Entertainment Eric Momou, Entertainment Editor Sierra Gillespie, Production Assistant ‘The Box’ unique, but not in a good way film. Arthur and Norma Lewis, Steward, an older gentleman When Arthur gets home, uninspiring performance. Sierra Gillespie played by James Marsden and who is seemingly normal with Norma explains the rules to Langella supports the cast, Production Assistant Cameron Diaz, live a suburban one exception: his face. His left him, and together they decide playing the eerie Mr. Steward to life for the most part. Arthur cheek appears to have been their fate. a tee. His calm yet unrelenting REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars is a scientist for NASA and badly burnt, revealing several “The Box” is a science-fiction character raises the quality Norma is a teacher at the of his teeth through the side thriller, but it is somehow of the film, though not nearly A mysterious box shows up private school where they of his face. Mr. irregular and set apart from as high as other films of this on your doorstep. You cannot send their son. the other films of that genre. nature. get into the box; all you can see At the start of the film, It cannot quite be labeled as Though “Button, Button” is that there is a button inside. Arthur fails to receive the a horror film either, though it lends its general plotline to Hours later a man arrives at promotion he was expecting, has aspects from that category “The Box,” the film and short your home, unlocks the box and Norma’s boss announces as well. story are incredibly different. and gives you an ultimatum. that the faculty at her school Though Diaz headlines The film adds an entire new You can leave the box alone for will no longer be provided the film, stepping out of her storyline, one of which did not 24 hours and continue living free tuition for their children. standard romantic-comedy, need to be included. your life normally, or you can Because of these devastating even so much as speaking “The Box” has an important press the button, which will financial setbacks, the Lewis’ S t e w a r d e n t e r s with an accent throughout message, though somehow that kill someone you have never have a different mindset when the Lewis residence and the entire film, James Marsden is not what is memorable about met, but grant you one million they receive the box. explains the rules of the box captures the spotlight. the film. With the exceptions dollars. What would you do? The doorbell rings at 5:45 to Norma. Despite being typecast as of Marsden and Langella, the The main characters in “The a.m. one morning, waking If the Lewis’ press the a supporting actor, Marsden acting is mediocre at best and Box,” based on the short story up the family, that ventures button they will receive a shows off his skill in “The the story is confusing. “Button, Button” by Richard downstairs to answer the million dollars, but someone Box,” only his third leading Though decent, “The Box” Matheson, are faced with that door. No one is there—just a they do not know will die. role, unquestionably stealing will only be remembered as dilemma. small box, and a note saying Throughout their entire the show from Diaz. He an unclear story without a The film takes place that Mr. Steward will arrive at conversation Mr. Steward portrays countless scenes resolution. in a Virginia town in 1976, 5 p.m. that evening. is polite, straightforward with drastic emotion, drawing Still the film brings up one represented by the cliché attire At 5 p.m. that evening Norma and charming, yet somehow the attention toward him and ever-present question: would worn throughout the whole answers the door to find Mr. mysterious and sinister. away from Diaz’s unoriginal and you press the button? School lunch falls short Refreshing music Sophia Schmidt Café, Combo Owl City’s sophomore album successful and À la carte was the number one song Columnist Meghan Caulfield choices seem Columnist purchased on iTunes. like they The song “Dental Care” REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars would provide describes unsure feelings enough food REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars towards dental hygienists Lunch is the one part and variety and is an upbeat masterpiece. of school to which most from which There is an aspect of “Vanilla Twilight,” also students look forward. It students can music that lifts your heart, featured on Ocean Eyes, is a time to relax, talk with p i c k . W h e n lights up your eyes and puts is a bright and witty love friends or quickly catch up on C h e f K r i s ’ your head in the clouds. song. The song is serene homework. S p e c i a l i s Adam Young, vocalist, and undisturbed. The However, there are several three-cheese Sandwiches with cheese are not a viable choice for composer and lyricist of lyrics clearly state how problems with the school’s t o r t e l l i n i lactose intolerant students. (Photo by Kelsey Rudisill) the one-man electro-pop love can make you feel and lunch program. After standing and the fried band, Owl City, does just this. take you to a greater place. for 15 or more minutes in food consists of pizza and option of paying three dollars Young started off sharing “The Bird and the Worm” the line, I can finally enjoy cheeseburgers, where is a for a sandwich containing one his music on MySpace is a lively song about finding my meal. School lunches are lactose intolerant athlete piece of meat and cheese. and quickly gained a the person with whom you convenient, but without food supposed to eat? There is also the option of supportive internet fan base. are meant to be in love. that fits the needs of students, Another aspect of eating at side salad that would keep me This young artist from “Umbrella Beach” is a touch is it worth it to buy lunch at school is the lack of options for full for around thirty minutes. Minnesota hit the scene more techno than the rest of the school? people with diet restrictions. I The food lacks sufficient two years ago and released his album, sounding more Every day there are different was recently diagnosed as protein and fiber to keep his debut album, Maybe I’m like “The Technicolor Phase” choices from which to pick. lactose intolerant and there athletes full from lunch until Dreaming. Since then, he from Young’s first album. Chef Kris’ Special, Classic are very few options for me after practice. quickly released two singles, The track “Meteor Shower” t o c h o o s e A few years ago, to keep one full-length album and one is calm and peaceful with its from without students eating healthfully EP. His most recent album, poetic lyrics. The remix and d a i r y. F o r the lunch program decided Ocean Eyes, was released original versions of the catchy vegetarians, to start “No Fry Fridays.” Yet in July 2009. Ocean Eyes track “Hello Seattle” are both there is only the lunch service continues to includes the well-known song, featured on Ocean Eyes. “ P a s t a B a r serve burgers, pizza, nachos “Fireflies,” which features Owl City’s song “Sunburn” Monday” for and corn dogs. It is almost Matt Thiessen from Relient K. is also on this season’s them to rely impossible to eat healthfully Owl City’s music is cheerful soundtrack for the CW on to get a during school lunches. The and electronic, slow and television show “90210.” m e a t - f r e e service does offer a bagel as a melodic, but still positive Owl City will be on tour meal. Choices healthy alternative. However, and quick enough to make this winter with LIGHTS d e v o i d o f according to MSNBC.com, you want to get up and move. and Deas Vail. They will be d a i r y a n d white deli bagels can have up Young’s music combines visiting venues throughout meat would to 380 calories in them without clever lyrics and beats similar the United States starting help school any cream cheese. to those of The Postal Service. in December, including an l u n c h e s The quality of some meals As with all of Owl City’s already sold-out show at b e m o r e are enjoyable, but food starts songs, “Fireflies” is filled the Majestic Theater in enjoyable for to run out as the lunch period with lyrics that enchant you Pizza, one of the few options at lunch, is an unhealthy Madison. everyone. goes on, there are high prices like a child’s imagination. choice for students looking for a healthy lunch. (Photo There is the and few healthy choices. At one point, “Fireflies” by Kelsey Rudisill) Page 10 The Purple Sage November 18, 2009 Entertainment Top 5 effective ways to spread sickness sneeze is going to go. Then all walk to get a fork or spoon with the number five best way sneezing in the open air, Sophia Schmidt of a sudden, you get the idea! alone. Eating off of potentially of spreading swine flu. making germs more easily Columnist Your hands! Every thing you sick people’s utensils is an 4. Do not cover your cough. accessible by others. If boredom strikes you touch afterwards will have easy way to spread swine Turning the head instead of 5. Come to school sick. during class, sit and listen the bacteria on it so anyone flu. Sharing drinks and eating masking it in the sleeve of a Staying home is relaxing, but to all the coughs, sniffles and who touches it then touches utensils passes the virus the shirt or in a tissue can make the makeup homework is too sneezes that are emitted. their eyes nose or mouth will same way kissing everybody the spread of H1N1 easier. By much of a bother. Instead It is disgusting how many be infected with whatever you does, but if you want to spread coughing out into the open, of falling behind in grades, people have been infected may have. Oh that sounds like the virus the fastest, sharing it makes the virus airborne coming to school contagious recently or currently are a great idea. utensils is more of a culturally so the virus can land on any is the next best option. infected with a cold or possibly Sneezes have been known to accepted and comfortable surface and be easily touched Plus, coming to school worse, the dreaded swine flu travel up to 100 miles per hour. way. by any other healthy person. sick shows toughness, how (also known as H1N1). If you If you choose to not cover the 3. Do not sleep. Not getting Coughing into bare hands is not even a contagious and love listening to this rhythm sneeze at all, sneeze straight enough sleep weakens the better than not covering the potentially dangerous virus of “a-choo, cough, sniff,” then forward so the particles immune system. With a cough at all. This way, after will stop you from living your here are the top five ways to coming from your infected weakened immune system it spraying your germs into your life. Being able to learn while spread flu to others. mucous membranes can travel is easier to catch H1N1 and hands, you can go around sick is questionable, but 1. Sneeze into your hands wherever they please. then spread it. Staying up late touching other surfaces to going to school shows that or in the open. You feel the 2. Share drinks and eating playing Farmville or watching leave the virus there to be at least you tried to share sneeze accumulating in your utensils. At lunch it can be very reruns of “Next” is way more picked up. your disease with everyone. nose; you have a split second difficult to stand up and get important than being healthy. Not covering a cough has to figure out where your another fork, or even worse, Not sleeping will also help you an effect similar to that of

Daughtry: nothing special Eric Momou with the intent to regain it. It seems as if Entertainment Editor the musician himself had reminisced about several marital arguments and conveyed them continuously to the listener, oblivious 2.5 out of 5 stars REVIEW to the fact that he had been stricken with a A concert was recently held at the Alliant bout of amnesia. Energy Center, put up by Daughtry, along Daughtry, although commendable in with other hit bands. the skillful use of only four instruments I only knew so much about Chris Daughtry, during his performance, might well have like the fact that he was third place in incorporated different instrumentals and American Idol in 2006. After witnessing the vocalists. A point to his music that I find concert, I am fully aware of Daughtry and monotonous is the use of just his voice. His his musical stylings, be it anything from the tones are repetitive, and it would do well creative essence of his music to the wholly upon the ears of the listeners to incorporate unoriginal basis on which he plays. the other accompanying guitarists. Like many of his predecessors, Daughtry But I am optimistic. His style is upbeat. has derived his talents from such artists as The notes are memorable—engraining in Nickelback. Of the unfortunate points, his the mind. Lyrically, the prose is heart-felt, tone is strikingly reminiscent to Staind. striking a few heartstrings. In my opinion, Though making use of electric guitars the words of a song are the core—the soul. and a drumset in his concert, his music If the beat is catchy, but the premise of was anything but basic. Daughtry’s music the music is empty, I dislike it. However, can hardly be classified amidst the lacking Daughtry’s music, thematically, is relatable. sentiment of many bands that have resorted Songs like “Life After You,” although mellow, to the cliché love theme. are reflective, sentimentally harnessing the Possessing a memorable quality in several timely lessons of life. songs such as “What About Now” and “Life Noise is the hollow, empty opposite of After You,” the music is noteworthy for music, of which little can be said about its authentic acoustic nature. Yet, like sentiment and harmonic value. By no many singers of the day, there appears means is Daughtry noise. The truth though to be an aspect to his music that borders about Daughtry’s music is that, given time, mimicry. The echoing resonance that marks as it has been endowed, the audience might Daughtry as particularly characteristic is well increase to initial skeptics like me. borrowed from Nickelback. His constant Daughtry’s popularity is understandable gruff inflection is derived from Breaking considering the quality of music. That in Benjamin’s song “Diary of Jane.” itself must be attributed as unique. I fear that eventually, his music will bore Given the ever-increasing fandom of not only me but an eager audience. At Daughtry’s music, his ensemble of hearty times, the sultry airs tended to drain on. vocals will swiftly ascend him up the ladder Preachy, it derives its singsong vocal in the of the industry. In due time we will find the form of repetition. I muse now that each growing popularity to his music will be “no Comic by Luke Thering song was ideologically the same: love lost surprise.” November 18, 2009 The Purple Sage Page 11 Entertainment Upcoming releases in the gaming world definitely be worth checking out. are just as cool as before. You can now of the new features I could. The music Josh Heath “Modern Warfare 2” dual wield pistols, and the killing streak has a blues tone on it now, since the Production Assistant The game came out November bonuses will be different. But they game takes place in southern United There is one entertainment medium 10. It had the single-biggest opening retain the experience point system States, spanning multiple states. The that has been growing for some years day ever, selling 4.7 million copies from CoD 4, except now perks can be visuals have increased greatly; the now: video games. I, being a resident and gaining $310 million, beating its upgraded to a “pro- version.” Infinity characters are depicted with better video game player, have picked three predecessor “Grand Theft Auto IV.” Ward has not said exactly what that is, resolution: this time no flat faces and big titles coming out this month to I am just going to go on record as so your guess is as good as mine. bare surfaces. preview: “Assassin’s Creed II,” “Modern saying I had a blast clocking in way Now the big point was the weapons. Warfare 2” and “Left 4 Dead 2.” too many hours online “Left 4 Dead 2” Before, the survivors could only carry in “Call of Duty The first “Left 4 Dead” was, possibly, one main weapon, one or two pistols, “Assassin’s Creed II” 4.” I built one of the best zombie games ever a health kit, explosive and pain pills. “Assassin’s Creed” numero uno made. Valve really knows what they Now there are more pistols, more was a smash hit both critically and are doing. main weapons, melee weapons (which commercially, selling over eight million With four sympathizable and can be used instead of pistols), a new copies as of April 2009, according to comical characters, a variety of explosive, an adrenaline shot and a the game’s developer, Ubisoft. guns and levels, and defibrillator, all of which can be useful And although it received much praise accordingly. from critics, there were some who Also, there were five special infected. pointed out the game’s shortcomings. Now that number is up to eight. The game itself became rather And these new guys mean business, repetitive, combat-wise and visually. blending into the new setting with Certain segments of the game, along the old members still proving their with mandatory cut scenes, really point. And the A.I. Director, namely slowed down the pace. who controls the level rank and the “Assassin’s Creed II” will vastly rigor of enemy aggression, has been improve upon the first game. Instead improved. He can change the weather, of having only five to six mission placement of doors and even reward types, there will be around 14-16 this the players for taking longer or more time around. The hiding places will be specific classes, got special patterns hoards and hoards of zombies, what is difficult routes. improved. for guns and really just had a fun time. not to love? And with this sequel, the After playing the demo a second time, Instead of just hiding in haystacks, And the single player was solid, taking game play experience has increased in this time on advanced difficulty, I knew benches, or rooftop gardens, the water me about seven fun-filled hours to awesomeness dramatically. that this was a must-buy. I went to the and other places will now be available. complete. “Modern Warfare 2” will only This is the only one of these games midnight release on November 17 to And the enemy Artificial Intelligence improve upon this. with which I have had any hands-on purchase this fine piece of mind-rotting (A.I.) will be heavily added too. They From the trailers and game play experience. The demo was released entertainment. And, as with the other will search hiding spots, be better at cuts I have watched, it is technically onto Xbox Live on November 3. And, two sequels mentioned here, this lives combat, and be higher in numbers. proficient. The character models I have to say, the first play through up to the pedigree of its predecessor. All of that, along with numerous are more developed than before, the was cautious. I picked to play as Nick, I am sure all of these will go on to be extra weapons and even vehicles in scenery is luscious and the lighting the shadowy con-man with witty great, maybe even cherished. this sequel, “Assassin’s Creed II” will effects are nifty. The guns in the game retorts to everything. I looked for all

‘Evil’ bookthrough not his disguise bad unless he Upcoming concerts Laura Meeker Graphic Artist lets them (with one unfortunate Rob Zombie Nov. 19, 2009 The Rave exception). Milwaukee The low expectations serve him well REVIEW2.5 out of 5 stars until he attempts to enter the race for LMFAO Nov. 21, 2009 The Rave class president and finds that winning Milwaukee The recent release by Josh Lieb, through deception, coercion and sly writer of “The Daily Show with tactics does little to earn the respect The Books Nov. 30, 2009 Majestic Theatre John Stewart,” does not lie when of his classmates and father. Madison it calls the main character, Oliver, Winning by default, his only reward a “genius of unspeakable evil” in is reaping a piteous downfall. So, Oliver Boombox Dec. 3, 2009 Majestic Theatre “I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and endeavors to achieve a goal more Madison I Want to be Your Class President.” impossible than conquering the world He is a bona fide genius, the type or inventing thousands of brilliant Weezer Dec. 3, 2009 The Rave that turns drinking fountains into soda inventions: winning a middle school Milwaukee fountains if he presses the right stain on election—fairly. the bubbler. Having a secret accessible The book is very funny, told from the Cheap Trick Dec. 9, 2009 Northern Lights Theater chamber through his bedroom, the point of view of a boy who does not Milwaukee sequence can be noted as reminiscent care if he sounds insulting, but has an to “Dexter’s Laboratory.” emotional edge to it. It is well written Bruce Springsteen Dec. 10, 2009 Civic Center To be fair, the bizarre and brilliant with descriptions that make you think Madison inventions and ways to exercise his of your own teachers or classmates. mind feel unreal, but Oliver is no The writing is similar to Lieb’s Taylor Hicks Dec. 11, 2009 High Noon Saloon ordinary seventh grader. writing on “The Daily Show,” but Madison He ruthlessly judges his parents, meaner. The aforementioned tone of classmates and teachers and finds the book makes it even more fun to Shinedown Dec. 11, 2009 The Rave the only beings he is fond of are his read. However, it is very confusing Milwaukee large, past-her-prime mother and his as to why the book is sorted into the dog, Lollipop. If these were the only Independent Readers section, because JJO Dec. 11-12, 2009 Barrymore Theatre characteristics of the boy (the third it certainly is not the kind of thing one Ho Ho Show Madison richest person in the world, he might would want kindergarteners to read. add), the story would seem boring and The book is a clever, hilarious monotonous. but short novel and is certainly Steve Aioki Dec. 12, 2009 Majestic Theatre Madison But Oliver pretends to be incredibly worth reading. Lieb lived up to my Sources: www.ticketmaster.com; www.eventful.com stupid and slow, and no one sees expectations. Page 12 The Purple Sage November 18, 2009