The University News

Craig shows new strength

Landon Burris • January 22, 2009

Director Edward Zwick has a knack for telling lesser-known war stories on the big screen, as seen in past films like Glory and The Last Samurai, and he's doing it again with Defiance (Paramount Vantage). Defiance tells the remarkable story of the Bielski brothers who saved more than 1,200 Jewish refugees by moving them into the forests of Belarus during World War II for three years.

Bubbly musical gets straight A’s

Kat Patke • January 22, 2009

Ohmigod, ohmigod, you guys. MGM's 2001 film Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon has arrived in musical form at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, with dance numbers and approximately 15 pounds of glitter and rhinestones to match. The musical follows the familiar plotline of the movie, with Elle Woods (Lauren Ashley Zakrin) journeying from sunny Los Angeles to Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Mass.

2008: A year in trash cinema

Landon Burris • January 15, 2009

Last year was by far one of the worst years for film in recent memory. There have been terrible movies and giant let downs that I am (with great difficulty) putting together my list of the 10 worst films of 2008. I apologize for films that may be missing like Meet the Spartans, Over Her Dead Body or The Love Guru, but I simply never had the time or inclination to see such drivel.

Eastwood fights off gangsters, age in newest feature

Landon Burris • January 15, 2009

It has been a long journey for Clint Eastwood. Acting for more than 50 years and directing since the early '70s, Eastwood's latest film, Gran Torino (Warner Bros.), has widely been reported to be the legend's last acting effort, and he makes the most of it.

‘The Wrestler’ redeems Rourke

Will Holston • January 15, 2009

Sometimes the greatest successes can come out of the biggest failures, and The Wrestler is exhilarating, vibrant proof of this fact. After struggling since 2002 to pull together his last film, 2006's metaphysical fantasy The Fountain, Darren Aronofsky found himself in the unfamiliar position of critical whipping boy.

Calling on college talent

Will Holston • January 15, 2009

MtvU and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences are giving a few lucky college students the red carpet treatment, literally. Until Jan. 23, college students can shoot and upload an audition tape to oscars.mtvu.com to audition as a broadcast correspondent.

One man brings classic film to life

Olivia Cooper • December 4, 2008

"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." Almost every one is familiar with this line from the classic Christmas film It's A Wonderful Life. Since its release in 1946, the film has become a part of many people's holiday traditions. This year, The Repertory Theater of St.

Windmills of My Mind

Elizabeth Glueck • December 4, 2008

As I've gotten older, Christmas has become less about presents and more about family traditions. Most people have favorite Christmas films like Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Christmas Story or It's A Wonderful Life. It just doesn't feel like the holidays until they've watched it.

Van Sant celebrates civil rights pioneer in new film

Landon Burris • December 4, 2008

Milk (Focus Features) is a biopic about Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn of Mystic River), the first openly gay man to be elected into public office. The film covers Milk's move from New York to San Francisco in 1971 to his assassination in 1978. The film, directed by Gus Van Sant (Paranoid Park), features an all-star cast that portrays the people that were part of Milk's political and personal life.

Need a break from finals?

Will Holston • December 4, 2008

The Billiken Club Solo singer-songwriter David Bazan and New York and Boston based indie rock band Via Audio will play The Billiken Club this Friday, beginning at 9 p.m. "David Bazan has actually played The Billiken Club for the past three years and every single time he has a great turnout," said junior Sanita Saengvilay, booking manager for the venue.

Management offers two new discounts to Saint Louis University students

Will Holston • December 4, 2008

Lil Wayne (real name Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.), the platinum selling rap artist will return to the Chaifetz Arena on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. with special guests T-Pain, Keyshia Cole, Gym Class Heroes and Keri Hilson. Lil Wayne performed at the arena earlier this year on Aug.

Windmills of My Mind

Cassidy Herrington • November 20, 2008

Five in the morning, the stools are stacked on tables, and the café is peacefully dark and quiet. I drowsily yawn and reach for the stereo. The soft plucking of his violin cascades from the speakers, washes over the bar, and encircles the café. Andrew Bird's sweet melodic voice echoes as I grind the potent coffee of the day, and his soft lyrics encourage me to "fight for my territory.