pageeight AROUNDTOWN Freaks and Geeks’ humor dated Seventh in a series

younger brother, Sam (John Francis Daley)— to journey outside of the world she knows. Man, so they clearly have developed acting wwUzma Ahmad a prime target for upper-class bullies—is Daniel, realizing his rotting potential, searches skills not in evidence in Freaks and Geeks. News/Wire Editor beginning high school along with his friends, for outlets to prove his worth. The geeks— With five different directors and eight writers, the “geeks.” who are surprised when Daniel accepts their the series lacks continuity, and the dialogue The “freaks” are punk-rock loving invitation to a game of Dungeons & Dragons— often seems forced and full of non sequiturs. Airing 1999-2000, Freaks and Geeks is troublemakers. They smoke cigarettes under the are baffled by what they hope is an emergence However, compared to current school-related a single season, 18-episode television series bleachers and behind the school and throw big from geekdom. shows such as ABC Family’s The Secret Life of that depicts life in Chippewa, MI—a fictional parties where everyone comes together to drink The season closes as Lindsay—despite an American Teenager and the CW’s Gossip and do drugs. Daniel Desario (James Franco) rigorous encouragement by her parents and Girl, Freaks and Geeks is superior at depicting is the dreamy and rebellious bad boy. Nick counselors—secretly rejects the acceptance the reality of high school life. Unlike those other Andopolis (Jason Segel) is the music-loving to an intellectually elite summer program at shows (and modern updates of 1990s programs drummer who later goes on to date Lindsay. the University of Michigan. As the final scene such as the CW’s 90210) in which drinking Other “freaks” include Ken Miller (Seth Rogen) fades out, she is seen getting off the bus to the and sex are exaggerated to flashy, perverse and and Kim Kelly (Busy Philipps). summer camp and instead joining her burnout glorified degrees, Freaks and Geeks presents a The “geeks” include Neal Schweiber (Samm friends to follow a tour of a famous band that more accurate portrayal of the feel and look of Levine), Bill Haverchuck (Martin Starr), Millie she comes to cherish. teenage life. Furthermore, the actors on this show Kentner (Sarah Hagan)—Lindsay’s nerdy and Although Freaks and Geeks was nominated actually look like teens—with their wacky hair, highly religious former best friend—and others. numerous times for writing, cultacting and directing classics big glasses, regular clothes, zits and youthful With their oversized glasses and high-hitched awards and even went on to receive an Emmy faces—not adults trying to appear younger, a la pants, the “geeks” struggle to survive through for Outstanding Casting, I failed to connect the aforementioned CW sleazefests. dodgeball games during gym and confrontations with the series, a fact that might have more to Although the show found much positive with bullies. do with me than with the quality of the series. response from both viewers and critics, its allure As the season progresses, the story unfolds Perhaps, if I had been a teenager in the early proved to be short-lived, as it was cancelled as characters increasingly become stereotypes 1980s or if my personal experience were more after just one season. of their respective groups. Lindsay, under the freaky or geeky, I would have related more to Criticism notwithstanding, watching this cult influence of the “freaks,” ditches school, tries the characters and/or would have appreciated classic proves to be a perfect way to reminisce marijuana for the first time and has awkward the humor. I just did not find the series that about both the 1990s and those good old high meetings with the school’s guidance counselor. funny. school days. The rest of the burnouts are surrounded by Furthermore, the Emmy nominations comical situations with teachers, issues with aside, the acting performances of the cast are suburb in Detroit. Centered on teenagers relationships and trouble with their studies. merely adequate. Franco, Rogen and Segel in Freaks and Geeks attending William McKinley High School in Spoiler alert: readers who plan to rent particular have gone on to star in blockbuster the early 1980s, this comic show chronicles all the DVD series should skip the next two comedies such as Pineapple Express, Knocked the typical high school trials and tribulations: paragraphs. Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I Love You, DVD drugs, drinking, disconnection from parents, As the season came to an end, each acceptance and bullying. character—whether “freak” or “geek”—seems The season opens as Lindsay Weir (Linda to be moving on to a new phase in his or her life. Novel channels Austen Cardellini), the school’s number one “mathlete” Nick, who began as a disco-hating punk rocker, transforms from a proper girl to a rebellious starts to broaden his interests and indulge situations. tomboy as she begins to hang out with the cool, himself in disco dancing competitions. Kim, wwAdriana Zalloni However, Ellie does eventually fall victim to slacking “freaks.” At the same time, Lindsay’s who rarely ventures outside Chippewa, decides World Editor a monotonous, repetitive life, always seeming to fall for the wrong guy, frustrating the reader as Marilyn Brant’s debut novel, According (s)he reads the novel. Brant could have avoided Sainthood proves divine to Jane (Kensington Books, 255 pages) is a lull in the story by making her failures at love an uplifting and erudite tale of one woman’s less frequent, but nonetheless, her cheery tone struggle to find love and happiness while For example, in “Northshore,” the pair angrily keeps the reader interested. w Hillary Lindwall channeling Victorian author Jane Austen. Brant cleverly weaves in allusions to some w addresses an ex: “Don’t stay / Don’t plan / The story begins in protagonist Ellie Barnett’s Managing Editor Don’t heal / Don’t mend / Don’t take / Don’t of Jane’s more famous novels, such as Pride sophomore English class, when Ellie hears and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma, send / Don’t love me, don’t love me, don’t love a “tsk” of displeasure directed towards Sam Tegan and Sara Quin’s latest album, Sainthood, me.” This subject matter, to which everyone can making it easy for Austen fans to enjoy the Blaine, the cute bad boy who has been giving quirky comments. the pair’s sixth studio release, dropped Oct. 27, relate, along with the upbeat, bouncy tune and Ellie a hard time since kindergarten. Confused, much to the delight of their modest following. chorus makes the song one of the best on the Ellie questions the origin of the voice, which Sainthood is an album full of mystery and album, along with “Hell,” “The Ocean” and responds, “I am Jane Austen.” From that playfulness at the same time. The first track “Northshore.” moment on, Jane makes herself at home inside on the album, “Arrow,” begins with an almost While many of the songs on Sainthood Ellie’s head. harsh guitar and synthesizer sound, making the begin with a simple guitar line, the melodies of Jane’s first and most frequent piece of advice song seem a little eerie from the get-go. The each song are so different and memorable that is to stay away from Blaine, whom Jane dubs song seems to be full of holes, which keeps the the album never becomes monotonus. as Ellie’s “Mr. Wickham,” the antagonist of listener wondering when they will be filled. This Furthermore, even though the Quins are Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This proves happens about a minute into the tune, finally siblings and their voices are similar, the listener impossible, however, as their paths continue to satisfying the listener’s craving. can tell the difference between songwriting cross as life brings them together and tears them None of the songs on Sainthood are styles. Even though one cannot be certain apart. complicated. They consist only of the voices which sister wrote which song just by listening Brant employs an unusual narrative method of one or both of the sisters, guitar, percussion to Sainthood, it is obvious that some songs were that interrupts the plot after Ellie’s sophomore and a synthesizer line here or there. That is written by Tegan while others were written by year but returns to that period at the points at part of the reason why their music is so easy to Sara. The differences are subtle at points, but which Ellie and Sam meet in their adulthood. digest. Along with the crystalline production, they are prevalent. Their relationship unfolds in a series of Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla, the spare Additionally, the listener stays engaged flashbacks as Ellie continues to mature with the instrumentation offers nothing to muddle the by Tegan and Sara through their lyrical choices. help of Jane’s witty comments and wise advice. sound or the lyrics. Although love is the overarching theme, the She dates a series of men, but never seems to The twins compose infectiously catchy tunes metaphors used to describe romance range from find the perfect one. Each is a stock character: and their minimalist lyrics do not overwhelm arrows to alligators to a red belt, a technique one who is in a relationship, one who is not the music, allowing the hooks to stick in one’s that undercuts the potential monotony of the committed, one who fears marriage, one who head, inducing repeated listens. singular topic. cares too much, one who turns out to be gay and As identical twins, Tegan and Sara’s Overall, Sainthood is a success. It is an one who will continue to break her heart. Through it all, Ellie must learn about love harmonies are symbiotic and often flow together album that gets better every time it is played, The flashback format is effective in as one, the effect of which is that upon hearing with new meanings discovered and new and herself in order to find true happiness. maintaining suspense, as the plot would be Brant crafts According to Jane in a manner the tune, the listener concentrates on the overall background melodies and choruses noticed, all spoiled if the reader knew what occurred in sound rather than parts of the whole. That gives of which bear repeated examination and keep that leaves the reader laughing out loud and Ellie’s senior year that sparked the fire between wishing Ellie the very best for the future. the album an organic flow that engages the the listener on his/her toes. Sam and her. audience. From the beginning of the novel, the reader If there is one knock on the duo, it is that Tegan and Sara is captivated by Ellie’s personality, revealed in According to Jane virtually all of their albums are dominated by the brutally honest conversations she has with songs that feature lyrics about love—found or Jane. While sometimes Ellie seems to resent the lost—and Sainthood is no exception. Getting Sainthood advice, it does help her get out of some serious Marilyn Brant back at an ex-lover seems to be a favorite theme. AROUNDTOWN pagenine

WestWord Zemeckis produces Christmas delight Present (you guessed it, Carrey), appears as a The changed Scrooge orders a giant turkey for Carrey’s acting can be hit-or-miss, but in w Sofiya Pershteyn jolly giant. He takes Scrooge to see the poor but Tiny Tim’s family, goes to his nephew’s party this film, he is remarkable as he is able to play w Staff Writer happy family of his clerk and that of his nephew. and finally lets himself experience happiness. multiple roles seamlessly, employing different Scrooge feels compassion for the Cratchits’ The movie’s happy ending leaves the audience voices to express the varying emotions of all poverty and feels attached to Bob’s crippled with an uplifted and optimistic mood. the characters that he plays. Old pros Firth and At first glance, it may seem that an animated yet joyful son, Tiny Tim (Ryan Ochoa). In his The movie can be experienced in both Oldman hold their own beside Carrey’s scenery- version of the Charles Dickens classic A nephew’s house, Scrooge 3D and conventional formats. chewing performance. Christmas Carol produced by Disney would observes as Fred’s Although animated, the minute From the mature dialogue to some scary be filled with watered-down characters, kid- friends make fun of him, details, such as old Scrooge’s images of death, this version of A Christmas friendly lines and even cheery songs. but is surprised to hear facial imperfections and slight eye Carol gives the audience the authentic story. However, as directed by Robert Zemeckis his generous nephew movements, make each character While some scenes, such as when Grim (Back to the Future, Polar Express, Forrest make a toast in his good appear almost as real actors. Reaper’s hand appears from the wall to grab Gump), this version of Charles Dickens’ classic health. As the Ghost of Motion capture technology makes Scrooge, may be frightening for children, this tale actually stays true to the original story, Christmas Present ages each character seem authentic and movie is recommended for the whole family to which is a work of biting social criticism. before Scrooge’s eyes, life-like. The action scenes, such watch together. At this particular showing, the The story begins with the death of Ebenezer he warns Scrooge that if as when Scrooge is flying over audience was mixed, consisting of kids with Scrooge’s business partner, Jacob Marley (both nothing is changed, the London, take the viewer for a ride their parents, teenagers, and even the elderly played by Jim Carrey). With the exception of fate of Tiny Tim looks as well. couples, all of whom seemed to enjoy the his contact with his loyal clerk Bob Cratchit grim. As the ghost’s final Although the Dickensian movie. (The Dark Knight’s Gary Oldman) and kind moments draw near, language might confuse some Overall, Zemeckis’ determination to stay true hearted nephew, Fred (Mamma Mia’s Colin two disfigured, human- theatergoers, the script’s faithful to the original story and not to shy away even Firth), Scrooge spends seven years in virtual like creatures, Greed adherence to Dickens’ novel from the sometimes gruesome details, as well social isolation, rudely insulting anyone who and Want, spring from allows the characters to be easily as its dazzling visual effects, makes Disney’s A dares to bother his peace. underneath his robe and relatable and believable, despite Christmas Carol stand out from all other past On Christmas Eve of the seventh year, mimic Scrooge’s past the fact that the movie is animated remakes. Scrooge is visited by Marley’s spirit. Tied uncaring comments and the dialogue is sometimes down with chains, Marley warns Scrooge that about humanity, which Dickens based on the stilted. A Christmas Carol if he does not change his harsh outlook on life, beliefs of the British aristocracy during the 19th Cinematographer Robert Presley’s unusual he would end up a restless spirit as well and Century. camera angles from the top, bottom or side of informs Scrooge about the three ghosts that will The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, the the room amplify the action sequences and visit him after Marley’s departure. final ghost, appears to Scrooge as a Grim- make the characters appear more realistic. Robert Zemeckis The first ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Past Reaper-like shadow. It shows Scrooge his death (Carrey again), appears as a bright candle in and the uncaring attitudes of all his neighbors front of Scrooge. He takes Scrooge through about his demise. The ghost then chases the Play offers unique experience his childhood Christmases as a lonely boy, a repentant Scrooge through the city until he finds satisfied adolescent, a disappointed and finally his own grave. As he starts to feel himself being as a bitter, greedy, isolated old man who chooses pulled into his tomb, he wakes and realizes that actually more unsettling than entertaining. money over caring for his wife. he is back at home on Christmas morning. wwHillary Lindwall Additionally, although the audience was The second ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Managing Editor forewarned in the program, there were several earsplitting gunshots that took place on the From the moment this reviewer walked stage. Because the audience was essentially LM offers chic dining experience down the steps into the basement of Lake seated onstage, this reviewer is surprised that Forest’s Gorton Center, it was evident that she can still hear anything at all. Citadel Theater’s Murder in Green Meadows Although most plays are two acts long, The soup has a nice, thick consistency that kept was going to be a different kind of play. Murder in Green Meadows’ pair of vignettes wwHira Malik this patron wanting more after the soup was Having opened on Nov. 6 in the Grotto, the seemed to drag interminably. A contributing Around Town Editor finished. The lobster has a thick crust; however, theater space in the Gorton Center, the play factor may have been the back pain experienced Arriving at Lincoln Square’s newly opened after the first bite, the lobster melts in one’s by Douglas Post is performed on Thursdays, by this reviewer from having to sit in a metal LM restaurant, this patron was immediately mouth. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. as well as folding chair for two hours, but the main reason drawn in with the intimate lighting and beautiful LM also features two types of salads ranging Sundays at 2 p.m. is that there is hardly any action. décor. ($6-$8). The baby spinach salad ($8) consists The Citadel Theatre Company’s stage is not It is ironic that the play is set in a home The waiter welcomed this reviewer warmly of pear and spiced walnuts, accented by red what playgoers expect. Rather than a raised because had this reviewer known that she would and promptly brought the menu, which featured wine vinaigrette. The mixed greens salad ($6) stage with auditorium-type seating, the stage at watch dull scenes such as a one-ended, pointless a moderate variety of appetizers ranging $10- is a vegetarian’s delight. This salad consists of the Grotto is level with the audience, who are phone conversation, she could have stayed in $20 and from which the tuna tartare ($13) was shaved cucumber, grape tomatoes as well as seated on padded folding chairs. her own domicle rather than shlepping out to chosen. balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The Grotto is such an intimate venue that Lake Forest. Many such scenes and sequences A choice of multigrain and white bread with LM provides an extensive variety of if one of the roughly 55 audience members could have (and should have) been cut. butter preceded the appetizer; however, the entrée choices, ranging $20-$27. The entrées’ extended a toe, (s)he would come in contact Also, although most of the actors portrayed presentation entices, with delectable sauces with the stage. their characters well, Pond stumbled over his drizzled over the meal as well as different The story begins one morning in the new lines more than once. This detracted from the vegetables to augment the dish. home of Thomas (Andrew J. Pond) and Joan viewing experience, breaking down the fourth The pan roasted poussin ($22) was (Jessica Lauren Fisher) Deveraux when their wall and inducing this reviewer to remember extremely delectable. The chicken was new neighbors, Jeff (Michael Jay Bullaro) and that she was at a play rather than taking a very well cooked, very soft and broke off Carolyn (Susan Steinmeyer) Symons, stop by to glimpse into someone else’s life. the bone with ease. It had a savory taste, welcome them. Additionally, the troupe did not seem to complemented by the bed of mushrooms on Thomas, a successful architect and local have much chemistry. If the two women which the chicken rested. contractor, actually designed Green Meadows, were to switch roles, this might help, because Most entrées come with a type of the subdivision in which both couples reside. Steinmeyer, who plays a mother, might be vegetable as well; the pan roasted poussin A friendship between the couples is quickly better-suited to play a seductive murderer than was augmented with French gnocchi. formed. However later in the play, it is discovered Fisher, who have turn seems more suited to play Desserts range $8-$11. The tarte that Joan has had a few issues in infidelity in a mother. tatin was the special of the day and this the past and that Thomas may have murdered Overall, Murder in Green Meadows should reviewer’s choice. A simple apple tart, the her previous lover. Their tense marital situation be viewed as a unique experience rather than French cuisine delights reviewer. dish was mouth watering nonetheless. does not improve when Thomas later discovers a satisfying theatrical production. The unique Photo by Hira Malik Overall, while LM’s chef needs to order that his wife and his new neighbor, Jeff, have venue rescues the otherwise subpar production, from a different bakery and work on toning been having an affair for about six months. keeping the audience members invested long bread was difficult to consume, for its crust was down the tuna tartare, dining at LM was an After this is uncovered, Thomas, whose after their attention otherwise would have too hard. experience to repeat. character seems truly insane, tells his wife that waned. The tuna tartare’s taste belies the beauty LM is located on 4539 N. Lincoln Ave in she must kill Jeff as a show of loyalty. Several In short, Murder in Green Meadows is not the of its French description. Wrapped in a crispy Chicago. For more information, call (773) 942- twists and turns later, a murder is committed best play ever performed, but how often does an audience member get to sit about a foot away outer shell, the tuna is moist and its presentation 7585. and it is set to look like an accident. was exquisite, but it is very fishy. Its scent is Murder in Green Meadows has only four from the action of a play? oppressively strong, and because of that, it is cast members which, combined with the small not that appetizing. Along with a strong scent, it stage and the proximity of the audience, makes has an extremely peppery aftertaste. LM the viewing experience intimate to the point of Murder in Green Meadows The rest of the starters are more palatable. claustrophobia. The restaurant offers yellow split pea soup ($8) As the characters in the play become more as well as lobster bisque ($9), which is delicious. 4539 N. Lincoln Ave twisted, this reviewer felt that the play was Gorton Center pageten AROUNDTOWN New FIFA 10 fall deserves yellow card opportunity to press a button that displays the of differences between the two games. For unsurprisingly, it looks almost the same as w Rexly Penaflorida II player running around with the player’s hands example, from what I have seen, there really is televised soccer games. The newest feature on w Editor in Chief above their head, sliding onto the ground or not a lot of progression for the player in FIFA the graphics category is the Gameface. With performing a back flip. Other celebrations are 10 in terms of speed, agility or others traits the this mode, players can have their own faces on With the World Cup only a few months possible as well, but they can only be unlocked make the player better on the field. Temporary their pro in the game. From personal experience, away, soccer fans cannot help but be excited as the player progresses in the game. boosters for such traits can be purchased from This reviewer can tell you that the process is for the upcoming spectacle. Fortunately, the EA Store that is in the game, but there somewhat lengthy. First, the player has to go EA Sports has released FIFA 10 to feed the is no permanent progress in traits. Also, on the EA Sports website and import a picture hunger of the fans. The game takes soccer an unnecessary feature is the fact that of the front of their face and the side of their to a whole new level with better controls, a most of the pro’s different clothing and face. Next, the program will render a digitized new mode and even the chance to have the shoes are locked and can only be unlocked version of the players and that can take about player’s face in game. through the player completing a set of 10-15 minutes. This reviewer’s face took 22 If there is one thing that should be improved challenges. There are many challenges minutes to complete, but that could be blamed on in every sports game, it is the controls. in the game, but attempting each one on Internet connectivity. After that, the player FIFA 10 is no exception. While most of the almost seems like fitting a square peg then has to put final touches on the player such controls are the same as its previous titles, in a round hole. The progression of the as skin tone and eye color. It is very accurate, there are some improvements. For example, pro is based on the number of stars that however in my case, it looks out of proportion. holding down the L2 button and moving they have. One star means that they are It could be because the body of the player is the right analog stick in different directions virtually unknown while five stars signify built while the head looks like a hot air balloon. can allow the player to perform tricks with the player’s reputation among the greatest It does not mean that the blame should be on the ball. This comes in handy when a player players ever. While five stars seem like a the game, but rather on the player and their face is trying to get around a defender in order small amount for progression it actually dimensions. to score a goal. Plus, it also gives a little seems like an eternity. I have only earned Overall, the game is fun to play and the chance flair to the game when it is seen on replay. two and a half stars but I have been given of replay the game over and over again is very Another great improvement on the controls the title of fan favorite and my pro has high, but there is a point where it just becomes is the play commands that can be given been playing in the “first team” or major boring. There are no unexpected events that during the game. Pressing up and down on team of the club. The game is fun for a happen that forces the player to change their the directional buttons brings up a display while on Be A Pro mode, but after the gaming strategy. A team member could receive that shows different plays that the team can first season, it gets boring and there is no a red card and be forced out of the game, but it use. It is like an audible, except in involves reason to continue unless the player wants really makes no difference, especially when the a huge movement in order for the play to more stars. player is winning by one goal. From playing its work. Pressing left and right will determine The least-flawed part of the game is the predecessors, FIFA 10 clearly was a big step in how much the player wants their team to be graphics. Each stadium is unique and it the franchise. Unfortunately, the game does not offensive or defensive. However, I do not looks exactly like its real life counterpart. stay true to most of the hype that surrounded it. see a big change from a balanced play to an ultra Playing an exhibition match or managing a While it may look the same in each stadium, the offensive play. Even though the play controls team can become really boring. Luckily, Be A field is always great to look at. Just the immense FIFA 10 might need a little bit of work, the controls for Pro mode throws in a little variety. This mode size of the field in high definition can stun the celebrations might be the cherry on the cake. is similar to the Madden franchise’s version player. The broadcast camera allows the player Whenever the player scores a goal, (s)he has the of Superstar Mode. However, there are a lot to view the game as if it was on television and Multiple Systems