REVIEWS
Brokeback Mountain
MOVIE
The understated and mournful film, *Brokeback Mountain* based on Annie Proulx's short story, tells the story of a love between two cowboys that survived but could never flourish, due to prejudices, inner fears and society. Heath Ledger plays Ennis Del Mar, a withdrawn man who speaks in a baritone ruff mumble Jake Glyenhaal playing Jake Twist, a loquacious young dreamer. Both actors give outstanding and mature performances. While herding sheep together one summer, the men pass the time by talking about their pasts, goals and girlfriends while falling in love. After their first intimate encounter, both Jack and Ennis firmly say they are straight but soon find themselves in each other's arms. Their watchful and gruff owner abruptly halts their summer job and with it their burgeoning
relationship. Once down from Brokeback Mountain, Ennis and Jack go their separate ways, marry their sweethearts and raise families but nevertheless still long for each other.The effects of their love affair have tortuous and ruinous effects, causing each marriage to slowly unravel. The film's real heartbreak is told through the eyes
of Ennis's quiet but suspecting wife,
Elma. Michelle Williams gives a gut wrenching performance as a lonely and deserted wife who knows she isn't wanted.
Heath Ledger gives a superb performance in his transformation into Ennis. His gruff speech, lazy strut and wrinkled pained eyes describe a man
afraid of his own passion, who ultimately suffers under his own fears. Jake Gyllenhaal brings out his character'sdisappointment and frustration seamlessly. The scenery is stunning and vast, a perfect backdrop to such emotional turmoil. Brokeback Mountain's two biggest flaws are its sluggish pace and under-development of Ennis and
Jack's relationship, in the beginning. This emotional film depicts a love whose secrecy haunts and nearly suffocates all participants. But mostly, it displays the agony and ecstasy created in the silence of unspoken words.
Sarah Tucker
Prince of Persia:
GAMES
The Two Thrones
Once again, the Prince of Persia has returned for another great game. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones has brought back the mechanics that made the first two in the trilogy so great. Creators brought back the puzzle mechanics
from Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and have kept the Free Form Combat System of Prince of Persia: Warrior Witin.
Also, the addition of the Dark Prince character makes the game more interesting. In essence, it makes the Free Form Combat better for handling mobs. However, with his always-depleting life, it makes platforming more difficult. Players don't have time to look over the landscape and get a feel of where they want to go. it's like being chased by
the Dahaka while knowing instant death is near you if you don't keep moving. The Dark Prince adds to the feel of the game. His constant hassling of. the Princeof Persia adds colorful commentary to the Prince's trials and tribulations.
With the addition of the Speed Kill system, it gives players another choice of how to play the game. They can utilize the Speed Kill system to dispense enemies quickly, giving tactful advantages, or they can choose to ignore and engage in Free Form
combat. Players have more freedom to choose how they want to play the game.
The Two Thrones combines the mechanics that made the first two games popular, making it a terrific ending to the Sands of Time Trilogy. It is a must-have for both fans of the series and platform gaming fans.
★★★★★
Chris Moore
MUSIC
THE STROKES First Impressions of Earth
Once you think that you finally got the catchy hooks, groovin' guitars, and toe tapping beats of The Strokes' last album, Room on Fire, out of your head; there are fourteen more tunes to get stuck in there long after you get out of your car or turn off you ipod. The Strokes' latest release, First Impressions of Earth, maintains the velvety smooth, uber-cool sound that characterized their last two albums, but this time they seem to have acquired a bit of a harder edge.
With their first single, "Juicebox," it becomes obvious that this is a grittier album. It still has their identifiable style, but it's often louder and faster. However, all the songs don't necessarily follow
in this mood. The album does some exploring as the band meanders between synth-string medleys ("Ask, Me, Anything"), guitar intros that are reminiscent of joy Division ("Killing Lies"), and even a less raspy Tom Walks style drunken slurring ("15 Minutes"). For each song still retains the sexy old school classic rock stylings that are The Stokes.
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JAYPLAY 01.26.2006