Arts

Arts

‘Ender’s Game’ succeeds as compelling sci-fi film

November 6

Classic novels have a long tradition of resisting successful film adaptations, and science-fiction stories are all the more challenging to remodel for the screen. In particular, Orson Scott Card’s 1985 bestselling novel “Ender’s Game” has a history of being called “unfilmable” due to its violence, heavy plot and author, whose bigoted politics have often overshadowed his stories. With all of these disadvantages, it’s even more surprising that this year’s adaptation of “Ender’s Game” succeeds as a lean, compelling and meaningful science-fiction film.

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Arts

Rapper M.I.A. takes artistic risks with new album

November 5

After releasing her first studio album in three years on Nov. 5, M.I.A appears to be back and better than ever. Her latest record, “Matangi,” showcases some of the same themes and styles that originally endeared listeners to the English-Sri Lankan rapper. Featuring compelling hooks and probing lyrics, “Matangi” is an exciting addition to M.I.A’s already stellar repertoire. With music that is irreverent and dripping with disdain for authority, M.I.A is clearly not trying to make friends or reach mass audiences with “Matangi.” Instead, the album is an exercise of pronounced resistance to the status quo through musical experimentation.

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Arts

Newbury Street gallery impresses

November 5

The International Poster Gallery — located across the street from Zara and French Connection on Newbury Street — provides visitors with breathtaking visuals and food for thought. The gallery was founded nearly 20 years ago by Jim Lapides, a businessman whose search for decorations for his home and office turned him into a collector of rare works of art — vintage posters.

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Arts

‘Prism’ fails to show musical maturity

November 4

If there is one thing that Katy Perry is known for, it’s certainly not delicacy. Her latest release, “Prism,” is a colossal disappointment that can only be seen as a blemish in Perry’s career and otherwise stellar discography. Skyrocketing to stardom with her 2008 single “I Kissed a Girl,” Perry branded herself as the peppy bad-girl with whimsical fashion sensibilities and an affection for the ’80s. Coming off of a failed career in the Christian music world, Perry jettisoned innocence for raunchy hooks and verses dripping with double entendre and innuendo — a tactic that worked spectacularly for the singer. Her debut “One of the Boys” (2008) was a strong, smart pop album that generated hit after hit, including “Waking Up in Vegas” and — arguably the best pop song of 2008 — “Hot & Cold.” At their core, these songs were simple and easy to love.

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Arts

‘Kill Your Darlings’ shines with captivating performances

November 4

The lives of the Beat Generation have been visited time and time again — not least by the Beats themselves — but “Kill Your Darlings” sets itself apart as a lively look at the Beats’ collegiate days and the violence and romance that defined their earlier years together. Propelled by captivating performances, director John Krokidas’ first feature captures the depth and darkness of these characters, but unfortunately falls prey to the very conventionality that the Beats fought so fervently against.

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Arts

Theater Preview | Comedy ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ showcases freshmen talent

November 4

Going to the opera is always an event, but never quite like in Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” (1986), Pen, Paint and Pretzel’s (3Ps) first-year show. “Lend Me a Tenor” is a story of much ado about what ultimately amounts to nothing, but the distance between the beginning and the end is not so much the basis of the show as is the journey from point A to point (again) A.

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Arts

TV Review | 'The Carrie Diaries' lacks imagination, believability

November 3

Those who stayed away from "The Carrie Diaries" for fear that it would merely consist of runways, catwalks, makeup, shoes and accessories were right not to tune in. The second season premiere proved to be just that - only with a lot more parties. But for fans who adored the glamorous components of "Sex in the City" (1998-2004) - the original HBO series upon which "The Carrie Diaries" is based - this opener more than quenched their thirst for a trip into Carrie Bradshaw's fashionable New York City life.

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Arts

Romantic comedy ‘About Time’ delights, charms audiences

November 3

Since the February release of the zombie love story movie “Warm Bodies,” romantic comedies have been largely missing from theaters in 2013. With “The To Do List” struggling to strike a balance between funny and raunchy and “Austenland” failing to effectively translate Jane Austen’s wit and humor from the page to the screen, the release of “About Time” is most definitely a refreshing and welcome change for the genre.

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Arts

TV Review | ‘The Carrie Diaries’ lacks imagination, believability

November 3

Those who stayed away from “The Carrie Diaries” for fear that it would merely consist of runways, catwalks, makeup, shoes and accessories were right not to tune in. The second season premiere proved to be just that — only with a lot more parties. But for fans who adored the glamorous components of “Sex in the City” (1998-2004) — the original HBO series upon which “The Carrie Diaries” is based — this opener more than quenched their thirst for a trip into Carrie Bradshaw’s fashionable New York City life.

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Arts

Arcade Fire succeeds in taking musical risks on fourth studio album

November 3

Once a band reaches a certain level of fame, it is typically left with two options for its new music — it can either replicate the formula that brought it the initial success or it can try to reinvent itself. “Reflektor,” Arcade Fire’s most recent release, falls into the latter category. This riskier approach can sometimes lead to musical disasters — bands may accidently create turkeys that alienate their original fans and generate disappointing reviews from critics. Yet, when a band manages to move successfully in a new direction, it can create true magic. “Reflektor” is a prime example of just that.

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Arts

Romantic comedy 'About Time' delights, charms audiences

November 3

Since the February release of the zombie love story movie "Warm Bodies," romantic comedies have been largely missing from theaters in 2013. With "The To Do List" struggling to strike a balance between funny and raunchy and "Austenland" failing to effectively translate Jane Austen's wit and humor from the page to the screen, the release of "About Time" is most definitely a refreshing and welcome change for the genre.

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Arts

Interview | Aziz Ansari discusses growing older, political correctness

October 31

Aziz Ansari, an actor and comedian most known for his starring role in NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” (2009-present), recently spoke with the Daily in a press conference call to promote his standup comedy special, “Buried Alive,” which premiered this morning on Netflix. In “Buried Alive,” which was filmed at the Merriam Theatre in Philadelphia this past April, Ansari jokes about his fears of adulthood and parenthood as he turns 30 years old.

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Arts

Concert Review | Fitz and the Tantrums deliver poor showmanship at House of Blues

October 31

Fitz and the Tantrums and Capital Cities drew large crowds to the House of Blues on Monday night. Throughout the concert, the bands exhibited two stage presences as different as their songs.

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Arts

Concert Review | Fitz and the Tantrums deliver poor showmanship at House of Blues

October 31

Fitz and the Tantrums and Capital Cities drew large crowds to the House of Blues on Monday night. Throughout the concert, the bands exhibited two stage presences as different as their songs.

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Arts

Theater Review | ‘The Power of Duff’ pushes boundaries, explores socially relevant topics

October 29

“Religion is the neglected and deluded stepchild of logic and reason,” character Scott Zoellner, a news director, explains in a critical scene in Stephen Belber’s “The Power of Duff.” A local production of the play — directed by Peter DuBois for Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company — deftly explores the role of religion and spirituality in ostensibly secular America.

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Arts

TV Review | ‘American Horror Story’ continues to thrill

October 29

Ever since the first season of “American Horror Story” debuted in 2011, creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have offered audiences an amalgam of disturbing introductions, music, characters and storylines — all of which occur in equally alarming settings. “American Horror Story: Coven” — the FX show’s third installment — is no exception.

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Arts

Campos-Pons exhibition displays identity, heritage

October 28

An innovative and unique exhibition by artist Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons is currently on display at the Tufts University Art Gallery.

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Arts

TV Review | Season four premiere of ‘The Walking Dead’ thrills

October 28

About 16.1 million people tuned in on Oct. 13 to see the fourth season premiere of “The Walking Dead” — and it’s easy to see why. The show’s successful combination of genres has made it incredibly popular, despite setbacks in storytelling during the second and third seasons.

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Arts

English producer Kwes delights with solo album ‘ilp.’

October 27

Every now and then, a musician emerges who has the ability to create a fusion of diverse sounds with a fresh and original twist. Such is the case with producer turned solo-artist Kwes in his debut album “ilp.”

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Arts

‘12 Years a Slave’ is a powerful must-see

October 27

Every so often there is a film that critics rush to proclaim as not only an outstanding piece of work but a landmark in cinema. The buzz has been deafening for director Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” since its screening at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival in September. Having drawn numerous comparisons to “Schindler’s List” (1993) and already being hailed as a lock for Best Picture nominee and even winner, the central question remains: does it live up to the hype?

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