- C A M P O ' S L I F E -

Film Reviews & News -- If not Latest, then Greatest

Crazy Heart & Leap Year bracket new offerings
by Tom Smeeth ... Jeff Bridges strums up awards circuit; Amy Adams romps control freak in new Rom-Com. Two distinctly different 'road' films - one heralds the heart of old-style country western inner journey with easy mastery of Bridges at his career best with Maggie Gyllenhaal sparking an at-odds November-June romance, the other features breezy Adams 'working it' as a take-charge modern woman on an oddball roadtrip across Ireland to propose to her equally stiff shirted boyfriend with laconic Matthew Goode the reluctant local boy as road companion.
... In Leap you get attractive Celtic scenery in formulaic effort with spots of humor and romance. With Crazy you get heart - an intimate cinematic investigation of the human landscape with backing heavies like T Bone Burnett, Stephen Bruton, among many others (EG, strong supporting roles Robert Duvall, and subdued Colin Farrell) - the film quietly hits all notes that haunt you. Adams, Goode & Co strike some laughs and surprises but it's candy that won't last.
... That's the outline of several new flicks to hit local screens - trying to wrest attention from Avatar, who have already made their money back (more than $350 M USA, $1.2 B global). Click Crazy Heart, or Leap Year - for link film sites & previews.

- N O T E - Turn your clocks!! Last Sunday 2 AM

Welcome Fall Back!
... Fall is here now, REALLY HERE.
... It's next to Winter Quarter - So,
,,, ,,,, how do you plan to Thanks Give?

- C A M P O ' S L I F E -

Unwrapping Christmas release, It’s Complicated
By Tom Smeeth... Get the DVD.
Deliciously decadent. Sleekly seductive: Streep is stupendous, Baldwin ballsy.
... There you have it – suitable for printing. However, be forewarned: All superlatives are apt descriptions for the new Streep-Meyers vehicle, an entertainment experience that will have you laughing in the new Christmas Day film, It’s Complicated. You may struggle with some ethical choices the characters make – but they provide for the ride. It’s a fun romp to enjoy vicariously! See it in a full theater audience roller coaster ride.
... By final credits, everyone gets taken through the ringer. Meryl Streep lets loose, lets it fly, and watch out! Alec Baldwin holds his own throughout the movie, which is pretty darn good. Martin and Kraskinski score big, too. ... While in the end, it’s not really all that complex, Complicated is definitely fun. ... For full review, see comment.... www.itscomplicatedmovie.com...

- A C A D E M I C S - G R A D E S

... Grades are in... ... not all students are happy with what Santa brought. This reporter experienced it first hand in my Acting 121 class with Dawson Nichols. After attempting to clear the matter with Dawson I find myself in the awkward position of having to petition the Dean to review my grade. In an email I received from Dawson today, he threatens that I should not attempt to revisit my grade or he may lower the grade further. Here is his text from the email. . .

"If you’d like to talk about your grade next quarter I’d be happy to do so. I would caution you against it, however. I feel that I have been lenient with you and extremely generous with this grade. If you would like me to revisit it I reserve the right to adjust it down as well."

... I find the implied threat offensive and unprofessional. I will be meeting with the department head on Monday and will let everyone know what happens. . .
... ... - Matt Harrison, Editorial board

- N E W S - SAC Leader Steps Down

Received by THE POLARIS, addressed to North Students -

For personal reasons, I have decided to resign from my position as director of the student administrative council. My time here has been a great learning experience which I value very much. I am proud of my team here and have complete confidence that they will continue their great work after I leave. We are currently making plans to fill the position and will have a new Director in place at the beginning of winter quarter. Please know that I appreciate all of your support that you have given myself and SAC and I hope you all have a happy holiday!

Sincerely, Alexis Baranov

- N E W S - C R I M E

Richard Blake was the NSCC gunman who fired off AK-47 rounds on August 28th 2009, prompting a three hour closure of I-5 from 130th ave to Lake City Way. Here is a video with some of his My Space photos on it. - Matt Harrison, Polaris staff

On December 2nd, 2009, The Seattle Times reported that Blake entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court.

- F E A T U R E S -

Fire Rips Taproot, Land at Stage One through end of year
By Tom Smeeth
... Nothing parallels the story of the classic American move, It’s A Wonderful Life, quite like the nightmare lived by those who steer the local Taproot Theatre Company who faced devastation in a fire that swept their premises October 23 last year.
... How fitting that the resilient company of thespians were able to take over Stage 1 to mount this classic tale of human triumph over trial and tribulation. It's as special a story s to how Taproot was taken in by North’s own Stage One Theatre. It is after all a story of spiritual renewal through family, community and the values that withstand the test of time – and of inexplicable tragedy that might otherwise bring any of us to the brink. For the full overview, see Comments.
Visit Taproot's website.