Empty Words: Unimaginative plot wastes talented cast on dull, plodding story
1.5/5 Popcorns “The Words” is the story of a story within a story within yet another story. Problem is, none of the stories are particularly… Read more »
Reviews
Feelin' brew: With more than 50 breweries available, Syracuse Beer Festival pours up eclectic samples
For college students whose typical beer selection ranges from Keystone to Pabst Blue Ribbon, this weekend’s Beer Festival was a chance to live the dream… Read more »
Congolese play provokes empathy, understanding from audience
The cast members rise from their seats, smiles emerging on each one of their faces. Singing is what brings them together as they grasp for… Read more »
In light of play, Congo native talks about foreign tragedies
The audience sat silently as Kambale Musavuli revealed the shocking realities that the people of the Congo have to face everyday. All eyes were on… Read more »
Downfall: Aside from one glimmer of hope, fall season offers disappointing pilots
Summer TV is coming to a close at this point, and unless you’re vehemently invested in finding out which American finally got some talent on… Read more »
Shooting for perfection: Rich historical setting, star performances can't salvage lackluster story
3.5/5 Popcorns During Prohibition, moonshining and bootlegging were family businesses — none more infamous than the Bondurant brothers. “Lawless” epitomizes the harsh reality of their… Read more »
Lightless letdown: Service at Francesca's doesn't hold candle to appetizing Italian menu
2/5 Chilies When I think about Italian food, I think of a big, happy family dinner. So this weekend, when I was craving a nice… Read more »
Dumbed down: Garage pop band captures teenage attitude on self-titled album
4 out of 5 Decibels Hipster college kids and indie music lovers alike are notorious for filling the underground music scene with extremely lackluster garage… Read more »
Down to earth: Independent film takes raw, brutally honest look at working class lifestyle
4/5 Popcorns When personal tragedy and financial ruin collide, everyone has a breaking point. In “Blue Collar Boys,” director, writer and producer Mark Nistico explores… Read more »
Frozen fantasy: Wide flavor variety, reasonable prices add to Yogurtland's charm
3.5 Chilies Stepping into Yogurtland is like stepping into what I imagine a real-life land of yogurt would be like. The shop is like a… Read more »
Best in show: Creative art direction, over-the-top visuals comprise VMA favorites
The Video Music Awards are quickly approaching, and are set to have a hilarious host in Kevin Hart and plenty of great performances, from One… Read more »
Politically incorrect: Jokes both crude, witty lead to entertaining campaign satire
2.5/5 Popcorns Will Ferrell likes taking overblown stereotypes and bashing the audience over the head with them until they laugh. So after years of mocking… Read more »
Roll with it: Despite minor setbacks, local sushi restaurant proves superior to competition
Each semester at Syracuse University, my taste buds suffer from being deprived of quality sushi. Between Oishi Sushi’s less-than-fresh options and Bleu Monkey Cafe’s over-the-top… Read more »
Page-turner: Emotional melodies, passionate melodies prove Trey Songz is an open book
Trey Songz “Chapter V” Aug. 21 Record Label: Atlantic Records 4.5 out of 5 decibels Top Track: “Heart Attack” Sounds Like: Keith Sweat mixed with… Read more »
En pointe: Teen comedy a step above with small town charm, quirky characters
Thumbs up We get it already. “Breaking Bad” is exhilarating. Who cares, right? We’re all tired of hearing this: “You watching ‘Breaking Bad’?” “No.” “Whoa.… Read more »
Bad memories: Sci-fi reboot lacks charm, creativity of original
2.5/5 Popcorns Remakes and sequels have been all the rage in Hollywood lately. If studios can’t come up with new film ideas, they just reuse… Read more »
Watch out: Unoriginal action sci-fi comedy relies on explosions, crude humor
1.5/5 popcorns Every funny joke in “The Watch” is spoiled in the trailer. Its title was shortened from “Neighborhood Watch” after the Trayvon Martin shooting. This crass… Read more »
Knight in shining armor: Batman trilogy swoops in with all-star cast, dynamic action
4.5/5 Popcorns Batman may have donned his suit for the last time, but at least he went out in a blaze of heroic glory. Christopher… Read more »
Under the stars: Everson Museum of Art hosts free movie nights
There’s nothing like a free outdoor movie on a hot summer night in Syracuse. The Everson Museum of Art is turning one of its outer walls into… Read more »
Spidey sense: Spiderman reboot thrives with Garfield, Stone chemistry
Only five years after its last installment, the Spider-Man franchise has rebooted. The reason is simple: The studio did it for the money. Fans wanted… Read more »
Eye candy: Music videos that will make an impression
The year is more than halfway over, and from the fun and catchy to the hood anthems, there’s been plenty to listen to. The music… Read more »
Cross to bear: Historical vampire spoof ignores plot, accuracy for mindless gore
2/5 Popcorns In his spare time, our storied 16th president enjoyed picnics with his wife, playing with his kids and hacking vampires to bits with a silver-tipped axe. … Read more »
Safety first: Time travel flick strays from science fiction with charming characters
Plenty of films have simple concepts, but never before has an entire movie been based on a 15-year-old classified listing of fewer than 50 words:… Read more »
World class: International artists explore US charts
Whether on vacation in an exotic land or just kicking back at home, everyone can travel the world just by turning on the stereo. Here… Read more »
