Em Magazine

Review of "The Step Father" : Divorce Please!

2009-10-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

(image courtesy of daemonsmovies.com)

By Aleya Miller

From the opening scene it's obvious that the stepfather in question, David Harris, played by Dylan Walsh of Nip/Tuck fame, is more than a little unhinged. As he leisurely munches on a piece of toast, sitting across from the table of the dead child he's just murdered doesn't seem to bother him in the least. Nor do the three other mangled bodies that are sprawled awkwardly about the room. Nope, David Harris is just fine and dandy, taking the time to shave and tidy himself up before letting himself out the door. This is his M.O; charming his way into the open arms of a family only to kill them when they don't live up to his psychotic expectations of perfection.

Enter the Harding family. Reformed delinquent Michael, played by Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley, has just returned from military school to find his mother (Sela Ward) engaged to David who, of course, presents himself as the perfect family man. But slowly his faultless persona begins to unravel revealing the true monster within.

The biggest problem with this movie is that the killer doesn't come off as all that intelligent. We're told that our dear old step dad has pulled this murderous routine many times before and yet all his blunders and general carelessness give him the quality of a bumbling first timer. The movie is also very slow paced and it drags on until about twenty minutes from the end, when things really pick up and actually become pretty entertaining. Unfortunately , an action-packed finale can hardly make up for the yawn-inducing hour and twenty minutes it took to get there.The performances in the movie are all solid and believable but there are no real standouts. As the leading man, Walsh fails to conjure up the sort of tangible menace that would truly have audiences shaking in their seats.

With a tag line that reads "this fall, daddy's home," I don't think Hitchcock-level brilliance is expected but for this type of horror movie entertainment is key and "The Stepfather" just fails to deliver.

My advice? Do yourself a favor and see "Where the Wild Things Are" instead.

The "Age-Old" Question

2009-10-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

By Karen Harris

(Image Courtesy of http://1.bp.blogspot.com/)

It was a drizzly November day when I sat home alone on the couch, curled up in a blanket, a mug of tea warming my hands, with Sex and the City re-runs keeping me company.

"Thirty is the new twenty," stated one of the girls, confidently. As the program cut out for a commercial break, my trance was broken and I am transported, once more, into reality; I am not in New York, but on an overstuffed couch in a living room in Maine, the escaped particles of my teabag clinging to the bottom of my empty cup. I, right now, am that 20-something, at the age that Carrie Bradshaw always glances back on but never really elaborates about, as if love is easier when you're a decade younger than middle-aged. I tuned the advertisements out as background noise, and got to thinking; what about love for those of us 20-somethings? Just because we're younger, doesn't mean that it's any easier. In fact, people in their twenties have a whole different set of challenges to face while on the quest for love.

Although there are more married people in the age categories for thirty and beyond--that is, there are less options for those that are still single--isn't it true that most of those that are still in the dating game are searching for something beyond a fling or a one night stand? I mean, it's easy for any single girl to find a hook-up, but what about this: In a society where that's the extent of many people's romantic aspirations, what's a girl to do if she is looking for something more?

As more these questions began filling my head, one right after the other, I couldn't help but wonder: In an age group where the majority of us are single, but the minority of us is actually looking for love, is it harder for 20-somethings to find the real thing than for 30- or 40-somethings?

I once had an older guy accusingly tell me that I am "one of those girls who needs love" and, because of this, he was not my type. I automatically felt embarrassed and defensive, like a little girl being told by a parent that her desires are nothing but fantasy. Looking back, I wish I had told him that he was right. Over the course of our short friendship, he'd bruised my ego and broke my trust. But in retrospect, I am thankful for his impact--with his hurt, he brought lessons and hard as they were to take, they had to be learned. Now, looking back, I know that he was completely right; a guy that is nearing thirty and still doesn't know what to do with his life really isn't my type.

And as I sit here, writing, I am inspired by the voice that Carrie gave to single women who are middle-aged; and I vow to give one to those of us who are, as Ms. Bradshaw put it, "20-somethings." Because, young or old, there are challenges for all of us to face in the world of dating; but when it comes down to it love is love, and a worthy prize in a tricky game.

Paranormal Activity Review

2009-10-27T04:31:00.000-07:00

Movie Review: Paranormal Activity

By Matt Haviland

Some experiences, like “Angie” by The Rolling Stones, are purely visceral. You don’t have to know Angie to cry about her; Mick Jagger gives you enough of a desperate feeling to make you weep.

Same goes for Paranormal Activity. You don’t have to believe in ghosts (or demons) to scream when a door moves by itself. Some guy in the row behind me actually squealed, and everyone in the theater laughed at him; a few minutes later, most of them were gasping as some other household object moved.

You know a movie is scary if a swinging chandelier can make hundreds of college kids hold their breath. Most of this film is just bumps in the night. However, because of the mathematical precision director Oren Peli uses to build tension, sounds and subtle movements are made genuinely frightening. For example, Micah – the femininely named male lead – sets up his video camera in the same position every night: a simple shot of his bedroom. The door hangs open on the left, an increasingly agitated couple sleeps together on the right.

Each time they returned to this shot – the simple image of a bed and a door – you could hear a rustling go through the theater: people moved forward in their seats, sank backward, or tightened their hoody strings and whispered, “F*** this, man.” A door and a bed consistently had more response from the audience for just being there than, say, any killing scene in Halloween 2. Take your pick of modern horror films: I bet the furniture in Paranormal Activity was scarier than that whole movie.

As an audience, we were Pavlov’s dog. Something scary happened last time they went to this shot, so something even scarier must be happening this time. That’s how the tension is built. Step by step, bump by bump. It’s genius. By the end, everyone in the audience was part of the experience; the fact that most of the official trailer is just footage from a California test screening says a lot. This is a movie about being at the movies. While you do get personally horrified, half the fun is watching everyone else.

The acting is great, too. Aside from a funny psychic and a dull friend, we spend 99 minutes watching Micah and his girlfriend Katie live. They are essentially real people – two vaguely attractive, debatably clever twenty-somethings who interact on a level of familiarity damn close to that of a real couple. They joke around. They argue. They have intimate moments followed by moments of sheer terror. You could really believe that this is a series of home movies, if not for the invisible demon. This is all not to mention that Micah and Katie are the actors’ real names.

As low budget horror films go, Paranormal Activity is an anorexic masterpiece. Nothing should be taken out, and the special effects – though in some cases merely somebody banging on the back of a door or turning on a light – are abrupt, scary, and realistic. Everything about this film says horror classic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it became one.

Therefore, and just this once, you can believe the hype. See it.

Look of the Day

2009-10-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

By Elissa Garza

Rhianna meets Barbie by kidsmokes featuring Seven For All Mankind jeans

To Market We Go!

2009-10-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

By Sarah Daniels

On the red line and over the bridge, to SOWA open market we go!

If you are craving some locally grown produce, delicious hand made pastries, crafts, art, and fabulous vintage clothes, SOWA open market is your ultimate destination. SOWA was open every Sunday throughout the summer, but there are only two Sunday's left, October 18 and 25. Grab the red line outbound from Park Street to Broadway Station, take a jaunt over a very long bridge, and like magic, the industrial view of the south end gives view to art galleries, cute little cafes, and an open air market!

Local artisans including painters, photographers, bakers, jewlery designers, florists, sculptors, and much much more give Bostonians an exhilarating shopping experience where you can actually talk to the makers of the products you are buying. The open air market takes over an expansive parking lot adjacent to an old brick building full of antique and vintage vendors. Here you can find everything from furniture to 20s style hats to old fashioned tea sets.

In addition to the fabulous shopping, SOWA also features live music. The bands are usually folksy and the cheery music creates the perfect atmosphere for this cozy local market.

Visit southendopenmarket.com for more information. The site has a vendor calendar so you can see who will be there on the day you go. Bring cash because the nearest ATM is a little far off and most vendors take cash only.

Happy shopping!

Photo from southendopenmarket.com

Perk Up!

2009-10-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

By Gillian Walters

We’re a month into fall semester and the Emerson library is starting to get crowded. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a computer or a viable study space. Down the street, the Emerson Café is just as busy. When you’re desperately in the need of some quiet time, try The Berkeley Perk, a lovely café in the South End. It’s only ten minutes away from Emerson’s campus at 69 Berkeley street, between Chandler and Lawrence streets.

The café is modestly sized, yet the décor is charming. A large window in the front of the cafe allows for plenty of natural light and opportunities to people watch. The green and leather booths are spacious and comfortable. Framed pictures and artwork occupy wall space, creating a welcoming atmosphere opposed to the clinical look of a library (Also, there are plenty of outlets, so don’t worry if you're wondering if you’ll be able to keep your laptop charged).

Besides the pleasing aesthetics of The Berkeley Perk, it has a great menu. The breakfast and lunch menus provide a variety of options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. When you’re working hard on school work, it’s inevitable you’re going to get hungry. I recommend the avocado, cheese, and tomato melt, a personal favorite of mine. I usually get it on whole grain bread because it’s delicious with the pesto sauce they use. The priciest item I found on both menus came out to be $6.95. The prices are unbeatable at the Perk. (Breakfast is from 8-10 AM Monday through Friday and 8-12 on the weekends. Lunch is served until closing at 5PM on both weekdays and weekends).

By the way, don’t worry about the Berkeley Perk getting crowded. Every time I stop by to study and get my usual latte, only two or three customers are there. This café is a gem, but oddly enough it’s never crowded. The only noise you’ll ever hear is the low hum of WERS and the occasional chit chat between the baristas(who are awesome, by the way). The staff at The Berkeley Perk are so genuinely nice that it will make your new study spot even more desirable.

Whether it be the great snacks or low key atmosphere, The Berkeley Perk is a great alternative to Emerson’s library and café.

Single in the City: A Tribute to Carrie Bradshaw

2009-10-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

By Karen Harris

On a cool Boston afternoon, a single girl walked in a single line through the center of a moving crowd in the heart of Copley.

On my own mission, I was perfectly content roaming the city by myself, meandering and window shopping wherever I pleased. But as I repeatedly dodged couples that were stuck together, making my way around them so as not to sever their clasped hands, I couldn't help but wonder; When completely surrounded by strangers, is one still "alone"? If everyone has another half, are we truly "alone" until our soul mates are found?

As a straight girl going to a communications and art school dominated by females and gay men, straight guys are a rarity and ones that are also single are a hot commodity, making the man-catching game a lesson in creativity. Luckily, this college city is crawling with guys--yes, even straight ones--giving us single gals plenty of chances.

In the meantime, I'll keep enjoying Thai dates with Lauren, strolls down Newbury Street with Lisa, and movie nights with my (coupled) roommates, Chris and Dani. And when I find myself alone in a crowd, the city will be my date, and I will be perfectly content.

(Image courtesy of www. macblogz.com)

Running Late?

2009-10-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

By Elissa Garza

Never let that be a problem again. I've developed my own fool-proof plan to get out the door in under 20 minutes (not including search time for misplaced keys, books, and wallets).

First things first, brush your teeth! This may seem obvious, but I know I'm guilty of running out the door mid-thought only to realize halfway to the T station that I forgot to brush my teeth and have to settle for some Trident (at least it's dentist recommended, heh).

No time to brush through that bed-head; run your fingers through any major tangles, spray a little Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray through your hair, and scrunch. It smells like summer on the beach, which will help get you going on those cold, grey days.

A little Benefit Benetint on the cheeks and lips give a rosy glow and it's so easy to apply that you can do it half-asleep. Just paint it on and smudge it around with your fingertips. A simple, smoky eye with a creamy dark eye pencil like Benefit Bad Gal is easy to achive; line the upper lid, and blend until you're satisfied, smudge a little under the waterline, and finish with a few coats of Benefit Bad Gal Lash and no one will know you woke up at 9:59 a.m. for your 10 a.m. class.

The biggest time consumer tends to be the closet, so I always have a default outfit for days like these. A v-neck tee, trendy jacket, jeans, and weather-appropriate footwear works for me. Throw on some jewelry, grab your bag, and remember-- there's always time for coffee. Nothing says awake like 150mg of caffeine.

You may not make it to where you need to be in under 20 minutes, but being late is better than missing your engagement all together.

emmag by kidsmokes featuring Bullhead jeans