Collegiate Times

JENN BATES

Features Staff Writer

During the month of March, the people of Blacksburg will be able to see top box offices movies at The Lyric Theatre.

Recently awarded Best Picture at the Oscars, “The Artist” will have its last showing on March 1 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. This movie is set in the late 1920s in Hollywood. The story follows silent movie star George Valentin as his world is forever changed by the introduction of talking movies.

From March 2 through March 8, “My Week with Marilyn” will be shown. This film stars Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. This movie is set in the summer of 1956 and follows the journey of Colin Clark, played by Eddie Redmayne. Clark must escort Marilyn Monroe, who is desperate to escape the pressures of Hollywood, throughout England for a week.

From March 9through the March 14, “The Iron Lady” will be at The Lyric. Staring Meryl Streep, this film depicts the life of Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to serve as British Prime Minister.

From March 16 through the March 22, “War Horse” will be shown. This movie follows the story of a man and his beloved horse, torn apart by World War I. The main character, Albert Narracott — played by Jeremy Irvine — enlists in the army and his horse, Joey, is sold into the cavalry.

From March 23 through the March 29, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” will be at The Lyric. Staring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock and Thomas Horn, this movie follows the life of a boy searching NYC to find a lock to match the key left behind by his father who died on 9/11.

“Battle Royale” will be available from March 30to March 31.  An action and sci-fi thriller, this movie takes place in the future of Japan, in which the government captures 42 teenagers, leaves them on a deserted island and forces them to fight to the death.

And finally, beginning on March 31, “A Dangerous Method” will show until April 5.  This film, staring Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen and Michael Fassbender, examines the relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud as well as the creation of psychoanalysis.

by Andrew Reilly

Cinema’s brightest stars gathered in the Kodak Theater Sunday night for an Academy Awards that was low on surprises but high on self-reverence.

“We love us; we really love us,” Hollywood exclaimed as it accepted a big wet smooch from itself. Morgan Freeman’s introductory speech about the “magic of the movies” provided an appropriately self-serving start to an evening whose tone swung from appreciative to downright self-centered.

Not that this was necessarily a bad thing. After last year’s train wreck of a show, a traditional Hollywood lovefest may have been just what the Academy needed.

Veteran host Billy Crystal could probably host the Oscars in his sleep and the comfort showed. His time-tested shtick ably kept the bloated celebration from caving in on itself.

The jokes weren’t exactly fresh – mostly the gentlest of ribs at the nominated films – but Crystal kept the proceedings tolerable if not particularly exciting.

It’s questionable just how much he could do in that regard considering the solid but somewhat uninspiring crop of Best Picture nominees. Conspicuously absent from the evening were films that made significant dents in the pop culture zeitgeist.

Nominees like “Midnight in Paris” and “Moneyball” were moderate successes but Academy Awards are always more interesting when there’s a larger-than-life behemoth involved.

Nor was the ceremony aided by anything resembling surprise. Most high-profile races had their suspense zapped by the barrage of prior award shows and the night’s reverential tone telegraphed the success of Best Picture winner “The Artist,” a love letter to Hollywood’s glory era.

When the biggest surprise of the evening is 17-time nominee Meryl Streep winning Best Actress in an “upset,” you know it’s a straightforward affair.

Even the dullest Oscars have their pleasures, though, and this was no exception. Crystal’s digital insertion into the year’s biggest movies offered some harmless fun, as did the amusing “Wizard of Oz” focus group skit.

Hipsters nationwide also got to rejoice as both Jim Rash from “Community” and Bret McKenzie from “Flight of the Conchords” took home awards.

And while Streep may have been a predictable choice, it’s hard to complain about the best actress of our time winning her first gold statue in 30 years. Her wry, classy acceptance speech was the highlightof the evening.

It seems fitting that “The Artist” emerged the biggest winner on a night devoted to Hollywood celebrating itself. Frenchman (and Best Director winner) Michel Hazanavicius’s masterpiece was the loving tribute to American cinema that the Oscar ceremony could only dream of being – but give the Academy points for trying.

by Katie White

The Harlem Globetrotters have been performing with their unique mix of unbelievable athletics and comedic antics since the 1920s, and now they’re bringing the act to the New River Valley.

The Roanoke Civic Center will host the team on Thursday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. for an exhibition game against their hilariously inept foes: the Washington Generals.

The outcome of the game may be more staged than a professional wrestling match, but its hard to be bothered in an atmosphere defined by that familiar whistled version of “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

Gravity-defying dunks and impossibly intricate dribbling and passing that would challenge even your favorite NBA players form the bread-and-butter of the Globetrotters’ repertoire.

The athletes come from diverse backgrounds, including haling from England, Panama, or even just Trenton, New Jersey. There’s Jacob “Hops” Tucker, who became famous on the Internet for his 5-inch vertical jump. “TNT” is the first female player in a generation, and the world’s tallest professional basketball player at 7’8” – “Tiny.”

The Globetrotters are perhaps even more of a motley crew than Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee. That oddity is precisely what makes the Globetrotters one of the premier entertainment spectacles.

After all, where else are you going to see people make a shot from the opposite free-throw line with their eyes closed, juggle several basketballs while running down the court, or start playing a little football during a basketball game?

The Harlem Globetrotters will give you all of that and more – and that’s just in the first minute of the night.

Spring break may be creeping up, but there’s still one full weekend before students’ mass exodus. Here’s a few things going on in Blacksburg this weekend.

Thursday, Feb. 23

7:00 p.m. Gillie’s Live Music – Stevan Jackson

Friday, Feb. 24

6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Gillie’s Live Music – Justin Craig and The Alliens, every Friday

Midnight – The Lyric Theatre – screening of “Caprice,” directed by a Virginia Tech alumnus, $5

6:00-8:30 p.m. India Garden – Stevan Jackson, live music, Celtic harp and fingerstyle guitar

6:00-8:30 p.m. Indian Garden – Justin Craig, live music, classical and jazz guitar

Saturday, Feb. 25

7:00 p.m. Gillie’s Live Music – Shanna Hoar and Scott Tiernan

3:00 p.m. The Lyric Theatre – The Old Professionals Big Band Benefit Concert, $5

Also, check out these new movies premiering on Friday: “Act of Valor,” “Gone,” “Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds,” and “Wanderlust.”

Compiled by Emma Goddard

by Patrick Murphy

This past Sunday, ABC’s “Pan Am” took its final flight before succumbing to the its inevitable nosedive induced by mediocre ratings, despite a strong cast. So what other shows will fall victim?

For many shows, their fate is already written. “Body of Proof” (ABC), “A Gifted Man” (CBS) and “Harry’s Law” (NBC) are all certain to be cancelled. Even big-name celebrities couldn’t save these shows. Chelsea Handler’s try at a sitcom in “Are You There, Chelsea?” (NBC) flopped in the ratings, and the plug almost certain to be pulled. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s much-hyped return to TV also fell short in “Ringer” (CW). Another of the CW’s female-led shows, “Hart of Dixie,” which stars Rachel Bilson, is also likely to bite the dust.

Perhaps more interesting are the shows deemed “on the bubble.” Oftentimes it is easy to decide if a show will be renewed or trashed, but a certain “no man’s land” always exists. This year, it is largely inhabited by the fledgling CW and Fox networks, though even a few veteran shows could be cut.

The CW is probably the network in the most hot water right now, with nearly its entire lineup having the possibility of being eviscerated. “Vampire Diaries” continues to do well and will almost certainly be renewed, but all other shows right now are fair game. Currently, “90210,” “Nikita,” “The Secret Circle,” “Gossip Girl” and even “Supernatural” are all in the hot seat.

Fox has struggled to find an audience for its “Lost”-esque Jurassic thriller “Terra Nova.” Another Fox show that received much attention but only so-so ratings is “Alcatraz,” which actually stars former “Lost” actor Jorge Garcia.

It’s no surprise to see many newer shows on the cancellation bubble, but there are also quite a few seasoned shows on the chopping block. CBS’ “CSI: NY” could be the first of the crime franchise to go off the air. “The Good Wife” (also CBS) has earned much critical acclaim, but is still a toss-up at this point. And of course, while “Community” (NBC) fans are diehard, it is no secret that the show has struggled with ratings.

Click here for a more complete look at the status of all of your favorite shows.

Whether you hate it or love it, we all know what Springfield is.

Creator Matt Groening knew he had a great idea, but never expected how successful his satirical characters would be.

“It’s really crazy that something so quirky is so popular, but whatever that mix is, it works,” Groening said.

The popular animated comedy, “The Simpsons,” reached its 500th episode Sunday. Focused on a dysfunctional family, including Homer, Maggie, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, this popular cartoon series has been around since 1989. Now in its 23rd season, “The Simpsons” has officially become the longest-running comedy in U.S. TV history and is currently the longest-running primetime scripted show.

Whether you consistently keep up with the show, watch it casually or have only seen “The Simpsons Movie” (2007), it’s hard not to be entertained. It’s stupid, but when in the right mood, it provides a good laugh.

To celebrate the 500th show, the episode consisted of the town ganging up on the Simpsons family and trying to kick them out based on the trouble they’ve caused.

“The Simpsons,” has continued to remain controversial and offend many. However the writers have always backed their scripts claiming that no one is off limits.

It only seems appropriate that more controversy would arise during the 500th episode, which featured Assange, who recently leaked diplomatic and military documents. During the episode, the Simpsons family was sent into exile during the episode and was required to meet with Assange for forgiveness.

On a lighter note, a short message, “Thanks for the 500 shows,” appeared at the end of Sunday’s episode to thank fans for their support.

While the show has remained controversial, you can’t help but give them credit. With a strong fan base and a movie under their belt, who knows when the show will come to a close?

by Patrick Murphy

CBS, arguably the pioneer of competition-based reality shows, is ready to kick off season 20 of its global adventure “The Amazing Race.” The 60-minute premiere will air this Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8:00 p.m.

For reality fans, the most notable team on the cast this season is engaged couple Brendan & Rachel, who have appeared twice on CBS’ other reality show “Big Brother.” Rachel actually won this past summer’s season of “Big Brother,” and fresh off a win, hopes to continue the streak.

Other noteworthy pairs include a team of border patrol agents, an Iraq War veteran and his wife, two female federal agents, cousins who call themselves “Double Trouble,” two self-professed “guidos” that reek of “Jersey Shore,” married clowns, and “two poor country boys” who claim to be “from the other side of the tracks.”

Who will claim this season’s $1,000,000 grand prize? Tune in to the eight-time Emmy Award-winning series to find out.

To check out the teams for yourself, take a look at the video below.

Looking for something fun to do in the New River Valley this weekend? Check out the list below for some ideas:

Thursday, February 16:
Ryan & Paul Little
Gillies
7 p.m.
free

Friday, February 17:

Mark O’Connor, violin
The Lyric Theater
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
$40 general public, $34 seniors, $16 students and youth under 18

Cosmic Bowling
BreakZONE Recreational Center
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
$20/lane

Badunkafunk
Gillies
10 p.m. (ages 18 and up)
free

Saturday, February 18,
Japanese Film Festival: “The Hidden Blade”
The Lyric Theater
3 p.m.
free

Student Recital: Kathleen Gately, cello
Squires Recital Salon
8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Free and open to the public

Doc Greenberg’s Patient Jazz
Gillies
7 p.m.
free

Sunday, February 19,

Women’s Basketball vs. Virginia
Cassell Coliseum
2 p.m.

by Patrick Murphy

CBS is set to strand another set of 18 strangers, this time in Samoa in the South Pacific, and there’s a few twists the contestants will have to deal with right from the start.

This 24th season of the reality show franchise is called “Survivor: One World,” which alludes to this season’s big twist. Both tribes will be living on the same beach – literally sleeping with the enemy. The tribes will also be divided by gender for a 9-on-9 battle of the sexes.

As always, the cast boasts an eclectic bunch of characters, including Leif, the show’s first little person. Other notable contestants include an Iraq War veteran, an NFL wife, a man who calls himself “Troyzan,” a country girl who says her mom bought her a machete in the sixth grade, and a Survivor super fan who once had a Survivor-themed birthday party where they acted out the game.

When describing the cast, host Jeff Probst said, “They’re all very attractive … and I think we have plenty of villains.”

The new season kicks off tonight on CBS at 8:00 p.m. with a 1-hour premiere. The show has already been renewed for at least two more seasons past this one.

Take a look at the video below to get a first look of the new cast.

by Jacob Wilbanks

The music industry was struck a shocking and heavy blow on Saturday, Feb. 11 – the day before the 54^th Grammy’s. Pop legend Whitney Houston, one of the highest-selling female musicians ever, died at age 48.

The Grammy’s immediately acknowledged the great loss with host LL Cool J saying a prayer recognizing Houston in his opening monologue. Artists, from Stevie Wonder to Jennifer Hudson, paid tribute to Houston throughout the night.

Houston was a born singer; gospel legend Cissy Houston was her mother and Aretha Franklin was her godmother. Her music career saw unparalleled successes, from her record seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, to selling more than 170 million records worldwide, to being cited as the most-awarded female act of all time by the Guinness Book of World Records.

She crafted some of the most infectious and gorgeous pop hits of the last 30 years. Few other artists have the voice or charisma to open a track with just vocals for more than 40 seconds as she did on “I Will Always Love You.” A few of Whitney’s other popular tracks include “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and “How Will I Know.”

Houston was more than just the numbers that encapsulated her. She was a true pop icon with a beautiful voice, eloquent beauty and a charismatic personality. She was not just a singer, but an actress, model and producer as well.

Houston was found in a hotel bathtub in Beverly Hills, Calif. on the afternoon of Feb. 11, 2012. The cause of death is not yet known at this time.

The singer struggled with drug addiction and also had a tumultuous and highly publicized marriage with singer Bobby Brown, which ended in 2007. She went to rehab twice and was known for displaying erratic behavior toward the end of her career.

Houston is survived by her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown.

For more information and highlights of Whitney Houston’s career follow the video links below:

ABC Report on Whitney Houston

“I Will Always Love You”

How Will I Know