‘The Raid’ features blood bath, martial arts
Published May 04, 2012
Action movies tend to have a comedic element, something to keep the violence from getting too heavy. The Indonesian import “The Raid: Redemption” is an exception. It’s dark and unapologetically violent, often feeling more like horror than an action movie.
First, some background. The movie was shot in 2011 in Indonesia and screened to film festivals as simply “The Raid.” Released stateside under the indie Sony Pictures Classics banner, the rechristened “The Raid: Redemption” has been branching out to wider markets since a limited run in March.
Volunteering can change lives, communities
Published April 20, 2012
Each month is known for something, though it’s not always widely known. April is known for rain. April showers bring May flowers; the adage reflects how April is a month of replenishing the Earth after the winter; however, that’s not the only thing being replenished. Communities are flourishing around this time as well.
‘Cabin in the Woods’ disappoints as horror film
Published April 20, 2012
Did you catch all of the inside jokes in “Shaun of the Dead?” Do you have a favorite gore makeup artist? Is there an “Evil Dead” poster in your bedroom? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then odds are you will like “The Cabin in the Woods.”
Experiencing Europe well worth the cost, anxieties
Published April 20, 2012
Vienna was the last stop in the International Traveling Classroom. While I wasn’t able to see too much of the city due to a massive amount of homework for one of our classes, what I have seen has been oddly reminiscent of the Twin Cities where I grew up.
Alternative recipes for leftover Easter eggs
Published April 13, 2012
Egg dying and decorating has been around since the early 1700s with the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers. It may create a mess, with all the separate cups of coloring, but the turnout is worth the effort. However, now that Easter is over and you’re left with hard-boiled eggs, you may be wondering what to do.
‘The Killing’ leaves fans wondering what comes next
Published April 13, 2012
Last year’s finale of the new AMC series “The Killing” caused an Internet firestorm over a last-minute revelation that basically made the entire season seem like a waste of time. That’s right, the whole first season was a red herring.
Using sugary, sweet Peeps for more than just food
Published April 06, 2012
Amidst the books at the River Falls public library is a new attraction. Sitting atop the reference books and pamphlets in the center of the library are brightly colored Peeps presented in an array of environments.
Discovering the stories behind the myths of Easter
Published April 06, 2012
If you have ever ventured into a mall around Easter you will have noticed a large line of young kids waiting to see something. No, it isn’t Santa Claus, although this is where he would be. No these kids are all there to see the Easter Bunny. As a young child I don’t think any of us ever questioned why there was an Easter Bunny.
Being a journalist creates dilemma with various social networks
Published April 06, 2012
I think I am addicted to social media sites. Maybe we all are, as a generation of constantly streaming, Instagram-ing, retweeting and trending kids. But I wasn’t like this before this year.
Learning the nuances of daily life in Italy
Published April 06, 2012
I’ve spent the last week in Italy, some of those days with and without the International Traveling Classroom. Three days in Rome with my girlfriend has turned into a week in the lovely Verona.
Capturing lasting images at the Pacific Ocean
Published March 30, 2012
I passed a green highway sign that pointed west to Shelter Cove as I curled down in my Acura down this heavily forested part of northern California called the Big Sur. The road did switchbacks that converged into a one-lane randomly.
Rate the movies
What do you think about the latest films? Do you agree with our reviewers? Have your say by rating recent films.
Contagion
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Contagion stars Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet and Jude Law. The movie is about a deadly disease that breaks out in Minnesota and soon spreads, as doctors from the Centers for Disease Control fight to stop it.
2011, rated PG-13.
(2 votes)
Fame
The movie updates the 1980 musical about students at the New York Academy of Performing Arts. "Fame" is directed by Kevin Tancharoen.
2009, rated PG.
(4 votes)
Zombieland
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, "Zombieland" focuses on four people (played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin) who have to fight to survive a zombie apocalypse.
2009, rated R.
(12 votes)
