Way back in 2001, Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” caught us by surprise with its breathtaking animation, original storyline and heart-wrenching appeal. Twelve years later, the next story in the “Monsters” timeline takes its audience to college with Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) in “Monsters University.” I had a chance to participate in a conference call with director Dan...
The Fresh Prince crash lands on Earth and sends the Karate Kid to save both their skins. In many ways, that would have made a more engaging story than what audiences saw in “After Earth,” which comes across as a heavy-handed father-son narrative between Will and Jaden Smith. Most of the dialogue is so on-the-nose it hurts, the special...
Just when you thought the day would never get here, the time has finally come. No more seeing your friends from semester-based schools posting graduation pictures all over Facebook and Instagram, leaving you bitter with another month of the quarter left. Now it's our turn! But amidst cramming for your last batch of finals and running on nothing but...
From the developers of the “Uncharted” series comes Naughty Dog’s newest video game, “The Last of Us.” This title stirred up much anticipation by leaving the details of the story and gameplay a mystery. Recently, the developers finally released preliminary gameplay video that reveals what the game will be — and leaves the game’s mechanics to the imagination. Many...
The most recent episode of “Mad Men” opens up with a debate about margarine, providing a normal start to the episode contrary to the chaotic mess that was aired last week. The qualities about the butter substitute mentioned early on set up a metaphorical base for the characters this week.
“The Better Half” is all about the employees of the...
I can't believe how fast four years have passed. If you’re part of the beautiful class that is 2013, there are a few things to look forward to these next couple of weeks: your last last day of school, your last final and your last 8 a.m. class. But now comes the dreaded question: “What are your plans after...
In light of last spring’s underwhelming comedy performance, UCR’s eighth adventure into the realm of comedy had to prove that it was more than just a footnote to end each quarter’s Barn series. Fortunately for the campus, Comedy Apocalypse VIII avoided last quarter’s failings. The show was not perfect and started off slow, but by the end it proved...
As summer approaches, most music fans know that there’s one great thing that comes with it: festival season. No matter where you’re planning on spending your time this summer, there is most likely a festival near you. Here are some festivals to highlight.
My favorite of the bunch this year (though I am attending, so I may be biased) is...
Southern California’s own 30 Seconds to Mars has released another stellar album with “Love Lust Faith + Dreams.” As the title suggests, the band explores themes of lost loves, chasing dreams, losing oneself and new beginnings.
Their single, “Up in the Air,” is definitely one of the best and most defining songs on the album. As Jared Leto sings, he...
It came as a big surprise that the conclusion to Todd Phillips’ “Hangover” series involved no hangover at all. The decision to completely stray from the premise that ultimately led to the second installment’s utter failure was most likely due to critics’ complaints about how much of a facsimile “Hangover II” actually was. “The Hangover Part III” is nowhere...