Dec.Dec. 1212, 22005005 Music,M u s i c , MMovieso v i e s aandn d MMoreo r e

Pennywise talks to Daily Titan

MUSIC: SSystemystem of a DDownown out with parpartt ttwowo of double album rreleaseelease

MOVIE: KKnoxvillenoxville stars in ‘‘TheThe RRinger,’inger,’ ‘‘WhyWhy WWee FFight’ight’ politically charchargedged

MORE: ArArtisttist inintervieterviewwss, plus the last IInsidenside Buzz of the fall semestsemesterer 2 THE BUZZ

III, was one of the most infl uential clude American Idol winner Bo Bi- Contents and controversial comedians of ce’s The Real Thing… movie sound his time … After reports on “Ac- from “The Chronicles of Narnia: THE cess Hollywood” surfaced that ac- The Lion, the witch, and the Witch tor Matt Damon, 35, and fi ancée and the Wardrobe: [Soundtrack] 02 The Inside Buzz I N S I D E Luciana Bozan, … “Gasolina” hit- 29, were expect- maker and Reg- ing their fi rst child, gaeton superstar 03 Flashback Favorite BUZZ wedding bells soon Daddy Yankee’s rang. The couple Barrio Fino en Di- DVD Preview celebrated their recto… New DVD nuptials Friday in releases include Restaurant Review New York, People Steve Carell star- reports … Another ring in the comedy 04 Artist Interviews couple that took “The 40-year-old By MAHSA KHALILIFAR their matrimonial Virgin” … Fox’s 05 Pennywise Interview Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor vows was coun- long-running hit, try singers Garth “The Simpsons Brooks and Trisha - The Complete 06 New Movie Reviews Well guys this is it… the last In- Yearwood. After Seventh Season” side Buzz of the semester and it has getting down on WWW.RICHARDPRYOR.COM … Lauren Gra- 07 New Music Reviews been a good time indeed! A lot has one knee in front Richard Pryor died Saturday. ham starring in happened these three months: Hol- of thousands of the WB hit series: 08 Places to go in LA, OC lywood kept us gossiping and will fans, 43-year-old Brooks proposed “Gilmore Girls - The Complete continue to … Comedian legend, to 41-year-old Yearwood in May. Fifth Season” … Celebrity gos- Richard Pryor, died Saturday at The stars said their vows in Okla- sip of the week: Could Britney the age of 65. The star, who had homa on Saturday; this is the sec- Spears and Kevin Federline be been sick for years suffering from ond marriage for Brooks, third for the next couple headed to divorce multiple sclerosis, passed away Yearwood … Survivor host, Jeff court? Splittsville could be in their after having a heart attack. Pryor, Probst signed on to do two more cards… As always stay tuned to ON THE COVER: Punk band who was born in Illinois as Rich- years of CBS’s hit reality show … those headlines, Hollywood is al- Pennywise has been banging out ard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor New CD releases of the week in- ways full of surprises … punk rock anthems for more than 15 years. Go to page 5 to see how the band has coped with the on- slaught of sugary sweet pop acts. Want more Buzz? Quote of the Week (Photo provided by Epitaph Re- Check us out on the cords) “Good news: It’s been reported Word Web for the latest hot that Mary-Kate Olsen has gained 20 lbs. The bad news: Ashley On The Web new music reviews. Olsen is missing.” THE BUZZ www.dailytitan.com – Conan O’Brien ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AMANDAMANDA PENNINGTPENNINGTONON

ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR MAHSA KHALILIFAR

EXECUTIVE EDITOR NICOLE M. SMITH

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING CAN SENGEZER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING EMILY ALFORD

PRODUCTION AMANDA PENNINGTON, MAHSA KHALILIFAR

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES LESLEY WU, DERRICK SALATNAY, VANESSA RUMBLES, RICH BOYD, KIMBERLY LEUNG, JACKIE KIMMEL The Daily Titan 714.278.3373 The Buzz Editorial 714.278.5426 [email protected] Editorial Fax 714.278.4473 The Buzz Advertising 714.278.3373 [email protected] Advertising Fax 714.278.2702 The Buzz , a student publication, is a supplemental insert for the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan. It is printed every Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identifi ed in the ad- vertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. Copyright ©2005 Daily Titan MAINSTREAM 3 ‘The Aristocrats’ Thai Cuisine has coming to DVD fresh beach feel As the end of the semester subdued and mellow while clas- draws near, fi nding an escape from sical music hovers in the quiet Come one, come all. Step right up and witness a There was a part in the stress of fi nals and last minute background. movie about the most amazing, death-defying, rud- the movie, a creepy projects is imperative. When Star- The wide booths and large table est and crudest joke that has seldom been heard. part, when former buck’s seems too hectic, enjoying surfaces allow enough room for A joke so tasteless and vile that you will to wish “Americas Funniest good Thai food at a quiet restau- textbooks, folders, the bell-pepper you never knew of its existence (especially after it’s Home Videos” host WWW.THINKFILMCOMPANY.COM rant poses a relaxing alternative. tray, egg rolls and a Thai iced tea. been crammed down your ear for a full hour and 20 and “Full House” fam- Thai Cuisine, on the corner of The Thai iced tea is a good minutes). ily friend to all Bob Sagat becomes the dirtiest com- Pacifi c Coast Highway and 5th choice. Half Thai tea and half The movie is “The Aristocrats,” and the premise ic in the whole line-up. Street in Seal Beach, is tucked in cream, the specialty beverage is a is a joke – yes, one joke – that is the nastiest, most This movie is defi nitely not for the faint of heart a building that can be easily over- staple of Thai dining. disgusting, most obscene, fi lthiest joke anyone can or the weak-minded. looked. Thai Cuisine is open for lunch ever have the utter displeasure of hearing. So do yourself a favor. If you are not a fan of Planters of artifi cial fl owers sep- from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday And audiences love it. obscene artistic expression (potty-mouth humor) do arate the main part of the dining through Saturday, and then for As the legend goes, the joke is an old comedy not pursue this movie any further. room from some additional seat- dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday secret but has never been privy to anyone except For you might fi nd yourself immersed in a world ing and the kitchen’s entrance. through Thursday and a half hour seasoned, stand-up vets. That is, until now. full of glitz and glamour, ascots and monocles, and An interesting feature about later on Friday and Saturday. If a In this interview-style documentary, comedians a family act that consists of describing every bodily Thai Cuisine is that the actual res- sit down meal takes too much time describe the one and only way to tell the infamous fl uid known to man and woman. taurant is always empty, or nearly during the hectic last days of the joke – their own way. You might fi nd yourself face to face with, “The empty. Available seating is pretty semester, take-out is also an op- The cast of characters was a veritable comedic Aristocrats.” much a given, which makes it tion. phonebook – ranging from the sage-like George The DVD comes out Jan. 24, so check it out. perfect for studying or fi nishing – Danielle Torricelli/Daily Ti- Carlin to the sullen Steven Wright. – Eric Sanders/Daily Titan Staff up homework. The atmosphere is tan Staff Flashback Favorite ‘What’s Happening!!’ By DIANIKA ABBOTT time devising get-rich-quick bel King) is at work. Place trying to pick up girls, that in 1985, Daily Titan Copy Editor schemes. While Raj may have a lot of drinking grape sodas, gossiping the creators Roger “Raj” Thomas (Ernest responsibilities, his No. 1 prior- and making fun of the no-non- and actors In a land of jive turkeys, dy- Thomas), Dewayne Nelson (Hay- ity is spending time with his two sense waitress Shirley (Shirley reunited in no-mite hustlers and foxy ladies, wood Nelson) and Fred “Rerun” best friends at Rob’s Place, the Hemphill). While the trio con- the syndi- the 1970s street colloquial term, Stubbs (Fredd Berry), learned neighborhood hangout. stantly got themselves in sticky cated sit- “what’s happening?” is synony- the importance of taking care of His best friends, Rerun, the situations, the show usually end- com “What’s mous with one of the most popu- responsibilities, friendship, love plump, all-the-way-live dancer ed with Dee fi nding out what the H a p p e n i n g lar black sitcoms of all time. and how to maintain life in the in- got his nickname from spending three were involved in and say- N o w ! ! , ” “What’s Happening!!,” which ner city. Raj, the self-proclaimed summers in school trying to re- ing that famous line, “Ooh, I’m which ran for ran from 1976 to 1979, was man of the house, is a brainy run everything he learned during telling mama!” three years. loosely based on the 1975 movie writer who successfully juggles the year. Dewayne, the not-so- Ms. Thomas would then dis- After almost 17 years, TV “Cooley High.” schoolwork and the responsibil- smart tag-a-long does everything cover their mischievous scheme, Land has brought the gang back It journeyed through the high ity of caring for his bratty smart- in his power to look cool. come to their rescue and discuss together for both the young and school years of three mischie- aleck little sister, Dee (Danielle Raj and his crew could be the moral of the story. old to rediscover the journey of vous teenagers, who spent their Spencer) while his mother (Ma- found on every episode at Rob’s This show was so successful “What’s Happening!!” together. 4 MUSIC INTERVIEWS Concert The 88 talks about touring SoCal

By JORDAN MASTAGNI “We are just trying to play Calendar Daily Titan Staff as much as possible now Wed. Dec. 14, 7 p.m. that the album has come out, “Two sides to every story, which still feels really new, Thur. Dec. 15, 7 p.m. a third man in the shadows, and the goal of the band is Pennywise seven lords a leapin,’ a land of to play out of Los Angeles as House of Blues a thousand dances, fi fty ways much as we can,” piano player Anaheim to leave your lover. 88 keys on Merrin said. the piano; 88 constellations in The 88 employed producer, Sat. Dec. 17, 7 p.m. the sky; the infi nity sign; the Ethan Allen (no, not the fur- Guttermouth most auspicious number in niture company), to help with El Rey Theatre China; 88 mph to get back the production of the new al- Los Angeles to the future; 88 cities in Los bum, “Over and Over.” Angeles; a great French Kicks Ethan “contributed a lot song. Welcome to the world of and got a lot of stuff out of us Fri. Dec. 23, 7 p.m. The 88,” reads the synopsis on that we couldn’t do ourselves, The Vandals the 88’s Web site about how and when he saw us perform House of Blues the band claimed its name. live, he wanted to capture on Hollywood The quintet includes Keith tape the energy of the band, so Slettedahl, vocals and guitar; we recorded some live songs,” Fri. Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m. Adam Merrin, piano; Bran- Merrin said. Death by Stereo don Jay, guitar; Carlos Tor- The new album was re- Chain Reaction res, bass; Anthony Zimmitti, corded at a few locations in- Anaheim drums. cluding the Village, in West With the release of the Los Angeles, which has also band’s sophomore album, hosted a lot of the 88’s favor- Fri. Jan. 6, 8 p.m. “Over and Over” – which fus- ite bands. The Adolescents es melodies similar to a Bow- The 88 also use some self- El Rey Theatre ie record with Blur infl uence promotion tactics by net- Los Angeles – the band has been touring all working through the Web site over the country. MySpace. Fri. Jan. 13, 8 p.m. Indie rock bands are now “We were featured on the D.I. becoming a mainstream pres- front page of MySpace over Galaxy Theatre ence, and the 88 offers some- the summer, and we were get- Santa Ana thing new with a blend of har- ting over 5,000 plays a day,” monies and pianos. Merrin said. “It was hard to No stranger to playing at keep up with it. Ever since Fri. Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. colleges, the 88 will rock the then it has snowballed because Sat. Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. Pub in the Titan Underground we are on so many people’s WWW.THE88.NET Slightly Stoopid at Cal State Fullerton next se- pages that we are getting tons The 88 will be playing at Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa on Dec. 22 House of Blues mester. of friend requests every day.” Hollywood

Thur. Jan 19, 8 p.m. G. Love & Special Sauce Sarah Bettens solo with ‘Scream’ House of Blues Hollywood By KELLI FADROSKI bum that would take her career gigantic overseas music festivals. good, and it makes you think, Daily Titan Staff back to infancy. Bettens stepped away from the and it makes you a little sad Sat. Jan 21, 6:30 p.m. Scream is born into the world group to fi nd herself in her music sometimes, but it makes you feel Anthrax Singer and songwriter Sarah with great purpose as Bettens and create a piece of art she could things. Whether it’s good or bad, Avalon Bettens soars solo with her new strives to spark a connection with take sole responsibility for. it evokes emotion, and just being Hollywood album Scream. her newfound audience and at- “I think for me it was some- abele to do that and have people Best known for fronting K’s tempts to evoke thought within thing that I’ve wanted to do for listen to it and say ‘It touched me’ Wed. Jan 25, 7:30 p.m. Choice, Bettens decided to set her poetic lyrics. a long time,” Bettens said. “I’ve and ‘It’s something that spoke to Mon. Jan 30, 7:30 p.m. out on her own and create an al- Although she refuses to be been looking for that excitement me,’ that’s kind of what I hope. Social Distortion pigeon holed into any particular and adventure, and I was looking That’s what I have with records music category, Bettens is aware for something new.” that I love and that I listen to. It’s House of Blues her music is a little scattered and Bettens pays tribute to her mu- good to have something special, Anaheim directly contributes that to the sical inspirations as they shine and I hope people walk away music that has inspired her. throughout her record. with the feeling that this record Fri. Jan 27, 8 p.m. “It’s always diffi cult for me to “I’ve been generally inspired really said something.” T.S.O.L. label myself and it’s diffi cult for by a lot of singer/songwriters,” Bettens’ music isn’t all mushy Galaxy Theatre labels too,” Bettens said. “I only Bettens said. “I’m a big Indigo and tear jerking, she has ballads Santa Ana say it’s pop, rock, alternative and Girls fan, Tracy Chapman, Shawn that can be empowering and defi - it’s got some folk in it.” Colvin; those are just things I nitely worthy of singing along to Sat. Jan 28, 7 p.m. With catchy pop tunes and som- like.” at the top of one’s lungs. Dead Kennedys ber folk songs, Bettens broadens Scream stirs a melting pot of Bettens is a serious artist, but the spectrum and explores her emotions as the songs fl ow on the seems to have a good sense of hu- House of Blues talent throughout the album. album. mor and a new lease on life since Hollywood “When I go in and start making Bettens brings listeners to a the release of SScreamcream. a record, I go in and automatical- moment of clarity as her soft- “Most people in my life have a Sat. Jan 28, 8 p.m. ly make songs that sound a little whisper vocals dance through the huge sense of sarcasm,” Bettens Matt Costa more heavy and stuff that’s very eardrums – her voice alone could said. “I think they would say that Troubadour intimate,” Bettens said. bring tears. I love life a lot. I live it to the full- West Hollywood WWW.SCREAMTEAMUSA.COM Bettens’ band, K’s Choice, has “I just want it to be a little est, and I don’t do things halfway. produced many international hits, bit of a positive emotional jour- I have a lot of love and friendship Sarah Bettens has gone solo with been awarded gold and platinum ney,” Bettens said. “You look at to give. I’m in a good place, and her new album “Scream.” records in Europe, and has played the record and it makes you feel I’m very happy to share it.” MUSIC INTERVIEWS 5 Pennywise lives, loves punk rock

By KELLI FADROSKI it had been in previous years.” and it’s our biggest song.” Daily Titan Staff “‘Disconnect,’ the fi rst single, re- “Bro Hymn” is Pennywise’s sig- ceived constant play on rock radio nature. Released on 1997’s “Full Being in a band for more than in Southern California. Circle,” the band has yet to com- one album is a major accomplish- “Jim wrote that one and in my plete a set without playing that ment in today’s music scene. eyes it’s such a fast paced world song. If a band is able to truly focus on with cell phones and palm pilots, “It’s a hit song, but it was never a its music and hurdle the pressures blackberries and laptop computers, hit song,” Dragge said. “People feel of labels, marketing and publicity, you can’t imagine life without a cell so strongly about it and they just go the band might be lucky enough to phone,” Dragge said. crazy. There can be a mediocre show last a decade. The underlying message isn’t to and it’s not going crazy, but then To tough it out for more than completely bash technology and re- you play ‘Bro Hymn’ and, boom, 15 years and still be touring, writ- vert to the days of stuffi ng change it’s nuts ... It’s a secret weapon. ing, recording and selling albums into socks just in case the need to Other bands say, ‘We’re not playing proves gut instinct prevails over use a pay phone presented itself. after Pennywise; we’re not playing conforming to what’s popular. “We’ve become so reliant on e- after ‘Bro Hymn.’’ I’m just like, With each album, Pennywise mail and we are constantly bom- ‘You’re Bush, you’re Gavin from becomes more intense, more pas- barded,” Dragge said. “Before, Bush, don’t worry about it.’ These sionate and defi nitely more furious. when you were driving from L.A. huge, big bands say they don’t want The Hermosa Beach punk legends to San Diego it was quiet time, but to play after us, especially after that have unleashed their all-out musi- now you have 13 business calls. song and it’s funny.” cal assault on the problems of so- Sometimes you just want to unplug Pennywise isn’t out to win any ciety today. The Fuse, the band’s and go back to when it was more awards or keep up in the Billboard 10th album, was released in August peaceful and quiet, when you didn’t pop-race. The guys are satisfi ed and takes Pennywise back to its have ‘You’ve got mail’ popping up with their situation and their music. fast-paced roots, as the album was in the background or 10 missed “Everything has become so done recorded in a 41-day whirlwind. calls. You want to just disconnect and played out,” Dragge said. “The Vocalist Jim Lindberg, guitar- and go back to the simple life but bands are add-water these days. ist Fletcher Dragge, drummer By- you can’t because we’re moving ‘I’ve got my instruments and I’ve ron McMackin and bassist Randy that fast and without it you are to- made a recording in my bedroom Bradbury took a cue from their tally screwed.” with my Pro Tools rig and now I’ve punk forefathers – Black Flag, Bad Although only 15 tracks appear got a Myspace page and 10,000 lis- Brains and Minor Threat – and de- on the new album, the guys created tens, and I don’t have a record label cided collectively to push through nearly three times that before they and I’ve got my tight pants on and the process and release their most recorded the new disc. fi ngernail polish and my tight shirt raw album in years. As the pressure “If you want to go the political on’ … nobody is original, and noth- was applied, the band squeezed out route, we could write 50 albums,” ing seems passionate. It’s so hard to 15 tracks without looking back. Dragge said. “We’re never going hear something that sounds real and “We worked on it like the old to run out of topics. We’re about ... original now.” school punk albums we grew up having songs that we think are all Although the pop music scene KELLI FADROSKI/Daily Titan on,” Dragge said. “Those were re- good. We try to put out an entire al- has become rather cookie-cutter, Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg delivers a verbal lashing to fans. corded in, like, days and the sound bum of good songs and we actually Dragge refuses to dismiss it totally. might be shitty, and stuff is out of fi ght until the end to “There’s a be a pop-punk band and we could Dragge said. “I like all kinds of mu- tune and there are problems tech- make sure that ev- million other write some ska songs and shift to sic but this is what I’m passionate nology wise ... but the passion of ery song is a good “ bands that are whatever is popular, but we’ve kept about.” those albums is what’s moving. We song.” All I know is that I super into what a certain integrity in our music for Pennywise is not big on taking were trying to get a hold of some of Now that the like the music we they do that all of these years and we’ve sur- long breaks, so rest assured that that but at the same time ... we had secret is out that are good, but vived pop-punk, nu metal and we’ll if they’re not seen around town, to have a good sound.” there are so many play, I like to listen it’s not some- survive the emo-screamo thing. they’re writing new songs or in the Pennywise didn’t head into the extra songs fl oating to our albums and thing that you The scene has kinda separated the studio preparing for a new album. studio with any particular direction, around, the true fans I like playing live. go, ‘Wow-must troops a little bit, but we just keep The guys plan on continuing to just a slew of songs that had been continue to wait for have,’ like when doing what we do.” tour and will enjoy their downtime. brewing in the guys’ minds. a B-side album to you put on When Dragge attempts to predict “Everyone has got different “Everyone starts writing songs emerge. Fletcher Dragge Rage Against what the next trend in music will be, things,” Dragge said. “Byron hangs and you don’t really fi nd a direc- “There are liter- Guitarist for Pennywise the Machine endless possibilities blow his mind. out and goes to a lot of events ... tion for it until you start picking ally hundreds of or Nirvana’s “I think once everyone takes a We’ll go to the drag races or Indy at your songs and you have fi ve songs,” Dragge said. ” N e v e r m i n d , good hard look around and real- car races, skate or surf contests. or six songs that you like and you “We talk about doing a B-sides re- something that just goes, ‘Wow.’ izes that everyone looks the same Randy spends a lot of time with his start fi nding a theme of the album,” lease, but we never get around to it. When’s the last time we’ve had and plays the same style of music family, writing songs. Jim writes Dragge said. “[The new album] We have a ton of songs that are in that,’” Dragge said. “System of a and realizes that they don’t want to songs, spends time with his family, is all over the place thematically. their early stages and even some in Down: They are different and they be robots, then they’ll move on to surfs, goes to bars and gets drunk. We’re a little politics, a little bit of the fi nished stage but they’ve never have a crazy singer and an original something else,” Dragge said. “I I’ve been skating a lot lately and hope and a little bit of negative im- gotten heard and probably never fl avor and they are one of the big- don’t know what it will be; I can’t working on old cars and giving ages in life.” will.” gest bands in the world and I’m not imagine what will be shocking or some people tattoos if they bother The band’s previous album, With years worth of material, giving out any secrets when I say fresh at this point because every- me enough.” From the Ashes, was recorded in the band has to narrow their live that they are a good band. You have thing’s just been played to the gills. With no plans of slowing down, twice the time it took to record The set down tour after tour to accom- to dig pretty deep and in your own I mean maybe we’ll have rap-punk and members already working on Fuse. modate the classics as well as new back yard and fi nd people that are rock or rap music with super fast in- new material, Pennywise will con- The guys found themselves just material. The band does have their doing it because they love it, and fused punk or country-rap.” tinue to ride the tide of The Fuse. “letting it go” and trusting that the favorites to perform live. not because they want to be rock If rap-punk or country-rap takes “We’ve always had the underly- energy they packed into each day “There are a couple that really stars and on a major label and have off in the next few years, it’s safe to ing message of no matter what you would carry the album. stand out,” Dragge said. “‘Every 24-inch rims on their Hummer.” bet that Pennywise will once again do, you can get what you want out “It was really enlightening to Single Day’ has one of those break The allure of money can be not conform to the new “popular- of life if you’re willing to put the ef- just do it and go, ‘Wow that sounds downs and an ending that goes strong, but when the passion is norm” and continue to play the fort in and no dream is unreachable. good,’ and then move on,” Dragge completely crazy. With ‘Fuck Au- deeply rooted, it’s hard to break punk they set out to play more than We’re living proof of that,” Dragge said. “I really liked the album and thority,’ the energy of the crowd is away from what is cherished and a decade ago. said. thought it turned out really good ... huge because they can relate to it not become an industry robot. “All I know is that I like the mu- Pennywise will be performing at We were willing to let it go. It was and they just cut loose. ‘Bro Hymn’ “At this point we can’t really sic we play, I like to listen to our the House of Blues in Anaheim on an easier and more fun process than really has the most emotion to it change,” Dragge said. “We could albums and I like playing live,” Dec. 14 and 15. 6 MOVIE REVIEWS ‘Why We The Buzz Fight’ is NEW MOVIE powerful By BRYAN BARNETT Daily Titan Staff REVIEWS “Why We Fight” is the fi lm “Fahrenheit 9/11” should have been. While Michael Moore’s sub- jective style ambushed his point, Eugene Jarecki’s much more objec- tive fi lm drives the same point right FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES through the heart. Johnny Knoxville and Leonard Flowers star in “The Ringer.” Be sure to check the Web After main character, Wilton for a review and interviews Sekzer’s, son was killed in the Sept. Word 11 attacks, he e-mailed military with creators of “Tristram personnel to get his son’s name on a On The Web bomb headed for Iraq. After certain ‘Ringer’ set Shandy: A Cock and Bull facts came to light, Sekzer, a New York City cop and Vietnam veter- Story.” an, was forced to refl ect on whether he avenged his son or defaced his name. Jarecki uses a few Moore-like full of pranks tactics, such as exposing debatably immoral documents, but the movie By CARMELLIA MUNGUIA janitor, Stavi (Luis Avalos), who never feels irresponsible or fabri- Daily Titan Staff he befriends. Barker, afraid to hurt cated. He starts the fi lm with Eisen- Stavi’s feelings, offers him a job hower’s 1961 farewell address, in Peter Farrelly raises his arms, his mowing his lawn. While mowing which he warns against the rise of a shoulders sway and his pelvis jolts the lawn, Stavi accidentally loses “military-industrial complex.” forward. He tells the story of one of his four fi ngers and lands in the Most of the interviews draw a his funniest moments while mak- hospital with a $28,000 bill that connection between the Ameri- ing “The Ringer.” During fi lming, must be paid immediately. can government and the capitalist Johnny Knoxville pulled a prank Barker, feeling responsible for phenomenon of industry’s profi ts on co-producer Marc Fischer. Stavi’s misfortune assumes the re- from war. Fascinating people from On the set, Knoxville takes a sponsibility to pay for his surgery. around the globe give surprising cattle prod, comes up to Fischer Barker’s uncle Gary (Brian Cox), testimonials, especially the wit- from behind and sticks “it up his who has gambling debts to resolve, nesses to the Baghdad bombings. ass.” talks a remorseful Barker into join- They all add strokes to the big- While Farrelly tells the story, ing the Special Olympics as a men- ger picture Jarecki creates, one that Ricky Blitt, “The Ringer” screen- tally challenged athlete. paints America as a war-monger- writer, also known for the series During his two-week stint Bark- ing, capitalist society where no one “Family Guy,” listens and Knox- er’s mentally challenged competi- is willing to stand up and say no. ville secretly pokes his head in the tors wise up to his scam. However, But the best part about “Why We room at the Four Seasons in Bever- they go along with it in order to Fight” is that it doesn’t focus solely ly Hills. Knoxville knocks the hat beat the arrogant longtime winner. on America’s war with Iraq. It sets off his head and runs away. Far- Although the movie pokes fun out to fi nd the trends that ignite war. relly, accustomed to such antics, at, and indelicately handles ste- History plays a big part here. continues with his story. Knoxville reotypes, it also shows “normal” The wider scope of the fi lm gives shrugs his shoulder and laughs. people with their fl aws. it a deeper, more permanent feel, “The Ringer” is the story of This inspirational movie shows which is why it won the Grand Jury a modestly competent, but nice competent, witty and cynical peo- Prize at Sundance this year. character, Steve Barker (Knox- ple with mental challenges. After Even though “Why We Fight” ville) with a dull job. Bored Barker the fi rst 20 minutes of the movie, won’t be in theaters until January, works up the courage to ask his viewers aren’t sure whether to the relevance of this fi lm to America boss for a promotion that is un- laugh, but it becomes apparent that and its looming “military-industrial expectedly granted. Barker’s fi rst this crew pulled a well intentioned complex” is profound and timeless. assignment is to fi re the longtime fi lm together. MUSIC REVIEWS 7 System of Power Lloyd World Cowboy a Down It starts out clever enough. With a prelude The Buzz Hypnotize that evokes a 1950s fl ight attendant coolly say- Were we mesmerized ing “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the al- seven months ago? Yes. bum. Sit back and enjoy,” one would expect a medley of equally Are we hypnotized now? clever songs. Unfortunately for Power Lloyd, the songs on their Not really. Hypnotize, the new album World Cowboy, never really take the listener past any NEW MUSIC high school garage band practice. highly anticipated second CD from System of a Down’s double album Mezmerize/Hypnotize, For the most part, Power Lloyd sounds like a band that is about perhaps the band felt it simply had too much two years shy of making it on mainstream rock radio. The band great material to release all at once. Or perhaps obviously takes note from bands like The Strokes and Jet waiting six months was just brilliant marketing. There are a few bright spots. “Matching Luggage” is enjoyable, REVIEWS though the listeners never really fi nd out what the song is about. A single CD with half the songs and a snazzy title would have suffi ced. In fact, had the rock- With ska elements thrown in, the song could easily provide the ers and producer Rick Rubin edited Mezmer- background music for any teen movie’s “big party” scene. ize/Hypnotize down to one solid CD, they could “Dish” is another highlight on the album. With an interesting have claimed ownership of the best rock album intro that mimics new wave bands from the 1980s like Missing of 2005 with Mezmerize. Persons, the song also provides though inducing lyrics. Instead of continuing where Mezmerize left Power Llyod’s main problem is that almost all of their songs off, with brilliant mind-shattering songs, Hypno- sound the same. Maybe they found one style that they liked and tize sadly seems more like fi ller. Songs like “Kill were too afraid to venture out, but almost every song leaves the Rock ‘N Roll” and “Lonely Day” are average at listener wishing that they had just tried a little harder. best. Hypnotize manages to do what Mezmer- – Ashley Majeski/Daily Titan Staff ize somehow did not do – expose vocalist Serj Tankian and guitarist/vocalist Daron Malakian’s song-writing formula. The good news is that Hypnotize – in keeping with the band’s reputation – still has a few hard- hitting songs that mean something, with politi- cally and socially conscious lyrics far beyond the Flyleaf trash commonly heard on popular radio. Flyleaf Perhaps the greatest problem with Hypnotize is that after Mezmerize, fans simply expected an- Flyleaf, a new punk band on Octone records. other great album. Sadly, the band fell short this The band’s music is reminiscent of punk and WWW.SYSTEM OF A DOWN.COM time. Maybe next time they’ll stick to making hardcore rock bands from the early 1990s, with Hard-rockers System of a Down released Hypnotize. one great record at a time. heavy drums and guitar behind screaming vo- – Gabriel Fenoy/DailyDaily TTitanitan PhotoPhoto EditorEditor cals. In the band’s fi rst full-lenth album, common problems of fl edgling bands arise. They have not quite found a signature sound yet. The band has a sound reminiscent of Evanescence, with female vo- calist, Lacey Mosley on the microphone. Flyleaf does have potential with its heart-felt lyrics, which speak far beyond amateur level. The quality of a piece of music is not always gathered from the mu- sic alone; solid passionate words can revive dying sounds. With time, this band has potential to branch out and separate itself from other would-be punk bands. When Flyleaf brings its musician- ship up to the same level as the lyrics, it might just be a hit. Check out www.fl yleafmusic.com for more album information. – Stephanie Park/Daily Titan Staff 8 MAINSTREAM Cheap alternatives in LA, OC

By KIRSTEN ALTO neighborhood. Yes, that’s guitar [and] movies running behind electric art. There For the Daily Titan right, fake money. This event constantly from classics to are signs, vintage and new, can entertain for hours and is new releases,” said Gary Sa- and artwork from 24 artists A ticket to Disneyland completely free. hagen, chaiman of the mu- displayed in the Hollywood is $56. A ticket to Knott’s Curtis Theatre: Coming up seum. location. For only $3.50, stu- Berry Farm is $45. A night at at this 199-seat quaint theatre Going to Los Angeles? dents can have this unique the movies can be $20 with in Brea, a mere 3 miles from Live closer to Hollywood? experience. And, for a little popcorn and candy. Prices Cal State Fullerton, are live Just don’t mind a drive? more, you can also take a on popular events and attrac- theatrical performances all La Brea Tar Pits: This fa- tour around Los Angeles and tions in Southern California for under $20 for great seats. mous landmark may seem look at all the neon lights in are so much because people Get dressed up and go see a like something you’d only Hollywood, including the are willing to pay. live show locally for much go to on a third grade fi eld 150 vintage signs that Mona Students living on a bud- less than the $75 it costs to trip, but it can be and edu- has helped relight. get do not always have the see hits at the Pantages The- cational. For $4.50 students The Getty: The Getty Mu- luxury of endless amounts of atre in Los Angeles. can see fossils and artifacts seum of Art is so well known cash, but you don’t always Seal Beach Bay Theatre: from the area, look at time- and yet, barely anyone con- have to pay 10 bucks to see This movie theater shows lines and shop. Afterwards, siders going there for an af- poorly rated movies. classics such as “Citizen take a walk around outside ternoon. With tens of thou- Poker Tournaments: Texas Kane,” “Dracula” and some- and see the real tar pits and sands of art pieces, ranging Hold’em poker tournaments times silent movies accom- some dig sites where there from paintings to sculptures are so popular, they’ve even panied with the live organ. are skeletal remains being to furniture, the museum has replaced hockey on ESPN. Movies at this theatre cost discovered everyday. This six buildings fi lled with ex- You don’t need to be at a only $6 with student ID. part is free! clusive works of art. And if casino to play either. Find- International Surfi ng The Museum of Neon Art you don’t fancy art, go for PokerPal.com, PokerPal.org Museum: This Huntington (Mona): Yes, there is a mu- the modern architecture and and LocalPokerPlayers.com Beach museum is a far cry seum of neon art. Accord- the view surrounding the mu- will all tell you dozens of lo- from most museums. For $2 ing to its Web site, Mona seum. It will fi ll up the whole cal sponsored and non-spon- you can experience the past was founded 24 years ago to day, so plan to bring a lunch sored, real money and fake and present of surfi ng. show off art and educate the or eat at the onsite café. Did I GABRIEL FENOY/Daily Titan money tournaments in your “We have Dick Dale’s fi rst public on the cultural history mention the Getty is free? The Garden at the Getty offers beauty at no charge.