Arts

Weekender | Film: The forgotten art

Sometimes we forget film is an art. With mindless flicks flooding the cinemas every weekend, herding us there in eager droves, it can certainly be difficult to remember this fact. We're often content with explosions and recycled jokes, and there's nothing wrong with that, per se. But once in a while it wouldn't hurt to widen our scope of cinematic interest and absorb film as many filmmakers have intended for it to be absorbed: as an art.

Substance unsurprisingly lacking in 'Real Housewives' reunion episode

Season five of "The Real Housewives of New York City" wrapped this Monday with Part II of the season's reunion. This is an episode fans looked forward to, giddily anticipating half?hearted - or heartless - apologies, quick zingers and a parade of Louboutins and statement dresses. But this season's reunion left us wanting more. It felt like the reluctant gathering it probably was, as none of the women seemed particularly interested in rehashing old problems or reopening wounds.

The Artsy Jumbo | Junior artist Mia Greenwald explores printmaking

Mia Greenwald has been interested in art since before she can remember.

Drama Program's 'Our Private Lives' reworks dark subject material in English-language debut

Megan Clark | Where's the Craic?

Filmed in 2006, "The Wind That Shakes the Barley"(2007) is a nuanced study of the national and social factors behind the Anglo?Irish War and the Irish Civil War.

Interview | 'Words Words Words' with Bo Burnham, guest at Tufts last Saturday

Affleck's 'Argo' perfectly blends historical fiction with action

Senior Rashad Davis explores intersection of sci-fi, race through art

Muse takes step backward with 'The 2nd Law'

Joe Stile | BASSic

Concert Review | Boston Symphony Orchestra shines under Marcelo Lehninger's conducting

Boston Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor Marcelo Lehninger directed an outstanding rendition of PyotrIlyich Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" at Symphony Hall on Oct. 4, despite his overly extravagant conducting style. It was a refreshing return to Tchaikovsky since Lehninger's failed performance of the composer's Sixth Symphony "Pathetique" last fall.

How to Dress Well releases instant indie classic

R&B continues to infiltrate the world of indie music, with bands like the xx listing Aaliyah as a major influence and Frank Ocean rising to superstardom with his pensive tracks. How to Dress Well's second album, "Total Loss," furthers this phenomenon by using the R&B framework to create an artistic and somewhat challenging work that has become an overnight indie classic.

Inauthentic 'Taken 2' falls short of its predecessor

Every few years, that special kind of film comes around - the kind that, despite being indistinguishable from other movies in its genre, still manages to become a hit. It's the kind of film that will be quoted and watched repeatedly, with its absurdity enjoyed rather than ridiculed. "Taken" (2008) was that kind of film. Its sequel, however, has missed the mark altogether.

Elizabeth Landers | College Chic Report

The outskirts of St. Petersburg fulfill every notion you've ever had of a former communist country: cruise ship?like buildings of monolithic proportion and approach, with identically cut windows, traffic circles flowing around forged metal temples that pay homage to Swedish?Russian battles from the 19th century and even an airport split in half by domestic and foreign?bound flights. The periphery's appearance reflects the ever?evolving steps being taken towards modernization.

Seven Psychopaths' is black humor and it knows it

It's hard to review writer/director Martin McDonagh's latest film, "Seven Psychopaths," without comparing it to his feature debut, "In Bruges" (2008), another black comedy starring Colin Farrell. While there are vast differences between them, such as setting, plot and the level of humor, certain themes pervade each film that, when compared side?by?side, make the two appear quite similar.

Kaleidoscope Dream' is dreamy, articulate, mature showing from artist on the rise

Miguel's second album, "Kaleidoscope Dream," avoids the current R&B trends of Euro?pop flavorings and House infusions pushed by artists like Usher and Justin Bieber. Instead, Miguel's sound is closer to R&B's earlier masters like Sam Cooke, which is why his new album is so incredibly refreshing.

The artsy Jumbo | Junior Richmond brings stage designs to life

Film Profile | 'The Choice 2012' turns politicians back into people

Sara Gardner & Mae Humiston | Let's Talk About Food

Glee' still in tune at fourth season's start