Sac City Express

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘She’s Out Of My League’

Exie Frazier — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:51:01 +0000

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks

With spring almost here, moviegoers can take their first few hops into the season with the new release “She’s Out Of My League.”

The romantic comedy ranks third in earnings at the box office despite a plotline that’s fairly predictable and moments in the film of absurdity and vulgarity. What saves the film is its strong sense of humor that makes these moments seem less adolescent.

The nerdy guy, Kirk (Jay Baruchel from “Knocked Up”) meets an awesomely hot babe named Molly (Alice Eve, a relative newcomer) who develops an interest in him. The rest of the movie is his struggle to understand why she would be interested him, despite being able to land almost any guy she wanted.

Krysten Ritter (“Confessions of a Shopaholic,” T.V.’s “Breaking Bad”), appears as Patty, Molly’s super man-eating best friend and gives a truly hilarious performance as the bitter female friend. With other roles such as the romantic guy friend of the group, and the stud who finds himself as a wingman, the line-up of characters to bring this story to life was genuinely well thought of.

During the film, the focus on the fact that people rate others along a loopy point system, which governs all relationships, seems too emphasized and loses its authenticity.

Reminiscent of films such as “Pineapple Express,” “The Hangover” and “Superbad,” “League” continues the tradition of raunchy, R-rated comedies that have been so successful in the past few years.

The fact that people spend too much time on personal appearance and material things when going into relationships is revealed and discussed in the last half hour of the film to leave the audience with another nerd-wins-the-hot-girl story.

Although this film falls just short of the complete package of balanced hilarity, plotline and originality, it is definitely worth checking out at the theater. Even if only to convince the super hot special person your with that your at least worth another date.

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Ghost Writer’

Jack Remson — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:50:16 +0000

Courtesy Summit Entertainment

“The Ghost Writer”, director Roman Polanski’s first feature film in five years, a political dramatic mystery that is a loose allegory to Tony Blair’s Iraq War decisions and resignation, is a film in which little happens, but much is said.

The film’s most famous actors are Ewan McGregor (of the similarly-paced 2008 film “Deception”,) who plays the memoir ghostwriter for Pierce Brosnan (four-time James Bond, “Mamma Mia”), who plays Adam Lang, a resigned British prime minister. Lang is accused of war crimes and his dealings with the U.S., the C.I.A. and its war efforts. The Ghost — he’s never named — is taking over from an aide to Lang, who apparently drowned during a ferry crossing.

Casting for this film seems almost seems random at times — excellent actors such as Tom Wilkinson (“Michael Clayton”) and Olivia Williams (“Rushmore”, “Dollhouse”) as Lang’s wife are, bafflingly, credited next to the likes of Jim Belushi as a book editor and Kim Cattrall as Lang’s assistant and implied mistress. Timothy Hutton also makes a tired but competent appearance as Lang’s attorney. Veteran Eli Wallach, still acting at 95, even gets a brief scene.

Lang’s two main opponents in the film are a former minister under Lang’s regime and a retired British soldier who lost a son in “one of Lang’s secret wars.”

Hounded by political protesters and members of the world news media, Lang, his wife, a bevy of aides and The Ghost hole up in Lang’s Massachusetts home, a blandly modern dwelling. As the film progresses, The Ghost reluctantly becomes emotionally involved in uncovering evidence against Lang.

Interesting is the fact that no scene, save for an opener wherein the dead aide’s BMW is found abandoned on a ferry, takes place without The Ghost being present. This means that some plot points only come to him as secondhand knowledge.

McGregor lives up to his character’s name; he’s more than characteristically bland and mostly treated as a piece of furniture by the other characters. Lang, as might befit a retired head of state, doesn’t spend a lot of time on screen as he’s whisked away in his private jet to various global destinations.

Without giving anything away, The Ghost eventually digs into Lang’s past in cooperation with some of Lang’s opponents until he seemingly uncovers the conspiracy. Of course, there’s a twist, one that seems rushed in its delivery at the very end of the film.

Most of the film is devoid of action shots. Refreshingly, the plot is advanced mainly through conversation and investigation with The Ghost. The pacing is reminiscent of a similar film, 2007’s “Breach,” in which a young FBI agent secretly investigates a senior agent.

The book on which the film was based was written by Robert Harris, a UK-based author, as a fictional parallel to Tony Blair’s decisions regarding relations with President Bush, decisions Harris disagreed with, and subsequent resignation. The film also reflects attitudes about the news media. Thankfully, those political views don’t eclipse the film.

Putting aside Polanski’s criminal exploits (Polanski has an outstanding warrant for his arrest for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, with a US judge saying Polanski has to return to the US to be sentenced) and the author’s political sentiments, “The Ghost Writer,” for the first three-quarters of its length, is excellently if slowly paced, well-shot and with quite a few fine performances. However, it suffers from a logically weak ending and a lack of investment in its characters.

ALBUM REVIEW: Johnny Cash’s “American VI”

Chris Geanakos — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:26:14 +0000

Courtesy of American Recordings

A posthumous album consisting of covers is not usually expected to be great or even good, however Johnny Cash’s latest, and final studio offering “American VI” bucks the trend.

It’s not that Cash has reinvented the wheel with this album which was recorded in 2003, not too long before he died. Upon an initial listen, it becomes very apparent that musically, “American VI” treads the same waters as Cash’s earlier American recordings. In this case however, redundancy in formula couldn’t possibly sound better.

Fans of Cash’s rockabilly sensibility will instead find a more diverse sound rooted in the traditional sounds of Americana based music. Whereas Cash’s earliest recordings could be traced to the ‘50s or ‘60s just by ear, the sound of this album (and all other American recordings) is timeless and musically based on a broader range than his early works thanks to Rick Rubin’s production (though some die-hard Cash fans may disagree) and appearances by Scott and Seth Avett among other guest musicians.

Just like Cash’s other American albums, the bulk of “American VI” consists of covers of a wide range of artists like Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, as well as more obscure artists. Cash himself only contributes one original composition for the album, “I Corinthians 15:55″.

As a whole, the album is a curious mix of somber themes such as loss, death, uncertainty, and frailty, typical Cash fare preceding his death in 2003 . Yet, the lyrics and music do not brood. Cash instills a sense of optimism, hopefulness and even determination not to be overcome by the darker aspects of such themes.

Virtually every song is exceptional, with some standing out a little more than others.

The first track, “Ain’t No Grave” immediately imbues the album with a ghostly feel as Cash continuously sings “There ain’t no grave that can hold my body down” over the sounds of rattling chains, chiming funeral bells and other worldly instrumentation, a logical choice for the opening of this posthumous release.

Another standout track is the Kris Kristofferson penned “For the Good Times.” Despite the fact that the melody is reminiscent of every Jimmy Buffet song ever made, its actually an endearing, romantic and even uplifting piece of music. This is an astonishing fact given that it’s a breakup song, and judging by the lyrics alone, a pretty damn sad one.

Though all the songs aren’t great, the Sheryl Crow written “Redemption Day” immediately comes to mind sounding more like filler compared to other standout tracks, most of the songs are and the ones that aren’t are still decent.

For die hard and casual Cash fans alike, “American VI” would make a great listen and is proof that even up to his finals days, despite the evident frailty in his advanced years, Cash was still on the very top of his game.

Student perspective on March 4 protests

Josselin Basaldu — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:37:05 +0000

Podcast produced by Josselin Basaldu

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Panther Prattle: What do you do to pass the time on trips?

Eydie Mendoza — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:31:39 +0000

Podcast produced by Eydie Mendoza

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Softball eases through doubleheader

John David Reynolds — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:22:18 +0000

City College player Jamie Lowery on second base leaning to 3rd. Photo by Susanne Shirley

The City College softball team won both of their games Sunday, March 14, boosting their record to 17-2.

In the first game against the College of the Sequoias Giants, the Panthers were victorious 6-4. The Giants were 20-5 coming into the game, boasting a highly competitive and talented team.

“They are a really good team,” City College Head Coach Robert Maglione said, referring to the Giants after the game.

Game two was a one sided affair as the Panthers blanked the De Anza College team 8-0 in 5 innings.

“The girls came in today and did what they were supposed to do, dominate the game,” said Maglione.

Stay tuned for an in-depth review of a game.

Baseball sails past Diablo Valley

Eydie Mendoza — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:07:40 +0000

Brooke Brooks watches the direction of the ball that he just hit. Photo by Terri M. Venesio

City College Panthers breezed by the Diablo Valley Vikings 7-2 Saturday in a baseball matchup at Union Stadium.

The top of the first inning began with the Panthers’ starting pitcher striking out the first two Vikings . The third batter was thrown at first base. The bottom of the inning ended with the Panthers getting two hits and scoring a run, cluing game fans to the pace of a competitive game.

“It was team effort,” Panther catcher Lucas Kephart said.

En route to victory, the Panthers earned 11 hits, while the Diablo Vikings only had four.

“We beat a quality opponent and feel good about it,” Panthers coach Andy McKay said.

Stay tuned to SacCityExpress.com for an in-depth review of the game

Public RT hearing sounds like change

Jerome Wilson — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:39:48 +0000

The City College light rail station. Photo by Josselin Basaldu

In response to a $13 million deficit in the 2010 fiscal year and an expected $25 million deficit for the 2011 fiscal year, Sacramento Regional Transit District is considering making some changes to public transportation.

A public hearing was held Monday, March 8 at the Regional Transit Auditorium, located at 1400 29th Street. More than 250 public transportation users showed up to address their concerns.

Based on the current state of the economy and decrease in public transportation use, RT fare revenues have declined, said Alane Matsui, RT media representative.

Service changes have been proposed by RT for this summer to help alleviate fiscal deficit. RT is planning a Board of Directors meeting that will be open to the public to discuss possible scenarios.

“One of the scenarios is reducing service to 8 p.m. or eliminating some routes completely,” Masui said.

Option A2 in the Regional Transit Issue Paper Feb. 23 proposed limiting services to route 62 – Freeport Blvd on Saturday.

City College students depend on public transportation to get back and forth from school. If services are cut back students may not have any other option for traveling accommodations. Many RT operators, mechanics and other personnel are at risk of losing their jobs.

If adopted by the RT Board of Directors, changes will begin Sunday, June 20, 2010. The meeting to determine which changes are made, if any, will be held Monday, March 22, 2010.

The location of the meeting is currently being decided. For more information visit www.sacrt.com

Check out http://www.sacrt.com/documents/Board%20Documents/ServiceIssuePaper.pdf for the full report on route shortages.

Staff and administration feedback on March 4 student protests

Chris Geanakos — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:23:06 +0000

Podcast produced by Christopher Geanakos

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SLIDESHOW: March in March protest, Capitol

Online Editor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:34:04 +0000

Photojournalists Jose Gonzalez, Cyrette Smith and Jesse Charlton of the PHOTO 350 attended the Capitol portion of the March in March protests that came to ahead on Mar. 4.