IUPD

\'Strait Up\' tribute

True geniuses in mainstream music are rare. There is little doubt in most minds that Snot frontman Lynn Strait was a genius. On Snot's sole effort, 1997's Get Some, Strait and his Snot cohorts successfully created what they called a "hardcore lounge act," a furious blend of melody and aggression, pensiveness and rage.

'Red Planet' rerun of many other movies

Why do people go to mediocre sci-fi movies over and over again, seeing basically the same movie, the same plot, the same characters in every single one? My best guess is that special effects are like drugs. Viewers see something they like once but always want to see the newest thing in the next movie. They are always searching for that better high.

Cash falls into mediocrity

When reviewing Johnny Cash's latest album, American III: Solitary Man, one must keep in mind the question: Is it better to end one's career when you are ahead or slowly but surely sink into mediocrity? Johnny Cash is a man who influenced not only country but rock 'n' roll as well. He is the Man in Black; he is the rebel to end all rebels. His songwriting and singing reminds one of both white-paneled churches and dark back alleys.

Magnolia

Starring: John C. Reilly, Melora Walters and Tom Cruise Directed by: Paul Thomas

\'Ballad\' deserving of Palme d\'Or

This extraordinary work of cinematic art nabbed the Palme d'Or at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival and rightly so. Based off a 1958 Japanese film of the same name, this work weaves a glorious tapestry about a remote village where the old, when they reach 70, are taken to an adjacent mountain to die. A woman approaching this age accepts her fate, while her son struggles with its reality.

Female emporwerment through Hollywood

Feeling a little down recently, I have been doing some soul-searching. I've decided that my real life is OK. I still have the same great friends, have made some new ones and have turned 21 and thereby have had more social opportunities than ever. Classes are easy and grades are good. So what's lacking (besides the easy answer: boyfriend)? Recently, at a particularly horrible movie, I figured it all out.

'Billy Elliot' sleeper hit of the year

Who would have thought a movie about a boy's love for ballet would turn out to be one of the best films of the year. The British sleeper hit "Billy Elliot" does just that.

Don't go if it sucks

Anyone who knows me is aware that I can be pessimistic -- occasionally bordering on downright ruthless -- in regard to the tastes of the American public. Unlike many of my peers, I don't like entertainment if I don't believe it to be quality. In other words, I won't watch something just because it's on television.

Orgy\'s new album sometimes catchy, sometimes repetitive

Following up its 1997 platinum-selling debut Candyass, glam/techno/metal act Orgy return to the fold with a bizarre yet occasionally engaging follow-up, Vapor Transmission.

The incredible, inedible egg

On a cold winter day, junior Monica Sentmanat handed out hot chocolate to passersby in front of the School of Fine Arts. The steaming drink contained no dairy products. Using soy milk and chocolate syrup, Sentmanat wanted to prove that the vegan diet is possible with slight modifications.

Mixed Results

Fatboy Slim, real name Norman Cook, set himself up for this one. His new album, Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars, is just that. It sits somewhere between pure genius and garbage.

Three-fold architecture

The chemistry building never stays the same. During its 70-year history, it has undergone two major changes. Each change has transformed the building into something entirely different.

Apocalypse Now

Starring: Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

Cents and the City

Let's play a little "Jeopardy!" We'll call this the Starving Actor Edition. Answer: Exactly $7.92. Question: How much money do I have to my name at this very moment? Answer: Five days. Question: How long am I supposed to live off of this? Answer: $18/hour Question: How much do I make at my current temp assignment for a major investment bank, where I am basically paid for my ability to take up space? Answer: Absolutely nothing. Question: How much have I been paid for my first two shows in New York City?

Touch of Evil

Starring: Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh and Orson Welles Directed by: Orson Welles

Men of talent

\"Men of Honor" is an old-fashioned, against-all-odds, true-to-life militaristic yarn in a somewhat similar mold to numerous films prior. However, this particular film elevates itself from the common by sporting a set of skillful performances by its two leads, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro.

The week in music

\'Angels\' soundtrack fun, fresh

While sitting in the theater watching "Charlie's Angels," one could not help noticing, albeit amid the fights, laughs and of course the Angels themselves, how incredible the music was. Purchasing the soundtrack, which is a compilation of tunes stretching back to the '70s, is truly worthwhile.

'Nicky' a glimpse of hell for some

People who despise Adam Sandler movies and want to find out what hell is really like just need to see "Little Nicky" for a taste of eternal damnation. They might actually enjoy the Old Testament of the Bible a little more. But although they won't climb a stairway to heaven, die-hard Sandler fans will only leave the theater a little disappointed with his latest effort since the box-office hit "Big Daddy."

Cameron should move on

Maybe Cam Cameron was not born to be a college head coach.