former chancellors and to notable students, all of which have made or are still making their successful mark on DU and beyond.

To start, Mary Reed Building, DU’s famed ghost house and sight of the Hogwarts-like architecture, was named after Mary and Verner Reed, who made a fortune in Colorado Springs from mining, banking, ranching and irrigation. Verner’s passing in 1919 led Mary to donate $100,000 to build Margery Reed Mayo Hall in memory of her daughter, who graduated from DU in 1919 with a BA in English, followed by her donation of $350,000 to create Mary Reed, the current home of DU’s administrative offices.

Just across the fountains and ponds from Mary Reed is Evans Chapel, a national historic site of Denver that was built in memory of DU founder John Evans’s daughter Josephine, who died of tuberculosis in 1868 at age 24.

A slightly further walk, past the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management east leads to the hub of student activity: Driscoll Student Center. DU’s student union was named after honorable William Driscoll from Pagoda, Colorado. He taught zoology and became the associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1968.

Across Driscoll Bridge is the infamously confusing building, Sturm Hall. What used to be called the General Classroom Building was renovated thanks to Donald and Susan Sturm’s $5 million gift to be what it is now, housing classrooms and offices for the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Another notable building on this end of campus is the Leo Block Alumni Center, which was named after former Clarion editor Leo Block, who received a BA in social sciences in 1935. He continued from DU to serve in World War II, and then created the largest wine and liquor distribution business in south Texas.

It is obvious that the campus is coated in honorable names.

Each building represents someone close to DU’s upbringing, and each namesake serves as proud reminders of the success that will come to each student after they graduate. A comprehensive catalog of the history behind each building can be found in the DU Magazine.

connor davis | clarion The Mary Reed building was named in honor of Mary and Verner Reed in 1919.

tainment of a small child throwing a tantrum because he didn’t like his food was a surprising and enjoyable experience, there is one glaring issue with dining at Ikea.

This major issue being what happens after the meal. The escalator leading to the dining area is one-way only. To exit, you have to go through the entire bottom half of the store, an impossibly arduous

task not unlike a corn maze of well-designed and cheap Scandinavian houseware. In fact, as of writing this article I am still stuck somewhere deep within the store, near the bath towels and cookware.

Please help me and maybe bring some more Gräddsås.

Ikea is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

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| LIFESTYLES

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DU VIEW: 1. The CNN world headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia—Chloe Barrett 2. The sun setting at the Rockies vs Dodgers game—Emily Bender 3. A view of the Skunk Valley trail in Boulder—Emily Bender 4. Skiers coming down an Arapahoe Basin slope—Michaele Waltz 5. North Dakota as seen from a helicopter—Zoe Klein 6. A bird’s eye view of San Francisco—Zoe Klein 7. A Pioneer’s dog enjoying Garden of the Gods—Kerry Nelson 8. A nighttime view of a Rockies game—Maggie Morlind 9. The DU lacrosse team facing off against Providence College—Chloe Barrett

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DU CLARION

ENTERTAINMENT

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THE 1975 STUNS AT RED ROCKS

photo courtesy of emily padgett

Popular alternative rock band The 1975, known for radio hits like “Chocolate” and “Girls,” played a sold-out show to an exuberant audience at Red Rocks Amphitheater on May 2.

JOCELYN ROCKHOLD STAFF WRITER

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here are some who dislike The 1975 with an intense passion. Highbrow critics, especially, love to deem them as thoughtless, shallow pop—The 1975 even made a tongue-in-cheek music video about it. However, these claims are coming from many who have never seen the band live. If critics had seen The 1975 at Red Rocks on May 2, they most likely would’ve walked away feeling much differently about the British band.

After stunning opening sets from Dirty Hit label mates The Japanese House and Wolf Alice, The 1975 arrived on stage after a short, instrumental introduction and a blacked-out stage. To say

that there was crackling electricity in the air sounds cliché, but that’s truly the best way to describe it—passionate fans screamed, friends yelled excitedly to each other and the crowd had already began jumping up and down in uncontrollable anticipation.

When the opening riffs of “Love Me” began, it set a baseline energy level—the crowd only became more and more excited from there. “Love Me” was an excellent song choice to start the set. The song, off of the band’s most recent album “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful, yet so unaware of it,” sends extreme Bowie and INXS vibes, perfect for getting people dancing right at the start.

The 1975 excel because Matty Healy, frontman and singer, knows exactly how he wants to present the band; there’s an ‘80s twist, an air of self-importance

that comes across as amusing rather than pretentious. At one point, Healy requested even more applause for himself as he strutted across the stage—this situation seemed like a joke, and Healy himself was in on it.

Highlights of the show included songs such as “UGH,” “Girls” and “The Sound,” but the encore song “If I Believe You” was a major standout. The song, which conveys Healy’s opinions about God, was accompanied by heavenly lights and an emotionally vulnerable performance from the band. Healy wasn’t just a performer in the moment—he was a preacher speaking about his own gospel. “If I Believe You” was just as beautiful live as it is on record.

“If I Believe You” was an incredible performance, but “She Lays Down” was clearly the most special moment at Red Rocks that night. Healy announced that the

song was not factored into the set, and notably, was the first time he had ever played the song live. “She Lays Down,” about Healy’s mother’s depression, was undoubtedly one of the most emotional moments of Healy’s career—he choked up once, and had to take a moment before beginning the song again. There was a clear sadness in the air, but also a sense of significance; Red Rocks may fit up to 10,000 people, but there was a level of connectedness during “She Lays Down” that is rarely felt at large shows.

The 1975 produced one of the most potent pop performances of our time period. Sure, Consequence of Sound or Pitchfork may not be the biggest fans of the band, but does it really matter when you sell out Red Rocks to young adults who genuinely love your music? Probably not.

Listen to The 1975 on Spotify.

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| ENTERTAINMENT

Colorado’s 3OH!3 releases dance album

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Gallant glitters at the Ogden

TARYN ALLEN

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n 2004, Boulder’s own Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte started a music group called 3OH!3 (pronounced “three oh three”) named after the Boulder area code. The duo plays synthpop, dubstep and electronic rock music and have been gaining popularity steadily since their debut. 3OH!3’s fifth album, “Night Sports,” has been pre-released, four singles have come out and the full album will be available to the public on May 13.

“Night Sports” is an 11 track album that can only be described as concert-ready. The album is full of energy and it’s easy to imagine the upbeat dance songs being played in a concert arena. Highlight songs include “Fire in the Heavens,” “7-11” and “Mad at You.” “Fire in the Heavens” is the opening song on the album, and the great beat accompanies impressive vocals.

“7-11” and “Mad at You,” along with “Hologram” and “Hear Me Now,” are catchy dance songs with heavy electronic sounds that simply sound fun.

Each song is so layered that it has something to offer everyone: on top of rhythmic bass lines, there are repetitive melodies, catchy raps and interesting lyrics. Foreman and Motte are talented, smartly combining electronic forms of music with guitar, piano and vocals. They write all their own music, which often tops the Billboard music charts and has grown in popularity across the world, especially in countries like the U.K., Finland, Ireland, Australia and Poland.

That said, it’s hard to detect the audience that 3OH!3 is trying to attract. In the past, they collaborated with Kesha and Katy Perry, both of whom have appealed to younger and teenage listeners, as well as in Disney films and other features. Some of the songs on “Night Sports” seem very vulgar, however, and it is difficult to tell what exactly the duo is trying to offer.

3OH!3 is currently preparing for the 2016 Vans Warped Tour. The tour begins in the southern United States in early June and will make its way to Denver on July 31 at the Pepsi Center.

There are many other musical groups on the Warped Tour, some of which include American Authors, Good Charlotte and Waterparks.

Do not miss the upcoming release of this album on May 13. “Night Sports” is currently ready for pre-order and will soon be available on 3OH!3’s website, iTunes, Google play, Amazon Music and Spotify.

photo courtesy of 3oh!3’s facebook 3OH!3 will release their fifth album on May 13.

photo courtesy of gallant

The relatively new R&B artist Gallant performed a talent-filled set at the Ogden Theater on May 5 to new and old fans alike.

JOCELYN ROCKHOLD

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STAFF WRITER

nce in a while you see a performer so great, so talented, that it feels like you’re ruined for any other show in your life. On May 5 at the Ogden Theatre, an eclectic audience witnessed one of these musicians—Gallant.

Gallant, an R&B singer based in Los Angeles, has only been active since 2014, but possesses the skill and stage presence of someone who has been performing for his or her entire life. Fresh off the recent release of his debut album, “Ology,” the artist snagged an opening spot on ZHU’s tour.

There is something mysterious about Gallant; there isn’t much available about the artist online, and his website only offers tour dates, music and options to buy merchandise. Even his signature icon offers little—it’s a simple, gold frowny face. When he strutted out, dressed head to toe in white, the audience didn’t know what to expect from the young artist. With red and blue lights creating a powerful silhouette, it was clear, however, that with his opening note he would be more than anyone was expecting him to be.

The best way to describe Gallant would be “live wire.” His voice and frenzied dancing were completely electric, and he lit up the stage with his uncontrolled enthusiasm. Gallant is obviously passionate; it’s as if he cannot contain his energy and has to express it in an explosive and lightning-like performance. His dancing was forceful, similar to that of krumping, and he flitted about the stage in small sprints

and leaps. Gallant is exactly what the modern R&B world needs; he is young, he is energetic and he has a voice that emulates Frank Ocean. Songs like “Talking to Myself” and “Percogesic” showcase Gallant’s otherworldly falsetto and his talent at reaching notes that seem inhuman.

“Weight in Gold,” was, hands down, the best song of the set.

The song, Gallant’s single off his album “Ology,” was well received by the audience, and a few crowd members, noticeably dressed in Gallant’s merch, screamed their praise for the singer. Even those

who came for main act ZHU fell in love with Gallant’s music; numerous people danced wildly, and Gallant’s eerie falsetto was always followed by goose bumps and shouts of disbelief.

Overall, Gallant entered the show relatively unknown by the audience, but surely left with dozens of new fans. An indicator of a good performer is the ability to capture the crowd’s attention despite being an unfamiliar opener, and Gallant succeeded (of course, his once-in-a-lifetime voice didn’t hurt either). Check out Gallant on Spotify.

photo courtesy of consequenceofsound.net

L.A.-based newcomer Gallant released his debut album “Ology” on April 6.

JULY M A Y 23, 1 1 2015 , 2016

DU CLARION

ENTERTAINMENT | 1 5

Day Wave performs delightful set at Lost Lake

photo courtesy of thefader.com

Day Wave is the personal project of Jackson Phillips, an Oakland, California native who writes emotional, gritty songs.

JOCELYN ROCKHOLD

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STAFF WRITER

n May 3, dozens huddled into the dimly lit Lost Lake to see indie rocker Day Wave. Even though this was the musician’s first time in Denver, a decent sized crowd eagerly awaited his set.

Day Wave consists of singular member Jackson Phillips, hailing from Oakland, California. Even though Phillips travels with a backing band, Day Wave is strictly his own personal project. His music is best described as laid back yet loudly emotional, an interesting mix that could snag anybody’s attention.

Dressed in a Mickey Mouse shirt and scuffed sneakers, Day Wave presented a new energy to his recorded music. On record, Day Wave is dreamy and chill; while live, he’s more like an extremely talented, delightfully scummy garageband. There’s a certain darling quality to Phillips, one that gives off the vibe of the boy playing electric guitar in

the house next door. This quality adds depth to Day Wave’s music, especially to songs like “Deadbeat Girl,” which are reminiscent of hometown romance and heartbreak. Even though Phillips rarely speaks on stage, it feels as though the audience knows him in some strange, accessible way.

Luckily enough for the audience, Day Wave even tried out a brand new track called “Promise,” a song that lives up to its name regarding future material; the track is similar in style to Day Wave’s previous work, and thankfully, that means it retains the same quality which makes Day Wave so good.

To say the audience liked Day Wave would be an understatement—to say they admired him is more accurate. The crowd even chanted for an encore, and Day Wave hopped back up on stage for one more song. Encores these days always seem to be preplanned, and it was refreshing to see someone play an encore only after being actually asked for one.

It’s clear that after playing such a spectacular set that Day Wave will be welcomed back to Denver again and again. Phillips is charismatic and genuinely nice, two traits that improve an artist past his or her musical ability. With the recent EP release of “Hard to Read” in March and many more upcoming tour dates, Day Wave promises good things to come. Listen to Day Wave on Spotify.

May concerts feature local and international talent

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acal” in 2015. Their most recent tour is for their newest album, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album. Since “Caracal” debuted, it has been seen as number one on the Official Albums Chart and within the top ten of the Billboard 200. Later this year, they will be performing at Sasquatch, Boston Calling and Firefly.

May 14: The Neighbourhood (9 p.m.): Ogden Theatre

May 21: Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats: RiNo Neighborhood

SYDNEY KAPP CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ith spring finally making its way to Colorado, many bands are as well. The month of May is bringing in numerous bands who will be performing at venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Pepsi Center and the Ogden Theatre.

On their current tour, The Neighborhood will be promoting their second album, “Wiped Out!”. Members Jesse Rutherford, Jeremy Freedman, Zach Abels, Mikey Margot and Brandon Fried formed the band in the summer of 2011. Their music has been described as “hip-hop-meetsalt-pop aesthetic.” Their single “Sweater Weather” brought them to fame, as well as their unique black and white color scheme for the visual elements of the band.

May 17: Disclosure (6:30 p.m.): Red Rocks Amphitheatre Disclosure formed in the U.K. by brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence. The Lawrence brothers have come out with three albums since their 2010 debut: “The Face” in 2012, “Settle” in 2013 and the most recent, “Car-

Nathaniel Rateliff joined up with The Night Sweats in 2013 and they released their self-titled first album in June of 2015. Rateliff moved to Denver at the age 18 and has since developed a strong following within the area. The show is in the RiNo neighborhood on the 2700 block of Larimer St.

The group has wom three Grammy Awards during their career.

May 26: Florence + The Machine and Grimes (7:30 p.m.): Pepsi Center Florence + The Machine is an indie, soul and alternative rock band that formed in London in 2007 by Florence Welch and Isabella Summers. The band is touring in support of their newest album released on June 2, 2015, “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.” Florence + The Machine has released two other

albums prior, “Lungs” in 2009 and “Ceremonials” in 2011. The band has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards including New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album. They have also performed at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Concert, as well as winning a Brit Award for “Critic’s Choice.” Grimes, born Claire Boucher, is a synth-pop artist known for her eclectic style. The Canadian artist’s most recent album received major critical acclaim. Through Explore Denver, tickets are $20 for undergraduate students.

May 26: Flaming Lips (7:30 p.m.): Red Rocks Amphitheatre Originating in Norman, Oklahoma in 1983, the Flaming Lips are an American psychedelic rock band.

The Flaming Lips have come out with many albums since their formation, some of them being “Clouds Taste Metallic” (1995), “Hit To Death In The Future Head” (1992) and “The Soft Bulletin” (1999). Their most recent album was released in August as an experimental album only available via free online streaming.

photo courtesy of republicrecords.com Florence + the Machine will be performing with synthpop act Grimes at the Pepsi Center this month.

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| ENTERTAINMENT

DU CLARION

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Marvel’s ‘Captain America: Civil War’ effortlessly cool, confident

photo courtesy of collider.com

“Captain America: Civil War” stars (from left to right) Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans, Elizabeth Olsen and Sebastian Stan, among others.

RYAN NINESLING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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n “Captain America: Civil War,” after a routine mission goes horribly wrong, the Avengers are faced with worldwide political opposition calling for regulation of their activities. The accords fracture the superhero group into two teams, with the ever principled Captain America (Chris Evans, “Snowpiercer”) leading Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan, “The Martian”), Falcon (Anthony Mackie, “The Hurt Locker”), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen, “Godzilla), AntMan (Paul Rudd, “Anchorman”) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner, “The Hurt Locker”) against a guilt-ridden Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr., “Sherlock Holmes”) backed by Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson, “Lucy”), War Machine (Don Cheadle, “Hotel Rwanda”), Vision (Paul Bettany, “A Beautiful Mind”), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman, “42”) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland, “The Impossible”).

Despite the lack of the word “Avengers” in the title, this is without a doubt Marvel’s biggest and most ambitious film to date, giving it a whopping two and a half hour runtime to impress moviegoers with everything they could ever want from a superhero film. The film is an extremely entertaining

and efficient buffet of great action and even better characters cooked up by a Marvel filmmaking team that knows how to play its best cards. Unlike its dumpster fire DC rival “Batman V. Superman,” the film knows its greatest strengths come from both the fun and complexity of its characters, allowing the story to go to dark, interesting places while never forgetting that people come to superhero films to be entertained.

Speaking of story, it is important to note that “Civil War” offers a radically different take on the standard action plotline, pushing its villain Zemo (Daniel Brühl, “Inglourious Basterds”) into the shadows and allowing most of the action and drama to come from watching the heroes beat each other up, crack jokes and expose their emotional scars. It mostly works, but sometimes it’s a bit distracting to wonder if the film is actually going to go anywhere narratively.

The film’s safe and sequel-focused ending, a resolution too often used in Marvel films, doesn’t help that.

However, the plot-lite style does also check off some big and important boxes for Marvel. It resourcefully sets up the Black Panther and Spider-Man characters and builds up legitimate excitement about their future solo films.

The classic characters are as entertaining as ever, but it’s these two new players that really steal the show. Boseman is cool as ever as the series’ first major

black superhero, while Holland, who was met with a considerable amount of controversy as another young white Peter Parker, actually knocks it out of the park. He may turn out to be the best iteration of the character yet, bringing all the wacky energy and wit that Spider-Man needs and then some.

As for the film’s style, the Russo brothers (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) continue to bring great imagery and pacing to the franchise, creating some of the most memorable sequences in superhero history while allowing the film

to breathe. Despite the film’s many subplots and characters, the film never feels confusing or overstuffed, moving collectedly from scene to scene and keeping the audience engaged with every moment, big or small.

“Civil War” is ultimately a huge gamble from Marvel, a potentially messy one at that, but it pays off with cool and charming confidence. It may very well be Marvel’s best yet, is certainly the best blockbuster of the year so far and is a great example of how entertaining movies can be when they remember where they came from.

photo courtesy of diymag.com

The “other side” of “Civil War” features Iron Man, Spider Man, Black Widow and others.