courtesy of http://www.campustheatre.org/

Why are all of these people dressed in strange clothes in a line outside of a movie theatre? Because they’re waiting to buy tickets for the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

For those Rocky Horror virgins out there, this Halloween cult phenomenon is a musical comedy that parodies horror and science fiction films. The premise of the movie tails a couple in distress. They get a flat tire and knock on the nearest door for help. The couple is then thrown into the house of a bizarre doctor, where they observe a strange and sexually ambiguous atmosphere.

The movie is usually a big hit with audience members.  The general consensus is that most people are aware of the film’s existence.  However it’s not very safe to say that most people have seen the film, or experienced it at midnight on Halloween.

There are some who have simply rented the DVD and watched it at home, but that might not be the way to go. Penn Tech student Rachel Putterman has some experience with this issue.  Putterman made last year’s Halloween her first trip to see the movie in theatres. She had rented it and wasn’t the biggest fan, but all of her friends told her she had to see it in theatres.  Putterman said “I thought I still wouldn’t like it, but it was so much better participating in the whole thing when you’re in the movie theatre.”

Courtesy of http://www.campustheatre.org/

A seasoned veteran Mike Andrews, who has attended for three consecutive years, is planning on making this year his fourth.  Andrews is a college student at Susquehanna University who’s been going to this event with friends ever since his high school years.  He said, “You really have to go in with an open mind and just try to have fun, cause the whole thing is pretty chaotic, but in a good way.”

Andrews is bringing a few of his college friends along, and most of them are first-timers like Kyle Header.  Header said “It should be pretty funny, my girlfriend’s lending me some of her clothes.” Header won’t be the only guy there dressed in female’s clothing.  The show doesn’t start until 11:00 pm, but the line starts to build about an hour before.  The entire block fills up with people who look like they might be working the corner.  It may be a shocking visual for the uninformed by-passer.

Once you get into the theatre and the show starts, there is a lot more to get used to.  Every theatre has their own specific rules and regulations to keep things from getting out of control.  But aside from that, you’re free to do things you might not be able to any other time in a movie theatre.  The event is interactive and allows for some pretty outrageous behavior. Andrews explains that “You can yell profanities out at random times and throw rice around the room, it’s pretty much a given that things will get sloppy.”

There’s a list of items the newcomer to the Rocky Horror scene should bring along to be properly prepared.  The more popular items on the list include rice and toast for throwing, water bottles or water guns for obvious purposes, and newspapers as a defense mechanism from all the chaotic elements of the show.  As Andrews explained earlier, thing’s really do get sloppy in the theatre.

So for the adventurous college student out there looking for something new and different this Halloween, the Rocky Horror Picture Show might be just the ticket.

The movie portrays all of the problems humans go through when attempting to form a successful relationship. It definitely brings a great comedy aspect to romance. This movie has the ability to keep the viewer completely entertained for hours. At the end of the movie the theater was filled with women saying, “Awe”. When you hear that sound, not by one person but by the whole theater, that’s when you know that it was a very successful chick flick.

“He’s Just Not That Into You”  is filled with well-known actors including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, and Drew Barrymore. Also in the movie was an actor I had never heard of before, Ginnifer Goodwin. I was very impressed; she was funny and lovable. She played the role of Gigi, a character who just throws herself out there at any guy, and men just don’t seem to call her after first dates. Gigi helps many women relate to this movie because there are so many women out there who feel like her, incapable of finding a great guy who truly likes them. While watching the movie every time there was a scene with Gigi it usually ended with a great laugh from the audience. Gigi’s relationship is one of many different relationships that are all interconnected in the movie. It’s filled with people who want to get married, those who don’t, and people who are just searching for the right one. I believe everyone can relate to one of the categories listed previously.
Even though the movie may be full of women, all in their thirties, it still appealed to audiences well over that age and younger. Also it’s a movie where I didn’t think about how uncomfortable the seats were or what time it was; I was just so intrigued. Of course the movie does lack the suspense, killing, and blood that most men enjoy. But Men could definitely relate to the four men in the relationships and the struggles they go through when dealing with their girlfriends. Although I would not exactly recommend this movie for a guy, it would be the perfect movie to take his date to. It’s been awhile since I’ve left the theater completely content with a chick flick. There always seems to be something missing, whether it is the romantic connection, humor, ending, or plot. I left “He’s Just Not That Into You” extremely content and excited to recommend it to others.
“He’s Just Not That Into You” has the ability to make you laugh, cry, and most importantly make you think about your own relationships. The movie also has a unique twist to it; it has a cut between certain scenes and it shows interviews with real people about their relationships, which is unlike any other movie I’ve seen. But I believe it’s successful because it adds to the knowledge and humor of the movie. It is filled with knowledge about relationships that many people may not know or understand. He’s Just Not That Into You is a perfect movie to go see with your girlfriends. It is a wonderful romantic comedy that is sure to last. Most importantly it has a beautiful happy ending that makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time.

Zach and Miri Make a Porno: would a video by any other title sound as obscene?

Apparently Wal-Mart does not think so. The word ‘porno’ is defined by Dictionary.com as “creative activity (writing, or pictures, or film, etc.) of no literary value other than to stimulate sexual desire.”  When the movie, directed by Kevin Smith, of Clerks fame, was set to hit stores Wal-Mart decided that it would not release the DVD with this term on the box.  Instead, the movie was released under the shortened title of Zach and Miri. Target was among the stores to join Wal-Mart in its stance to keep the explicit term from their shelves.

However, Zach and Miri Make a Porno can be purchased in its full titled glory at Blockbuster and Best Buy.  These two stores were among those that did not deem it necessary to edit the full title.

While the movie focuses on the relationship of two best friends who decide to make a porn film to make some much needed money, the movie is not porn itself. 

Zach Brown and Miri “Stinky” Linky met in the first grade and have been best friends ever since. The audience finds out the classmates, now turned roommates, are strapped for cash in an amusing scene in which the water has been shut off in the middle of Miri’s lather, rinse, and repeat cycle.  After lathering up the shampoo with no water to rinse, Miri orders Zach to pour toilet water into her soapy hair. 

At their 10 year high school reunion, the twosome find out an old classmate is now in the adult film industry.  From this realization the couple develops an idea to write, film, and star in their own porn in order to solve their financial issues.

Zach’s character is played by Seth Rogen, star of other R-rated movies such as Knocked Up and Pineapple Express. With notable one liners and a mouth like a sailor’s, Rogen’s films are sure to be a hit in the box office.  But this movie, rated “R” for strong, crude, sexual content, nudity, and language, falls a little short. The movie progresses through the characters’ misguided attempts at producing an adult film with a chain of events that leads to a rather foreseeable ending. 

Despite this predictability, Zach and Miri offers a decent love story between a couple that the audience will find itself rooting for throughout the movie. Smith’s film also provides a lineup of notable stars like Elizabeth Banks of Role Models and Jason Mewes recognizable from Smith’s well-known Jay and Silent Bob characters.

But do not fret audience: the edited title does not change the movie or any DVD features. The DVD contains the 101-minute film along with a number of special features on a two-disc edition.  These include hilarious outtakes and bloopers, and a special called “Popcorn and Porn: the making of Zach and Miri.” The special additions on the second disc are just as funny and entertaining as the movie itself, if not more. 

Watch the trailor. (Warning: Uncensored)

Johnson shows support for her favorite book and movie,

Over the holiday season, each family celebrated with their own traditions. In my family, a tradition of the holidays is to go out and watch a new movie released for the holidays. Although I don’t consider myself or any of my family members “movie buffs,” we all love to sit and watch movies each year, both at home and in theaters. The movies that came out around Thanksgiving left me a little puzzled as to what to see with my family in theaters over winter break.

Being a fan of comedies, one possibility was the new movie “Four Christmases,” featuring Reese Witherspoon and the hilarious Vince Vaughn. Another option was the new James Bond movie titled “Quantum of Solace,” the action packed sequel of “Casino Royale” featuring Daniel Craig.

Another movie we could have watched was one I hadn’t originally even thought of going to see. But once I caught up with Lycoming College student Melody Johnson, my outlook on the movie “Twilight” began to change. I asked Johnson what movies she had seen for the upcoming holidays and right away began to tout Twilight as the top movie to see this holiday season.

For those who might not know, “Twilight” is a movie based on the first of a series of books by Stephenie Meyer, and has become a huge hit in theaters. Johnson explained to me that she had learned about the Twilight books in an unorthodox fashion. “I found out about the book series through Facebook bumper stickers. I saw a picture of Edward and Bella and he’s saving her from being hit by a truck. I typed it into Google and found out it was from a book and ordered it immediately.” From the moment she started reading the book, Johnson said that she was hooked.

Johnson also gave a quick plot of the movie for those who don’t know about the “Twilight” series. She explained to me that Edward and Bella are the main characters of the story, and then went on to describe the plot of the movie. “Edward is a vampire who had been denying himself for years. Bella moves to Forks, Washington to live with her dad, and ends up meeting Edward. For the first time in 108 years, Edward is overcome with the desire to kill a human, but he resists his urge and wants to protect Bella from the other vampires who want to kill her. Because of Edward and Bella being together, he puts her in danger of being killed by other vampires, and he has to protect her” she said.

http://images.paraorkut.com

Occasionally movies based off of books turn out to be big disappointments for fans who have already read the books. This could be because of the images readers imagine through the descriptions the books provide. Johnson says that “Twilight” does a good job of converting images accurately from the book into the movie. “The movie follows the book pretty closely. It’s missing a few chapters where Edward was asking Bella questions about being human. Some of the phrases also seemed cornier in the movie than in the book. Overall, the way they portrayed the characters was very close to the book’s way of describing them, and the special effects were amazing,” she said.

Johnson recommends this movie for both those who have read the book, and those who are going to watch the movie first.  “For someone who has read the book, I would recommend seeing it twice because I was disappointed in the dialogue the first time because a lot of it didn’t seem natural compared to the book. The second time I saw it I enjoyed it even more. If you didn’t read the book and you’re going to see the movie, then you’ll fall in love with it from the first time you see it and get yourself hooked on the books.” Clearly, Johnson is a strong supporter of the “Twilight” books and movie, and she recommends that everyone should take a chance and get to the theaters.

Despite my early skepticism of what to see in theaters this holiday season, it seems as though there is at least one movie worthy of seeing, and that movie is “Twilight.”

With the release of a film version of the first book last month, and the second, New Moon, already in the works, it is hard not to have heard of Twilight, the phenomenon started by author Stephenie Meyer. The original book is set in the town of Forks, Washington and follows the forbidden love of Edward Cullen, an absurdly beautiful vampire, and Bella Swan, an average, self-conscious 17 year old. The two quickly fall in love, learning the secrets behind Edward’s family and kind, and having to keep the secrets quiet.

Source: Google Images

Source: Google Images

Readers all have different reasons why they love the books. Steve Izarek, an aspiring filmmaker from Easton, PA, feels as though the history behind the Cullen clan, such as their back-story and the process of becoming a vampire, were explained well. This makes the books more original and interesting. Both Ashley Troxell, a Bloomsburg junior, and Amanda Rennig, a Penn State senior, think that the way the books are written is so detailed that the reader actually as though they are there. This allows the reader to really get to know the characters, forming bonds with them.

Even though the saga has seemed to turn into a global love affair with vampires, there are still those “Twihards,” as the followers are called, who were not sure how the movie would accurately fill the shoes of their beloved Edward and Bella.

Izarek felt as though the movie was “a fair portrayal” of the novel. He thinks it could have been better done, but the viewer needs to realize that only important parts of a 500 page book can fit into a two hour movie.

Again, Rennig and Troxell have shared opinions. They both feel as though too many important parts were, indeed, left out. Troxell wishes that the relationships Bella has with her classmates were better detailed. She also agrees with Rennig when saying that the relationship between the two main characters was not developed enough.

When discussing the main characters, there was a controversy with the casting of Edward Cullen since day one. Fans did not see actor Robert Pattinson, of Harry Potter fame, filling the shoes of the “vegetarian” vampire. Director Catherine Hardwicke cast an actor who could be both insanely gorgeous and terrifying at the same time.

Physically, Izarek is the only interviewee who felt as though Pattinson looks the part. He realized that no one can be as perfect as readers’ ideas of Edward. Pattinson made the character more approachable because he wasn’t overly gorgeous.

The film portrays the character as much more social and outgoing than the book version would ever be, Rennig feels. The book Edward does not really converse with the students of Forks High School, but the film version does on numerous occasions.

Kristen Stewart, the actress filling the part of Bella, seems to get good marks all around. Viewers feel as though the casting of this part was extremely well done. Stewart looks and acts exactly as Bella does in the book.

Despite the way viewers feel about the Edward and Bella portrayals, there are many more characters that are a part of what makes Twilight so successful. Some of these roles were not accurately cast, much to readers and viewers dismay.

First, Jackson Rathbone, the actor playing Jasper Hale, was not really the best candidate for the role. Jasper Hale is another vampire and Edward’s adoptive brother. In the book, Jasper was much warmer towards Bella than the movie led on. His physical appearance was also slightly “creepy,” as Rennig and Izarek both feel.

Charlie Swan, the Forks police chief and Bella’s father, was not a memorable character for Troxell. To her, Billy Burke did not really fulfill the physical expectations of the Charlie she had in mind. He did not really resemble a police chief.

There were still those characters that were a huge surprise to viewers. Prior to seeing the film, Izarek was a little wary about the casting of Elizabeth Reaser and Peter Facinelli in the roles of Esme and Carlisle Cullen. These characters are Edward’s adoptive parents, also vampires. In the film, though, Izarek realized that the casting was indeed perfect and led the viewer to “really like their characters because they were so warm and loving.”

Overall, however, all three “Twihards” said that the film was worth the $9.00 ticket price. Izarek gave the film a “B and would definitely recommend it.” He also “cannot wait to see what they do with New Moon.” Rennig also can’t wait for the second book to be recreated since she “has already invested so much time into the books.”

The public seems to agree. After raking in $70.6 million in its opening weekend, with a large amount of presales, the Twilight revolution continues to maintain extraordinary box office sales for theaters.

http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Twilight/twilight_movie_image_group_shot.jpg

The country-wide event of the year occurred on Nov. 21 for “Twi-fans.”  Movie theaters were packed for the premiere of “Twilight,” and movie-goers were on the edge of their seats.  Also known as “Twi-hards,” they made up a majority of the gigantic opening-night turnout, and the most enthusiastic of fans supported their hero with “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” shirts. 

The film brought in a total of $70.1 million for the opening, the result of talent of the writer, cast and director, and their dedication to the fans to make it the best movie possible.

The film is based on the best-selling story of a teenage girl, Bella, who moves to a small town in Washington.  Her life changes drastically when she meets a strange family, one member being gorgeous Edward Cullen. When this mysterious boy begins to let her into his world, Bella’s life turns upside down. On top of the typical drama of a teenage couple, Edward is a vampire that craves her blood.  It becomes a fight for her life when James, a vindictive hunter, decides to hunt her.

Kristen Stewart (from “Jumper” and “Into the Wild”) and Robert Pattinson (who portrayed Cedric Diggory in the “Harry Potter” series) are the stars of the best selling novel turned movie, and depict a story of true love that has raised the bar for every man alive. The spark between these actors epitomized Stephenie Meyer’s ignited heart of the story, and personally took my breath away.

Amazingly comical, the full cast works together as a cohesive team. The mood keeps your attention as the film swings from funny to sad and back to heartbreakingly beautiful. It will make you smile, and at the same time pull at your heartstrings. This story will keep you on your toes, never letting your attention slip. The only downfalls are the few moments of awkward silence that have you screaming in your head “say something already!”

Trying to keep with the novel as much as possible, director Catherine Hardwicke (who also directed “Lords of Dogtown” and “Thirteen”) brought every aspect of Meyer’s story to the screen with a few additions to fill in for those who did not read the book, without such,  many viewers would be completely clueless to the inner workings of Bella’s mind and Edward’s complicated history.

The casting for the complex Cullen family should have been a tough task, but it was well executed as the actors and actresses played the roles up to par.  Nikki Reed (from “The O.C.” and “Thirteen”), who plays Rosalie Hale, perfectly filled the shoes of the most beautiful woman on earth and the cranky Cullen.  The leader of this vampire clan is Carlisle Cullen, played by Peter Facinelli. The compassionate and fatherly aura is tangible to the audience.

Another actor worth mentioning is Billy Burke, who plays Bella’s father, who was surprisingly more of an active character in the movie than in writing.

A special moment for the writer herself, Stephenie Meyer actually had the chance to have a cameo in her movie. Though it is a small moment, try to catch a sight of this talented writer.

Possibly the most desirable man of this decade, Robert Pattinson’s rendering of Edward was not only stunningly accurate, but also truly dazzling to the audience. Between the brooding silence and golden eyes it was hard to remember that it was only a movie.  This eternal seventeen-year-old is a new kind of dream guy, the kind that reads minds, plays an awesome game of baseball and makes the old fashion romantic days look good again. 

Not only a love story comparable to “Titanic,” this movie has enough action to keep it from becoming a total “chick flick.” Though it may have been a type of action void of car races and gun fights, it brought the world of vampires to a new level. No longer just blood sucking villains, these vamps are the heroes. 

For those who have yet to see this film, don’t take judgment with you - No movie is as good as the book. But this is the best try possible, and the result is, in my opinion, an excellent representation of this epic story. Be prepared, actually listen to the theater and turn off cell phones, get your seat as early as possible and enjoy the escape into Forks.

“Twilight” will not only be a best selling novel, but a top selling movie once it is released on DVD.  The second installation, “New Moon,” for which both Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson have already agreed to continue with,  is already in the pre-production phase, and those “Twi-fans” out there are waiting anxiously to continue this story.

The country-wide event of the year last Friday brought a new meaning to the newly created term “Twi-fan.” “Twilight” premiered on Nov. 21, keeping movie theaters on their toes and movie goers on the edge of their seats.

Based on the best-selling story of a teenage girl, Bella, who moves to a small town in Washington, and life changes drastically when she meets a strange family including a gorgeous Edward Cullen. When this mysterious boy begins to let her into his world, Bella’s life turns upside down. This couple has to deal with the fact that Edward is a vampire that craves her blood as well as the typical teenage couple drama. Soon it becomes a fight for her life when James, a vindictive hunter, decides to hunt her.

Kristen Stewart (from “Jumper” and “Into the Wild”) and Robert Pattinson (who portrayed Cedric Diggory in the “Harry Potter” series) are the stars of the best selling novel turned movie, and depict a story of true love that has raised the bar for every man alive. The spark between these actors epitomized Stephenie Meyer’s ignited heart of the story, and personally took my breath away.

Amazingly comical, the full cast works together in an amazing team. The mood keeps your attention, from funny to sad and back to heartbreakingly beautiful. It will make you smile and at the same time pull at your heartstrings. This story keeps you on your toes, never letting your attention slip. The only downfall is the few moments of awkward silence that has you screaming in your head “say something already!”

Trying to keep with the novel as much as possible, director Catherine Hardwicke (who also directed “Lords of Dogtown” and “Thirteen”) brought every aspect of Meyer’s story to the screen with a few additions to fill in for those who did not read the book, without such, many viewers would be completely clueless to the inner workings of Bella’s mind and Edward’s complicated history.

The complex Cullen family was a tough task to recreate, but is well executed in actuality. Nikki Reed (from “The O.C.” and “Thirteen”), who plays Rosalie Hale, perfectly filled the shoes of the most beautiful woman on earth and the cranky Cullen. The leader of this vampire clan is Carlisle Cullen, played by Peter Facinelli. The compassionate and fatherly aura is tangable to the audience. Another actor worth mentioning is Billy Burke, who plays Bella’s father, who was surprisingly more of an active character in the movie than in writing.

A special moment for the writer herself, Stephenie Meyer actually had the chance to have a cameo in her movie. Though it is a small moment, try to catch a sight of this talented writer.

Possibly the most desirable man of this decade, Robert Pattinson’s rendering of Edward was not only stunningly accurate, but also truly dazzling to the audience. Between the brooding silence and golden eyes it was hard to remember that it was only a movie. This eternal seventeen-year-old is a new kind of dream guy, the kind that reads minds, plays an awesome game of baseball and makes the old fashion romantic days look good again.

Not only a love story comparable to “Titanic,” this movie has enough action to keep it from becoming a total “chick flick.” Though it may have been a new type of action, minus the typical car races and gun fights, it brought the world of vampires to a new level. No longer just blood sucking villains, these vamps are the heroes.

For those who have yet to see this film, don’t take judgment with you. No movie is as good as the book. But this is the best try possible, and the result is, in my opinion, an excellent representation of this epic story. Be prepared, actually listen to the theater and turn off cell phones, get your seat as early as possible and enjoy the escape into Forks.

The “Twi-hards,” as they are known as, are the basis to the gigantic turnout on the opening night. “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” shirts were sported and swooning at specific moments were a large part of the big unveiling.

The hard work of the cast, director, and the writer definitely payed off, bringing in a total of $70.1 million for the opening. The movie was the result of talent as well as dedication to the fans to make it the best movie possible.

“Twilight” will not only be a best selling novel, but a top selling movie once it is released on DVD. The second installation, “New Moon,” for which both Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson have already agreed to continue with, is already in the pre-production phase, and those “Twi-fans” out there are waiting anxiously to continue this story.