The Muniz Movie Reviews

by Mitchell Muniz

Note: These reviews are strictly my opinion; my goal is to give you some insight on recent movies.

“Paranormal Activity”

This film is utterly terrifying in every sense of the word. The ultra low-budget horror flick that was filmed in the home of the director has managed to make 10 times what it was made for, averaging 61 million at the box office. Katie and Micah are a young couple living together in a suburban home that becomes haunted by a demonic entity which, they find, becomes active in the middle of the night as they sleep. As each night goes by, the entity becomes more enraged, and Katie and Micah find out their lives may be at stake. This film is a celebration of what horror once was before special effects. Unlike other films, it makes you use your imagination and think for yourself. Filmed in the manner of “The Blair Witch Project,” this one proves to be much scarier!
5 out of 5 stars


“2012”

The new apocalyptic thriller from the director of “The Day After Tomorrow,” “2012” follows the journey of a father (John Cusack) trying to save his family from the destruction of the world the Mayan culture predicted. This movie is nonstop action all the way through. The special effects are jaw-dropping. This is a great movie to sit back and enjoy; there’s absolutely no need to think. But keep in mind this movie is two hours and forty minutes long! This is a highly intense movie, and very entertaining!
3 out of 5 stars

Personal Top 10 Music

by Ryan Anderson

1) “Cry for Help” -Shinedown

2) “The Good Life” -Three Days Grace

3) “Overcome” -Creed

4) “Lost in You” -Three Days Grace

5) “Spoonman” -Soundgarden

6) "In Memory"- Shinedown

7) "Show me how to Live"- Audioslave

8) "Breathe"-Popevil

9) "Break" -Three Days Grace

10) "I will not Bow"- Breaking Benjamin

Upcoming Trends in Fall Fashion

After spending the long weekend in New York City, the heart and soul of the American fashion industry, I am well prepared to document this fall’s upcoming trends. Everything on the runway is punk inspired-leather, studs, metallic neutrals, bold neon colors-but what makes this upcoming trend different is that the top designers are putting a feminine spin on these otherwise masculine fashion statements. Pastel floral prints, rounded collars, and bright handbags are incorporated into the punk trend to create a well-rounded high fashion look (think Coco Chanel meets Alexander McQueen meets Juicy Couture). Fall is my favorite month for fashion because the weather permits you to wear a complete outfit-jacket and shoes included. No flip-flops or tank tops; just boots, blazers, and trench coats. If you’re shopping for a new look this fall, I recommend heading to Milwaukee. Urban Outfitters and American Apparel can be found in the Historic Third Ward, and just around the corner is Bayshore Mall, where you can find Forever 21 and H&M, both inexpensive stores that inspire you to incorporate designer-inspired pieces into your simple wardrobe.

Although following trends is a large part of your own personal style, deciding for yourself what you think is fashionable is what gives you your own individual style. To offer you an example of this, I interviewed Mackenzie Naughton, a prestigious fashion icon at our own TPS.



Mackenzie’s Unique take on Personal Style:

Chelsea: So, Mackenzie, who is it in the industry that you gain inspiration from to create your own personal style?

Mackenzie: Juicy Couture. If I had one person to remake my room it would be Betsey Johnson or Juicy Couture.

C: Interesting! So from what I have observed, rhinestone hoops earrings and terry cloth bright sweatshirts are significant staples in your wardrobe, would you agree?

M: Yes because it represents my mood, and I am generally a happy go-lucky girl.

C: Very good. So when you wake up in the morning, what exactly is going through your mind as you are putting together this interesting ensemble?

M: Well, I just grab whatever is closest to my bed usually, but when I’m hyped up on my Adderall sometimes I try to look like a rainbow to be a shining light in the darkness that is TPS.

C: I must say, sitting next to you can be blinding. However, I enjoy the contrast to the usual sweatpants that Prairie students seem to begin to wear on a regular basis after they learn about the Junior Thesis. What is your favorite part of this fall’s fashion?

M: Probably nice cozy sweatshirts and Uggs.

C: What are your favorite stores?

M: Juicy Couture. That is my number one. Also Tiffany & Co., Forever XXI, and Chinatown.


C: If you had to pick one particular garment that represents your style, which one would it be and why?

M: My pink sweatshirt that has a big smiley face on the back and on the front it says “Be Happy”

C: Thank-you so much for your time Mackenzie, I look forward to seeing your upcoming wardrobe this fall. Any last thoughts?

M: I don’t like the tights you were wearing today.

C: Gee, Kenz, thanks; I guess that’s why it’s personal style.

Fashion Quote of the Month:


Fashion fades, only style remains the same.


Coco Chanel

Twilight: Misplaced Hatred

By Fiona Lochtefeld

By taking the pro-Twilight side of this debate, I am automatically setting myself up for ridicule. What used to be known as a “weird girly apple vampire book” is now suffering under the crushing weight of its own popularity. A lot of people adore the series. A lot more people hate it because they are tired of having it constantly shoved down their throats. I myself- and I admit this with only a modicum of shame- love the series.

Seriously. It’s one of my all-time favorites. But I’m not just saying that because I am obsessed with Robert Pattison or because I’m a screaming eleven-year-old with unrealistic expectations about what a good boyfriend is like. I started reading the series when it was still a weird girly apple vampire book—when vampires were only for Goths and emos. I have read other vampire books, including those by Bram Stoker, Anne Rice, and Ellen Schreiber. I have not been brainwashed; I am still capable of making rational judgments and pointing out flaws in the series. And while I’m glad that the series has done well, I think that its current popularity is absolutely appalling.

Because we are almost always surrounded by something with Robert Pattison’s face on it, it’s inevitable that the series has made enemies. Lots of enemies, who claim that Twilight has no literary merit whatsoever, because it is unrealistic or sexist, or just plain bad.

Is Twilight sexist? Perhaps. Bella admittedly depends on both Edward and Jacob to pull her through the current crisis. On the other hand, if she was completely independent, we probably wouldn’t like her much, either, because she would seem callous. If she always made the right choices, she would be obnoxious. And one might note that all of Bella’s escapades take place amidst creatures that are faster, stronger, and better trained in combat than she. Doesn’t it make sense for her to depend on others when she would be instantly killed if she did not?

As for unrealistic—it’s a vampire novel. Come on. The vampires may be scarily beautiful, but, seriously, how realistic can you expect a book about bloodsuckers and shape-shifters to be? Push the idea of realism from your mind already. Sit back and enjoy the ride that the book provides.

I don’t mean to say that Twilight is the Epic Of The Century. It is not, any more than Harry Potter is. Popular is not the same as profound. Engrossing is not the same as life-changing. And although Stephanie Meyer’s writing style is smooth, descriptive and engaging, it’s not anything special. She’s no Tolkien or Shakespeare. Then again, most authors today aren’t, regardless of how famous they are. J. K. Rowling’s writing style isn’t that special, either.

Many people are now saying that Harry Potter is a much better series than Twilight, both because it reached a larger demographic and because it came first. But if Twilight had come before Harry Potter; and it was Hogwarts, not Forks, from which we couldn’t escape, we’d probably hate Harry. We’d be claiming that Jacob would be eating Lupin for breakfast instead of vice-versa. And the only reason that we would be saying that would be because we would be so sick of Harry Potter that we would be unable to look at it impartially.

Ask yourself: do I really hate Twilight, or do I just hate the fangirls? If you had tried the series before they became hideously popular and had hated the book—well, what of it? You would have just tossed it aside and forgotten it. But you wouldn’t take the time to rail against it and anybody who likes it. You wouldn’t spend your time saying that it was a bad book. When we say “bad” in reference to books, we usually mean that we just didn’t like it. Similarly, when we say that it was good, we aren’t offering professional criticism on the writing style or plot devices. We’re just saying “good” because it’s understood that “good” really means “I liked it.” So unless you’re sure of your ability to criticize literature objectively, don’t say that it’s “bad.” Say that you hated it. Say that, by reading it, you wasted precious hours of your life and that you want a refund. But don’t use “bad” indiscriminately. Just accept that it wasn’t what you thought that it would be and move on. Let those of us who did like it like it without fear of being ostracized or mocked.

On the flip side, I would like to (nicely) ask all of the rabid fans to please, please shut up now. I’m begging you. You’ve had your day. You’ve come out of the closet and shown the world just how obsessed you are. Now, please get back into your closets, where you have left your well-loved copies and your book lights, and let the rest of the world go on its merry way. By shoving it in everybody’s faces, you are actually harming the series, not increasing its popularity. People who have never read it are turned against it without even giving it a chance. People who used to vaguely like it have been converted intoTwilight-haters. People who started reading it when it first emerged and cannot shake their obsessions have been forced into silence for fear of merciless ridicule. And everybody is being driven insane. You don’t have to go to such extremes for Twilight to be recognized as a great series that has attracted a lot of fans. If the world hasn’t gotten that by now, I don’t think it ever will.

If you like it, great. If you don’t, fine. But don’t hassle the other side. Don’t insist that yours is the only way. In fact, just avoid the topic altogether and avoid an altercation. Ignore the New Moon posters that glare at you from the theatre walls. Walk past the shelves of Twilight books at Barnes & Noble without making obnoxious gagging sounds. Don’t declare that the series is the epitome of All Things Good or scream every time you see a silver Volvo (no... not even if the license plate reads ED CULL). I’m not asking for reconciliation with the other side. I’m just asking that we reach a détente. This isfeasible. Harry Potter has proven that this can be done. So can we please try?

The Muniz Movie Reviews

by Mitchell Muniz

Note: These reviews are strictly my opinion; my goal is to give you some insight on recent movies.

On DVD (horror)

“Drag me to Hell”

This movie is directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, and The Evil Dead Trilogy), and it stars Alison Lohman and Justin Long. This low-grade and highly entertaining horror film was a hit not only at the box office, but also with critics and regular moviegoers alike. Christine Brown seems to have it all. She’s a hard working loan officer on her way to a promotion with a loving boyfriend. That is, until Christine denies an elderly woman another extension on her home loan. Now she is cursed with three days to live before the Lamia demon comes to claim her soul to burn in hell for an eternity of unthinkable torment. This is guaranteed to get a few jumps, and laughs out of you before the movie ends, and now it comes in an unrated version packed with more blood and carnage! Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly raves “the most crazy, fun and terrifying horror movie in years!”

5 out of 5 stars

“Trick ‘r Treat”

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty (Writer of “X Men 2”, and “Superman Returns”) in his first major directorial debut, and starring Brian Cox, Dylan Baker, and Anna Paquin, we explore the mysterious night of Halloween. A creepy and, at times, humorous, tale of the scariest night of the year, we experience four interwoven stories of terror: a high school principal (Dylan Baker) who moonlights as a serial killer; the quest of a virgin searching for that special someone takes a gruesome, and unexpected turn; A group of teens pull out a prank with disastrous consequences; a cranky old man is sought out by a trick-or-treating demon. The winner of the Audience Choice Award Screamfest, all about respecting the customs of Halloween, critics rave is “the best Halloween film of the last 30 years” -wizarduniverse.com.

5 out of 5 stars

Not sure about these? Check out the trailers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggDNhd5FC2U -“Trick ‘r Treat”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUZTybLlWKI - “Drag me to Hell”

Twilight Bites
By Savannah Henderson


I think one of the things that frustrates me most about Twilight is Edward's seemingly absolute and inexplicable perfection. Yes, I know, he's a vampire, and as such, is supposed to be the epitome of excellence and exquisiteness. This is not an excuse. In my opinion, Edward, being a main character in a book series, is obligated to have at least one major character flaw, and no, vampirism does not count. Not only are his incorruptible selflessness, kindness, and intelligence frustrating and grossly unrealistic, they are also some of the many traits that make him such a dull character. Another reason I dislike Twilight is the character Bella Swan.

Isabella Swan represents everything I hate in this world. Not really. But she is annoying.

Consciously or subconsciously, when Stephenie Meyer created the character Bella, she also created a blatant attack on both feminism and female independence. For example, when Bella was accepted to Dartmouth, one of the best colleges in the country, she stoutly refused , in favor of turning into a vampire. Her excuse? She was afraid of aging, and looking older than her 17-year-old boyfriend. Another example of Bella's complete codependence and spinelessness? She allowed her boyfriend to pressure her into marriage, despite the fact that she did not want to marry him, and that she knew her parents wouldn't approve. So instead of standing up for herself, she conceded, and married her boyfriend at the ripe old age of eighteen. Her mother and father were both inexplicably supportive of this decision, although they had spent the first eighteen years of her life discouraging her from doing exactly that. Unfortunately, everything seemed to work out perfectly.

Then, although they knew that Edward could crush her to death as easily as I could tear a tissue in half, and that every one of his bodily excretions, from his tears to his saliva (which really makes me question the wisdom of their copious frenching throughout the series) Bella and Edward decided it would be a good idea to practice unsafe sex.

And of course, Bella Swan ends up pregnant. At eighteen. With a baby that will probably kill her. And she's happy about it. Way to go, Stephenie Meyer, you've got feminism spewing out of your ears.

Of course, we all remember what Happened in New Moon. When, after Edward left Bella, she almost literally fell apart. She did not try to pull herself together. She did not try to move on. She did not try to acquire any semblance of independence or self-confidence. Instead she sat there wallowing in her own self-pity and ignoring the advances of Jacob Black, the only decent character that Stephenie Meyer managed to create.

Instead, she decided to partake in dangerous, irresponsible, and quasi-suicidal behavior, just so she could hallucinate hearing Edward's voice.

Afterward, when Edward reentered the picture, she literally leapt into his arms. Never mind the fact that he left her, and refused to contact her for a year. He was instantaneously and absolutely forgiven. The fact that he ruined her life for nearly a year? Never again mentioned by Bella for the entire series.

I don't like Twilight because it not only allows, but takes delight in Bella's weakness, how pathetic she is, and how spineless. Edward is an uninteresting and two-dimensional character, the writing is over-embellished and mediocre, and the plot is all but non-existent.

I don't like Twilight because it's misogynistic.

I don't like Twilight because it's overrated.

I don't like Twilight because it's a waste of paper, and I don't like Twilight because I think it's lame. I don't care when people say that they like, or even love Twilight, but I can't stand it when they say it's good. This book is second rate at best, sexist, and says all the wrong things about a women's role in a relationship, and presents it in the lamest way imaginable.

And for these reasons, I can say with complete and utter confidence, that Twilight bites.

The Muniz Movie Reviews

The Muniz Movie Reviews
by Mitchell Muniz

Note: These reviews are solely my opinion. I am in no way trying to persuade you into seeing or not seeing these movies. My goal is to just give you some quick insight on what to expect.

Jennifer's Body
This new dark comedy from the writer of Juno, Diablo Cody, is a lot of fun, and seemed to pull through. It is jam-packed with witty humor, clever thrills, and, of course, blood and guts!

Megan Fox plays a high school student who gets possessed by a flesh-eating demon, whose hunger just so happens to be satisfied by, quite literally, devouring boys.

I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this movie, but it is definitely not for everyone. The humor is more on the offensive side, and, of course, if you get dizzy around the sight of blood, I suggest you stay away. I walked into the theater expecting a corny, fun movie, and that is exactly what I got out of this. This is not a straight out horror movie, and, while it will make you jump, I can almost guarantee that there will be more chuckles of laughter than jumping out of your seat. So, if you are looking for a movie that is fun and different, I suggest you give this a shot! I mean, come on, its Megan Fox eating boys, what’s cooler than that?


Inglorious Basterds
The new comedy/drama from Quentin Tarantino, one of Hollywood’s most creative writers and directors, is by far one of his best films! Filled with suspense, great humor, creative dialogue, and lots of Nazi killing, it’s all you’d expect from the warped brain of Tarantino.

In Nazi-filled France, a group of Jewish soldiers is put together by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Pitt), to bring down the reign of the Nazi army.

As a fan of Tarantino’s previous work, such as Kill Bill, and Death Proof, I was expecting something creative and out of the ordinary. If this movie sparks your interest, don’t think it is just a movie about killing Nazis, because there is much more at work here. The movie revolves around the lives of numerous characters, which adds loads of depth to the story. As in all Tarantino movies, there is a lot of dialogue in this movie, but not boring dialogue, we’re talking brain-pumping dialogue. This movie, to me sits up there with the great ones like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. Highly recommended!