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(01/25/12 9:27pm)
Usually, the storyline of a film about animals is predictable, heart-wrenching and sold to the audience so that any dissenters from the enthusiastic majority are judged for their apparently missing soul.
War Horse is not your typical equestrian drama. Directed by the wonderful Steven Spielberg, the story is split between multiple characters whose interactions with a particularly inspiring horse are intertwined in an interesting, if somewhat unrealistic, way.
Cynics no doubt abounded when the film premiered, but the honest storytelling achieved by Spielberg draws one into a thematic experience that is ultimately worth it.
Beginning in a pastoral English town, half-Thoroughbred Joey is purchased by an alcoholic tenant farmer named Ted Narracott (Peter Mullan). His young son Albert (Jeremy Irvine) particularly takes to the intelligent horse, teaching it to pull a plow among other things.
World War I looms on the horizon, requiring that Joey be sold to a gentlemanly soldier of the British cavalry and taken into battle against the Germans.
It was at this point in the film that I realized respect was due to Spielberg for his cinematic treatment of warfare. The reality of what occurred in cavalry engagements throughout the first World War was not completely abandoned. It was downplayed without seeming disrespectful or deceitful. The emotional gravity of watching horses with riders charge soldiers armed with machine guns in one shot, transition seamlessly into a shot of horses running through the woods bare-saddled is moving and extremely powerful.
Overtaken in the woods by the German ranks, Joey falls into the care of two brothers whose will to live forces them to desert on the eve of battle. They take shelter on a French farm until discovered and put to death for their crime. Again, Spielberg employs emotional restraint and shields young viewers from a graphic death with a skillfully placed windmill. At one moment the boys are standing in front of a firing squad; after the fan blades shift, the boys have crumpled in the grass.
Joey is left now with an elderly farmer and his granddaughter, who add to his skills by teaching him to jump before he again changes hands. This time, the Germans put Joey through hard labor, pulling heavy machinery while hitched to a black beauty who becomes his companion.
Kept alive by animal instinct and some inherently magical quality that all who come into contact with him see, Joey is assisted by a German and British soldier when discovered in “no-man’s land” between the trenches, caught in barbed wire.
By this point, Albert has made his way into the trenches to serve honorably alongside a childhood friend before subjected to devastating chemical gas that burns his face. Sent to recover in a hospital, he overhears some doctors discussing a rather miraculous horse who needs treatment for cuts from barbed wire.
Before the doctor’s orders to kill the horse rather than allow it to suffer can be carried out, Albert whistles to Joey, and the two are reunited after years of uncertainty.
The ending is one indicative of Spielberg’s optimistic treatment of many subjects throughout his repertoire. Redeeming and heartfelt, War Horse requires the modern-day viewer to stomach some sentimentality for a truly worthwhile experience.
(01/25/12 11:26am)
It all began with a thrilling crime trilogy from the mind of bestselling author, Stieg Larsson. Taking place in Sweden, the series was published posthumously after Larsson endured a fatal heart attack in 2004. Europeans were enrapt with the story long before Americans knew of their existence.
Two film adaptations of the first novel later, the world of Swedish corruption and investigative adventures has become an intriguing place in which to disappear.
David Fincher, director of Se7en, lends The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a sleek, somewhat realistic atmosphere. Beginning with a disturbing but visually interesting artistic introduction (typical of most Fincher films), the film wastes very little time in jumping into the plot.
Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara lend star power to the trilogy’s already-intriguing main characters, the dynamic duo of Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. An investigative journalist for Millenium magazine - a rogue publication critical of corporations and conglomerates in Sweden – Blomkvist faces a conviction for libelous statements about Hans-Erik Wennerstrom, a corporate elitist in command of billions in profit.
Defeated and forced to pay an extravagant fee in damages, Blomkvist resigns from his post at Millenium until he receives a call from elderly Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) who needs assistance solving an eerie family mystery. His niece, Harriet, disappeared while staying at the family estate in Hedestad in the 1960’s, and after an exhaustive search for her body, no motive can be determined for her alleged murder.
Nazi sympathizers, serial killers, estranged family members, and corrupt financiers all have an important role in the thickened plot, as each discovery leads Blomkvist further down the Vanger rabbit hole.
Salander, a tattooed, bisexual computer hacker deals with her own misfortunate situation as a ward of the state. Her guardian carries out a milieu of sexual crimes that have given the film a controversial air. The revenge exacted on his character is well worth the discomfort felt while viewing such sadistic behavior.
Sexual encounters in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo occur without warning and as often and casually as a handshake between friends. This may be off-putting for some viewers, but its usage stems more from a cultural characteristic of European society than for the sake of suggestive material.
A partnership between Blomkvist and Salander is not forged until the midpoint of this three-hour movie. Finding himself in need of a computer savvy research assistant, Blomkvist cannot decide what to make of his surly new companion.
With a hatred of men gleaned from her past sexual abuse, Salander helps Blomkvist narrow down the suspects, and the plot is resolved long before the side story of Hans Erik Wennerstrom’s demise is complete.
The most redeeming factor of the entire trilogy is Salander’s tenacious, lethal, badass character. She is completely devoid of any conventional qualities or behaviors, which is refreshing in a time when many female characters – even when originally written as trailblazers – are adapted into sex kittens for the silver screen.
(11/02/11 10:34pm)
Coldplay’s fifth studio release, titled Mylo Xyloto, will take any listener on a psychedelic trip to happiness. Expected to shoot to the top of the charts and garner several Grammy nominations, Rihanna collaborated on “Princess of China” lending unnecessary star power to an anticipated album.
To the brand new Coldplay fan attracted by the summer teaser “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall,” the album is sure to impress; to those who have followed the band since the debut of Parachutes in 2000, the album is confusing to label but extremely catchy and upbeat.
There is no doubt that each Coldplay release has its own unique sound or theme. One notices specific growth and change with every subsequent album.
Parachutes (2000) won Coldplay an esteemed place in the music world with its blend of meaningful lyrics and ballads with memorable guitar riffs. A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) brought an emphasis on piano and electric guitar. X&Y (2005) was received with mixed reviews, but was undoubtedly the most abstract and synthesized member of Coldplay’s repertoire. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) was later released with a deluxe collection of additional songs called Prospekt’s March, and concerns emotions spanning from love and loss of power to death and uncertainty. Orchestral arrangements and experimentation with strictly instrumental songs took this album closer to the art rock genre.
Where does Mylo Xyloto fit into this schema? Coldplay rarely sounds like a stereotypical British band, and this album is no exception. More dreamlike in its delivery and content, it is a celebration of artistic expression. However, the depth of emotionality in its lyrics is masked at times by the multitude of sound effects used in each song.
“Hurts Like Heaven” and “Charlie Brown” have beautiful themes of release from society and struggle for identity but are covered by hook-laden sequences (This doesn’t make them any less enjoyable, in fact, it somewhat adds to their depth through irony).
“Princess of China” documents the breakdown of a relationship and what could have been, and delivers in instrumentals and star power what it lacks in lyrics. Rihanna sings along with lead singer Martin after an intro that borrows from Passion Pit. There is very little along the line of plot in this song, having only a catchy theme that will definitely linger after you turn off your iPod.
“Up with the Birds” may be the last song on the album, but it is first in terms of art and storybook, symphonic expression. Beginning with Martin alone with his piano, building with resolute lyrics and ambient noise lending to birdlike sound, it is an anthem worthy of replay.
“Us Against the World” is one of the best of Coldplay’s ballads ever. Beginning with narrative lyrics accompanied by a single acoustic guitar, it builds intensity with riffs reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky. Every one of their albums has at least one; from A Rush of Blood to the Head it was “Green Eyes” and “Yellow” might be the most memorable from Parachutes.
Four instrumental tracks supply effective transitions from one theme to the next, more than the average Coldplay album.
“Up in Flames” is a little disappointing after such a heartfelt ballad, but its reliance on piano and Martin’s melodic crooning is reminiscent of earlier Coldplay songs.
If this reviewer was to suggest any songs to purchase from iTunes from this album, they would without a doubt be “Paradise,” “Up with the Birds,” “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” and “Us Against the World.” Put them on repeat to accompany your life, and never forget where you heard the advice.
(11/02/11 10:28pm)
From the second the powerful chords of “Odd Soul” begin, MuteMath makes a clear statement that this third album will be their most confident and self-assured endeavor to date.
Aptly titled Odd Soul, the album is the closest to the core of MuteMath when compared to their self-titled debut Mutemath and Armistice. The New Orleans troop has come into their own, and the product is a fast-paced, soulful journey. This band has just arrived with a third installation that should cement a place of respect in the alternative music world.
While their music has always had spunk and spirit, the vivacity of “Prytania” and “Tell Your Heart Heads Up” takes it up a notch from previous hits “Spotlight” and “Electrify.” Both display a funky guitar groove and dance-worthy beats. Try not to sing along with head crooner Paul Meany.
Roy Mitchell-Cardenas has a time of it with his bass lines, and drummer Darren King deserves a decided nod for his hard-hitting and talented percussion. It is hard to believe that such intricacy and artistic phrasing can be produced from three members.
“All or Nothing” has a surprising shift after a mellow beginning of electronic guitar phrases. Halfway through the song, a piece that would have been just fine as an open-shut song with verses following a chorus in a predictable manner gets better. A synthesized, psychedelic segue comes out of nowhere to transition to electronic mania. It really is worth a listen.
“Quarantine” is a seven-minute masterpiece. The percussion at the four minute mark will blow your mind. Accompanied by Meany’s smooth vocals, the effect is that much more dramatic. Slow buildup intensifies the eventual release of energy and truly gives the music critic and MuteMath lover something new to respect.
“In No Time” satisfies the Mutemath requirement of a pulsing ballad-esque number. Documenting where a relationship was in the past to its degradation, the lyrics promise that “we’ll get it back in no time at all.” You will be left feeling uplifted without knowing a definite reason.
The music video for “Blood Pressure” was released before the album hit iTunes as a teaser, and with constantly changing tempos and an inherent attitude it adequately displays the band’s musical ability and aptitude.
“Sun Ray” will remind listeners of the complex instrumental songs that have become signature staples for MuteMath albums. This low-key jazz lounge piece provides a break to a consistently
This reviewer could go on to describe every single song on Odd Soul (and basically already did), but I wholeheartedly suggest that readers purchase the deluxe edition on iTunes as soon as humanly possible. The bonus tracks “Sun Ray Part II,” “Cold Sparks” and “Amendment” are worth it.
Hardcore MuteMath fans may be surprised at the tone of this album, expecting the band’s stereotypical unique sound.
This album channels old school blues rock (a la The Black Keys) and lays on electro-rock-alternative-MuteMath charm. This concoction makes the album irresistible, and perfect music for a drive, or an impromptu jam session.
It is sure to win the group a score of new fans, and if more seasoned listeners will give Odd Soul a few fair run-throughs, they are sure to recognize its worth. This band is one to keep your ears tuned and eyes peeled. MuteMath has only just realized its niche and has a lot of potential to keep pumping out worthwhile music.
(09/22/11 12:30am)
With the first round of exams and papers bound to hit agendas in the near future and midterms looming in the distance, Mercerians new and old will be searching for a coffee shop with fast internet and quality caffeine to energize and motivate. Three coffee shops near and dear to students’ hearts are evaluated to assist you when weighing your options.
Starbucks
Everyone is familiar with this “green giant.” Since its founding in 1971, this sprawling company has become emblematic of the coffee craze worldwide, hosting a symbol that is universally recognizable and on just about every street corner.
While nonconformists and patrons of local java joints loathe this monster of a distributor and bemoan its prices, Starbucks wins major brownie points for consistency. “Starbucks [gets] your order right every time,” said former music student Edward Atkinson. A venti-skim-double drip latte is interpreted the same at its Times Square store as its quaint corner location in Fayetteville, Ga. The convenience of interstate locations make this shop an easy stop for weary travelers, and installations in grocery stores, shopping malls and college campuses enforce Starbucks’ monopoly in coffee consumption. Its reward program is unparalleled, because few coffee chains can compete with its annual profits.
When looked at from the perspective of a discerning coffee connoisseur, one can notice a few flaws. Commercialization keeps Starbucks from being a personal experience. If you have been inside one location, you have visited them all. The quality of their whole bean coffee is undeniable, but their blended drinks make a mockery of traditional cafes. Words like “frappuccino” and “macchiato” have come to be commonplace in the vernacular. To say that Starbucks is a household name is true, but to snobby coffee-goers it will always represent all that is inherently wrong with globalization.
Joshua Cup
Located on Washington Avenue, Joshua Cup is a treasured secret for its customers. Its subdued, chic atmosphere and high-quality coffee is what keeps Mercerians coming back for more. Joshua Cup is a favorite of Sara Black, Mercer student: “The coffee is better than Jittery Joe’s and the atmosphere is better than Starbucks.” Like its competitors, Joshua Cup offers customers a range of blended and espresso beverages, but keeps true to traditional preparation. A macchiato is an espresso shot with a dollop of steamed milk, not an overdone caramel syrup catastrophe. The store itself is divided into two spaces, one hosting the brewing station and another which can be closed to reduce noise. “There’s more space to move around and find somewhere comfortable, like the side room if you really need quiet and focus or the main room if you want to be around more of the coffee shop hustle and bustle,” said Marshall. Joshua Cup keeps similar hours to Jittery Joe’s, opening 30 minutes earlier on weekdays, and offers wireless service that is considerably faster than Mercer internet. Its location outside of walking distance deters most students from visiting, but its loyal constituency speaks for its quality beverages and comfortable environment.
Jittery Joe’s
If you are unfamiliar with this Mercer mainstay, you are blind, deaf and most certainly living in an altered version of reality. This store is always packed with college students, professors, law and medical students and Maconites. Run by a personable band of hipster students and young adults, Jittery Joe’s rewards its loyal customers with its drink cards. When I was a freshman, every staff member knew my drink order and where I usually liked to sit. Its hours are perfect for stretched and stressed Mercerians; doors open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight every day of the week, with a 24-hour schedule during finals week. Located right across the street from the Lofts at Mercer Village, it is a natural choice for students to grab a bagel or coffee in between classes, and is a common meeting place for friends and business partners.
What’s the catch? Students crowded around electrical outlets are frequently frustrated at the slow speed of its wireless internet; whether this is a Mercer problem, or can be attributed to the number of students on the network is not the concern of this article.
Other students commented on the quality of coffee: “Jittery Joe’s [coffee] is bitter and has a horrible after-taste,” said Dana Marshall.
The space of the actual store is also a straight slab without a real division between a stage where local performers entertain and a study area, a situation that can get annoying when there are a lot of customers conversing.
(08/18/11 10:45pm)
Mercer students will have access to affordable rental transportation through Bear Bikes, an initiative supported by the Student Government Association.
Heather Bowman-Cutway, advisor to the Student Environmental Association, organized the program along with Jordan Locke, SGA president. College Hill Alliance and Club Cycling enthusiasts sustained the transportation movement.
A recent grant made available by the Knight Foundation allowed Mercer University to purchase 30 new bikes. Riders of all experience levels will find bikes equal to their comfort level. User-friendly cruiser bikes are available for the beginner biker, in addition to road bikes and mountain bikes for more advanced riders.
Bear Bikes will be expanded in response to demand and student interest; it is intended to create a culture for cycling, instead of a few solitary riders on campus.
For a $30 membership fee paid once each semester, interested Mercerians can sign up August 23 through the 26. Bikes, locks and helmets will be handed out pending availability the following week on August 31. Dues go towards maintenance and necessary repairs of the bikes.
Service will be provided by Cherry Street Cycles, located downtown in Macon. Any problems should be reported to Bear Bikes student workers, and if necessary, staff can transport the bike to Cherry Street Cycles.
Turned in every week, the bikes will be stored in the breezeway of Connell Student Center, and by purchasing a membership, students have unlimited rentals.
Previous rental bike programs did not succeed because of cost and inconvenience. Carrie Ingoldsby, Director of Campus Life and Student Involvement, is confident that Bear Bikes will succeed. Responsible for the facilitation and advertising for the program, Ingoldsby remarked on the rentals: “I hope students enjoy [Bear Bikes] and take advantage of it.”
According to the Bear Bikes website, where information is available for students who must be aware of all rules and regulations, the purpose of the program is, “to help create a campus culture of cycling while reducing the number of cars used by students.”
Many college campuses mandate that incoming freshmen leave their cars at home due to the lack of parking. This a problem Mercerians have undoubtedly faced in recent years. Locke suggested riding bikes as an alternative, easy way to get across campus or explore what Macon has to offer.
“Mercer should be more supportive of downtown,” Locke commented, noting that biking would supply a safe and fast way to travel instead of walking or driving. He hopes that the campus-driven program will provide a niche for students.
Bear Bikes will be marketed to Mercer students, especially freshmen, as a relatively cheap, convenient transportation option that is not only easy on your budget, but better for your health and the environment.
Mercer has made a number of changes to reduce its environmental impact, along with bike racks to encourage the relatively new mode of transportation and recycling receptacles located around campus.
Interested students can find more information, rules, regulations and sign up forms at www.bearbikes.mercer.edu.
(08/18/11 9:47pm)
Greetings, Mercerians new and old! It is another school year, and with that recognition comes bombardment from all signs to join this club or that organization, or help some freshman find their way to Willett. I write to you today to explain from an insider’s perspective the reasons why you should not run away from the over-enthused Greeks who will shove their letters in your faces and act like they’ve not only had way too much caffeine, but are unable to unscrew their gigantic smiles.
First, let’s address a few stereotypes. Greek life at Mercer is not analogous with the monstrous scope of Greek life at major SEC schools, or any other school for that matter. This campus holds only four sororities and eight fraternities, along with five NPHC organizations. The student body boasts 26 percent Greek involvement, a small share compared to other institutions. Mercer is also a dry campus, but of course all of you new kids heard that already with sighs of disappointment.
At Mercer, you will not be buying friends. Being Greek is an investment in your future. Not only does each fraternity and sorority wield a large amount of influence through extensive alumnae organizations, letters look great both on jerseys and on your resume. Greek organizations hold members to higher standards of involvement and leadership positions on campus, social and community obligations and academic integrity.
You will not be hazed. Each organization on campus has strict regulations to prevent hazing. Greeks do not play around with the h-word.
Now, I will just encourage you straight from the heart with a personal story to register for Fall Recruitment 2011.
Deciding to join a sorority was the best decision I made my freshman year, and you can quote me on that. In high school, I was the quintessential insecure perfectionist. I had very few friends who were girls and a low self-esteem to boot. I was involved in a lot of clubs and teams, but I joined them for college applications rather than my own interest. Moving to Macon was a fresh start. I knew that I could step up, change my image and enjoy the next four years, or fade into insignificance on a small campus in the middle of nowhere.
Since then, I have joined only clubs in which I have genuine interest. Over 50 sisters love me just the way I am, and I can walk confidently across campus shouting hello to every person I meet. My sorority has taught me how to love myself, meet new people, prepare for my future and has ushered in a new chapter of my life.
This is the chapter where I am the master of my destiny, my happiness, my Mercer.
Of course, there are other ways to reinvent yourself on campus. There are other religious and athletic organizations that will offer you T-shirts and opportunity. But they are nowhere near as fun as running up a hill on Bid Day, screaming and throwing on a jersey with funny letters and knowing you have been accepted and welcomed by something bigger than a house, deeper than a friendship, stronger than any bond.
Comments on this opinoin can be sent to
online@mercercluster.com
(08/18/11 7:22pm)
by Emily Garrott
If you have a sick sense of humor and are in the mood to get back at your parents for years of smothering and restraint, the Cluster is here to help. Reminiscing on our collective freshman experiences, here are a few tried and true methods guaranteed to make your parents rue the day they moved you to Mercer.
Silent Treatment-Wait as long as possible to call your mom and dad for an update. After an extended amount of time without contact, parents will generally start to lose their minds, giving them a little taste of the mild insanity you endured in high school.
A Taste of the Occult-If your parents are of a religious strain and were excited about your decision to attend a private college with a Christian heritage, tell your parents you have in fact been attending church. Technically, the services were held in the middle of the woods and required you to bring an offering to the pagan gods, but faith counts, right?
Friends Don’t Let Friends…-When asked how well you are adjusting to college, respond that you have made great progress with the homeless man who sleeps in front of M.E.P. or Plunkett. He always greets you in the morning after a long night of party hopping.
Merpo is the BOMB-Campus security is important to parents of freshmen. Reassure them with the knowledge that Mercer police officers have escorted you back to your dorm room multiple times after close encounters downtown.
M.I.A.-Academic success is essential to any student pursuing higher education. Your parents need to know that you love college and your professors are the best: they never actually require you to attend class, and homework is never checked.
Searching for Mr./Mrs. Right-Mothers are always eager to hear about significant others. This time when she asks if you are seeing anyone special, tell her your love life has been pretty busy. Last weekend you went out with Jim Beam twice, had lunch with Evan Williams, went dancing with Jose Cuervo, promised to go to formal with Jack Daniels and met a cool guy in French class named Andre. If you are a boy, tell her you met an interesting exchange student named Svedka Smirnoff and asked to join Bailey’s study group.
The Mark of a Party Animal-Moms always know how to get out tough stains. Call up one day and ask if she has a secret remedy to remove some tough sharpie marks on your hands. If you still cannot get those ‘X’s off by Sunday morning, fear not: plenty of your fellow Mercerians bear the downtown tattoo for several days after enjoying the Macon party scene
The Proof is in the Payment-Dad will inevitably call for an update on your finances. Proudly send home receipts with purchases from the liquor store, and explain to them exactly what the charges from the Rookery and Asylum mean.
Laundry 101-Everyone hates having to wash their clothes. Some parents still do students’ laundry when they come home on break. Impress them with your new wardrobe of fraternity, sorority and organization tees. This prevents you from ever needing to investigate the pile of filthy clothes stowed under your bed.
Oh, the Caf-When Mom and Dad call to ask how much you miss home-cooked meals, inform them that your friends have been participating in a liquid diet and avoiding the cafeteria like the plague.