PAGE 8A
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015
1. +
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
SEE MOVIES PAGE 5
Wars" adventure with a much better sense of humor
THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL/AMERICAN EMPIRICAL PICTURES
—and the result is pure awesome. All five members of the ragtag crew of rogues bring unique ingredients with their own zesty flavor to this perfectly paced, visually splendorous joyride. The action thrills, the comedy is memorably hilarious and the wonder "Guardians of the Galaxy" provides makes you feel like a kid again. There's enough heart to hit your soft spot too, especially with the lovable tree-man Groot.
5. Boyhood
"Boyhood" is a remarkable experience, not just because it was filmed over the course of 12 years - allowing you to see the family onscreen literally grow up - but because rather than feeling like a movie or a documentary, it feels like real life. The film is like watching memories of your entire adolescence play out in front of you. Every segment is utterly relatable whether you see yourself, or someone you knew, in the various moments, they all ring true. Additionally, it's a comprehensive pop culture nostalgia trip, naturally incorporating cultural signifiers from each year to sublime effect. And while the third act gets a bit too angsty for its own good, it's just mirroring reality.
4. Whiplash
Have you ever noticed the blazing power of a drummer in his element, playing on a more gripping performance level than the rest of the band? "Whiplash" turns that vivacity into the most intense thriller of the year: a battle at a relentless music conservatory between a young drummer (Miles Teller) striving to be one of the jazz greats and the scariest, most ferociously merciless
teacher (J.K. Simmons) in cinema history. It sharply captures the harsh cost and resounding drive required to become the best. Fiercely edited as the violent tension climbs in each fiery confrontation, "Whiplash"culminates in a nerve-shattering 14-minute finale that will knock you out.
3. The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson crafts his own playhouse of endearing quirks, heartfelt storytelling, vibrant visual style and a giant ensemble of enjoyable actors in his best film yet. The detailed narrative follows a prestigious hotel's magnificent concierge (a whimsical Ralph Fiennes) and his lobby boy protege embroiled in a wild adventure after stealing a famous painting and impeding a villainous family's pursuit of their vast inheritance. It's a quick-witted and hilarious romp at every turn that feels like a beloved storybook for adults brought to exuberant life. No film in 2014 offered as much unadulterated fun as "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
with exacting precision and brilliance as a suburban housewife (Rosamund Pike) disappears and her disingenuous husband (Ben Affleck) becomes the prime suspect in the ensuing media frenzy and investigation. "Gone Girl" cleverly, incisively comments on the resentful ugly side of marriages and the court of public opinion while delivering a visually compelling, superbly acted and devilishly entertaining experience.
2. Gone Girl
The institution of marriage undergoes a caustic, stinging dissection in David Fincher's mesmerizing, deliciously twisting mystery thriller. The narrative unspools
1. The Raid 2
Calling "The Raid 2" one of the greatest action movies ever undersells the heart-racing achievement of this Indonesian martial arts masterpiece. Taking shape as a sprawling (and sleekly satisfying) crime syndicate epic, it's populated by vividly memorable baddies and an unstoppable undercover cop fighting his way through them with devastating speed and brutality. The astonishingly staged, unfilching action sequences make your eyes widen and stomach tighten, reaching unthinkable levels of exhilaration with whirlwinds of violence that elicit more shouts of awe than most comedies can produce laughs. A movie this energizing truly makes you feel alive.
SEE MUSIC PAGE 5
Tame Imnala - TRA
Edited by Hannah Barling
Tame Impala - TBA
Tame Impala will be releasing its third album sometime in 2015. The psychedelic rock band is influenced by music of the 1960s and 1970s. In 2012, the band released its second album, "Lonerism" and was met with positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Along with nearly every other album on this list, there's no release date yet.
Chance the Rapper and the Social Experiment Surf
Since the 2013 release of the universally acclaimed "Acid Rap," Chance the Rapper has been experimenting with his sound quite a bit. He has moved away from the soulful sounds of "Acid Rap" to a much more experimental style which has received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Despite the underwhelming tracks Chance has released thus far, fans should have high hopes the new
project. Expect this to release in the coming months.
The xx - TBA Jamie xx—TBA
After The xx's stellar 2012 album, "Coexist," the xx is currently in studio working on its third studio album. The indie pop group is known for its minimalistic sound and fans should expect the album in 2015. Jamie xx, a member of the band, has recently announced that hed have a solo album in 2015, along with The xx's upcoming album.
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter V To be blunt, Lil Wayne hasn't been that good of a rapper over the past few years. His lyrics were once filled with clever punchlines and metaphors, but recently they've been lazy and uninspired. Shortly after "The Carter V" was announced, Wayne tweeted that he was going to be taking rap seriously and try harder with his
music. In 2014, Wayne had a great year and proved he still had it, releasing great singles such as "Believe Me" and "D'Use." Despite a recent label dispute, "Tha Carter V" is still schedule to release sometime in 2015.
Purity Ring - TBA
Purity Ring - TBA The electronic Canadian duo, Purity Ring, is hard at work on a new album. The pair has already released the first single to the album, "Push Pull", and the album is on track to be released in early 2015.
Frank Ocean -TBA We haven't heard much from Frank Ocean since his 2012 debut "Channel Orange", but he's reportedly been in the studio working on an upcoming album. There's very little known about the album as of now, other than that it's expected to drop in 2015.
Edited by Cecilia Cho
KANSANNEWS
YOUR GO TO FOR THE LATEST IN NEWS
BEST BEER PRICES
in town
$12.88
$21.88
NOW LEASING AUGUST 2015
A HOME TO FIT YOUR NEEDS
http://www.midwestpm.com/
785.841.4935
f
C