Articles by: style

 

• Writers Play Games with Hollywood: Marriage of Movies and Video Games Creates Intrigue

  Lifestyle September 14, 2009 at 11:59 am Comments are Disabled

  Ross Bonaime, Staff Writer Video game movies have come a long way. Movies from yesteryear like Super Mario Bros. still seem laughable today. With the release of films like Gamer and the new Bruce Willis project Surrogates, it’s hard to argue that with films like these, video games are bombarding the film industry. The bridge between interactive media and movies are starting to take some interesting cues from each other. In 1993, Super Mario Bros. became the first movie based on a video game, starting a long line of terrible adaptations including Double Dragon, Max Payne, and Doom. Meanwhile, recent video games have gone for a more cinematic style, putting emphasis on strong storytelling. Take, for instance, this summer’s surprise hit District 9. Director Neill Blomkamp originally signed on to direct Halo, but when that fell through, he was allowed to direct whatever he wanted. He wisely chose District 9, which opened eyes this summer. Many felt like the film was Blomkamp trying to prove he was capable of directing Halo, and his film felt like a combination of famous games like Halo, Half-Life 2 and Resident Evil 5. Several large-scale directors have also adapted video games for their next […]

   

• A Graveyard Smash: Halloween II music review

  Lifestyle September 14, 2009 at 11:59 am Comments are Disabled

  Heather Gioia, Broadside Correspondent When you think Halloween, you think horror. Along with his hit remakes, Rob Zombie has put a new spin on the horror sounds of the holiday. The remake of Halloween II hit in theaters in late August, accompanied by the soundtrack, which features a compilation of unique sounds and movie clips. Pop in the 25-track album and be prepared for a complete listening expierence. The album opens with a clip from the movie entitled “He’s F***ing Dead,” a short clip that sets the Halloween mood. After all, we all thought Mike Myers was dead. The first song on the album is “Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues, a calm and relaxing track. With a slow beat and a groovy tempo the hook, “because I love you, yes I love you,” is destined be on your lips by the end of the track, creating a mesmerizing sound. After another movie clip, an upbeat ’80s track blasts from the boom box. Who remembers the 10cc’s “The Things We Do For Love?” The song is yet another mesmerizing track that, after the first few beats, has you swaying and singing along. Track six, “Amerarockers” by Scream, opens […]

   

• Mason Alumna's Got Moves: Yana Blinova Makes Her Mark on Primetime

  Lifestyle September 14, 2009 at 11:58 am Comments are Disabled

  Katie Miller, Broadside Correspondent Since its inception, So You Think You Can Dance has proven that America really can dance. And this past season, one of Mason’s own was pulled into the spotlight. George Mason University alum Yana Blinova, a competitive dancer and teacher, was invited to help choreograph a rumba and a cha-cha for two SYTYCD couples. Already a nationally-acclaimed competitive ballroom dancer, choreographing for SYTYCD proved to be another achievement for Blinova. “There are two accomplishments I am proud of,” said Bilnova, “one was winning the World Championships in 2006 as a Pro/am. Second, I was proud of appearing on So You Think You Can Dance twice to help choreograph. That is pretty great for me because there are so many good dancers in Los Angeles, but I was the one that was asked.” Although the Latin rumba with Tony Meridith was not broadcasted, Blinova’s cha-cha coaching session with Meridith did broadcast on July 12, Season 5 Episode 18. While Blinova did not major in dance at Mason, she was already actively competing while attending. In fact, dancing has been always been a part of her life. “My parents are professional ballroom dancers. They opened up a dance […]

   

• Laying the Blueprint Again: Jay-Z Hasn't Lost His Touch

  Lifestyle September 14, 2009 at 11:57 am Comments are Disabled

  Deena Smith, Broadside Correspondent “Please don’t bow in my presence/ how am I a legend?/ I just have 10 number one albums, maybe now 11.” It may sound premature and just a little cocky, but the preliminary album sales for HOVA’s new album The Blueprint 3 support this speculation. Sean Carter, better known to the mainstream population as Jay-Z, never ceases to amaze the public or critics with his lyrics and mature musical themes. Released eight years to the day after his sixth studio album The Blueprint, which marked a historic milestone in Jay’s career, The Blueprint 3 will be serving as a lesson for other artists on how to achieve music that is more than just lyric-deep. Even though this marks the longest turnaround for Jay-Z, the album hasn’t suffered in any way. The Blueprint 3 opens up with “What We Talkin’ About,” setting the stage for the rest of the album. The lead in track addresses the lack of meaning in today’s lyrics and the need to reform the rap genre. “Empire State of Mind” features strong vocals from the fellow New York artist Alicia Keys. The song shares Jay-Z’s experiences from his home city, describing the everyday […]

   

• Hello world!

  Lifestyle May 19, 2009 at 5:49 pm 2 comments

  Welcome to On Mason Blogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!