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Features

FEATURES

Potter enchants

Agnes Soriano
June 3, 2004

In the third installment of the movie series, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) casts an enchanting spell on the audience once again in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." Harry returns for his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, accompanied by his best friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). At the same time, convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), who is supposedly connected to the evil Lord Voldemort, escapes from the Azkaban magic prison. Everyone, from the professors to students, is on high alert until he is found. Based on the book series by J.K.

FEATURES

Aerosmith album redeems band

Megan Frye
June 1, 2004

Three reasons to hate Aerosmith (as if we needed more): "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," "Jaded" and "Just Push Play." Anyone who has good taste in music holds quite a grudge against Aerosmith for using their dubious title of "Best Hard Rock Band" in order to make horrid musical compilations that have topped pop charts around the world.

FEATURES

Group steps up with 'Hidden in the Lowlands'

Megan Frye
May 20, 2004

"Hidden in the Lowlands," the new release from Lansing-based roots quartet Steppin' In It, is the perfect example of why the band has begun to gain national recognition. The band has performed all over the country, including on special roots radio programs - an opportunity that has allowed the band to gain an even-larger fan base. The release of "Hidden in the Lowlands" will give those fans exactly what they want - great sounding roots music from independent musicians. The album starts out on the right foot with a cover of Mississippi John Hurt's famous and suggestive tune, "Candy Man." The soft guitar and smooth vocals of Joshua Davis do the age-old song justice. Davis' vocals on "My Setting Sun," along with the simple guitar chords and descriptive lyrics make the song a perfect ballad about love lost.

FEATURES

'Shrek' sequel offers as much to adults as kids

Megan Frye
May 20, 2004

With a few exceptions, sequels usually leave you wanting your money back when you exit the theater. "Shrek 2" is different. Even better animation than the original, the same unique characters who made you fall in love the first time, along with some new ones - "Shrek 2" will impress and entertain the young and the old. The newest computer-animated blockbuster from DreamWorks, "Shrek 2" picks up right where its predecessor left off, and in most cases is even more creative and humorous than the first.

FEATURES

Pitt leads 'Troy' to top of 'must see' list

Megan Frye
May 18, 2004

The new blockbuster epic film - "Troy" - overflows with great acting, fantastic action scenes and the incredible aesthetics of the actors and scenery. Starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom, the film is based on the Greek writer Homer's epic poem, "The Iliad." The film chronicles the last battle of the lengthy war between the Greeks and the Trojans.

FEATURES

Summer blockbuster review

Megan Frye
May 18, 2004

Summer has arrived in Hollywood. Last year's blockbuster season gave the release of such hits as "The Hulk" and "Bad Boys II." Summer 2004, which by the Hollywood calendar has already begun, will be no different.

FEATURES

'Helsing' doesn't scare

Megan Frye
May 17, 2004

A lot of film critics have ripped "Van Helsing" to shreds on the premise that it is ridiculously goofy. Some of the negative words used to describe the movie - unbelievable, cheesy and lacking any serious content whatsoever.

FEATURES

WEB ONLY: Theater briefs

Joe Guillen
April 30, 2004

If finals are bringing you down next week and the regular release of stress by way of munching out or watching movies is boring you, then check out some live local theater to revamp and revitalize your senses. • The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company will put on their last show of the 2003-04 season, "The Laramie Project," starting at 8 p.m.

FEATURES

Excessive film going never stops teaching

Since January, I can't even count how many movies I've seen. I've seen 15 of the films presently in theaters, which means that I've spent an estimated 30 hours sitting on my booty in a movie theater, analyzing, welling up, rolling my eyes, laughing, jumping, trying to stay awake.

FEATURES

Hip-hop films debut at 'U' free of charge

Megan Frye
April 28, 2004

Art comes in all different forms, from sculptures and oil paintings to graffiti and headstands. The Scion Screening Series aims to educate people on the art and lifestyle of the hip-hop culture with recent and classic films. Tonight's film, "The Freshest Kids," is an in-depth look into the 25-year-old world of break dancing and the b-boys and b-girls who participate in it.

FEATURES

WEB ONLY: MSU graduate makes debut on Fox's 'O.C.'

Amy Davis
April 28, 2004

Webberville native Christopher Showerman will be making a splash on Fox network's smash hit "The O.C." tonight. The 1992 MSU graduate is best known for picking up Brendan Frasier's role as George of the Jungle in the 2003 sequel to the 1997 Disney movie "George of the Jungle." Tonight's episode, titled "The Strip," airs at 9 p.m.