Archive for ‘November, 2006’

Family Sigh

The downfall of a popular show can be identified by the release of a whole lot of bonus crap. Take The Simpsons, for instance. As the show progressed, a whole host of extra merchandise was released: video games, movies, key chains and — worst of all — the Christmas album.

Fountain’s Tree of Life full of sap

The star of the film quit. The movie fell apart; it was dead. $18 million was spent against it and it was impossible to resurrect. These words appear dramatic on the page — one might even mistake them for a clichéd “against all odds” movie pitch. Yet filmmaker Darren Aronofsky speaks them with a hint of nonchalance, maybe even boredom, and certainly with the cockiness of a Harvard film graduate.

Fountain’s Tree of Life full of sap

Darren Aronofsky makes films that are hard to watch. In Requiem for a Dream, his graphic portrayal of four lives destroyed by drug addiction was almost painful, though ultimately rewarding. The Fountain, on the other hand, is painful in its cheesiness. But for those who can overlook this flaw, the film is inventively told and strangely compelling.

Burgers and beer at Bukowski’s Tavern

The smell of cheap beer often signifies great food. Proof of this theory is found at Bukowski’s Tavern in Cambridge, where the red and black décor mixed with the alluring aroma of day-old beer draws patrons in with promises of a delicious meal. For those seeking a classic, really good hamburger — the type you’d find at a beer-soaked tailgate — Bukowski’s delivers.

Rock your Zox off

For reggae/punk band Zox, Saturday night’s show at Lupo’s in Providence was a welcomed return home after six months of touring. Eli Miller, Spencer Swain, Dan Edinberg and John Zox hosted ZOX-FEST, which lasted well over four hours and featured performances by Ryan Montbleau, Parker House ‘ Theory and The Living End.