Arts

James Barasch | Barasch on Books

Welcome back from winter recess, everyone. Hopefully you had an opportunity to catch up on some great reading. The new year inevitably brings in a batch of historical biographies, and in my next two reviews I examine new biopics on two important figures: Karl Marx, the founder of one of the most influential socio−economic−political movements of the 20th century, and George Kennan, arguably the greatest grand strategist of the American Cold War.

Holt's three-dimensional installations defy conventional exhibition

Art has traditionally been thought of as a two-dimensional, individual experience; indeed the term "art" itself often evokes the image of a solitary viewer looking at a flat painting hanging on a flat wall. Artist Nancy Holt seeks to defy that perception by forcing her audience to engage in an entire landscape, extending art out of its standard, rectangular canvas into a living, three-dimensional environment.Unfortunately, this interactive aspect of her work is lost at her Tufts University exhibition. Because many of Holt's pieces are large-scale, outdoor installations assembled in remote locations, the gallery is forced to use photographs and videos of these projects to display them. Although these substitutes can still provoke interest among visitors, they are ultimately incapable of capturing the true visionary grandeur of some of Holt's more prominent productions.

Lo-fi heroes Vile and Moore put on introspective performance

Though they were born generations apart, there are many similarities between the music of fellow long-hairs Kurt Vile and Thurston Moore. Their emphasis on lyrics and lo-fi production make them perfect tour partners. 

Glacial pacing limits scares in 'The Innkeepers'

Despite its slow pace, "The Innkeepers" manages to keep audiences engaged. The film focuses on dorky hotel employees Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) as they work the last weekend at the spooky Yankee Peddler Inn. The inn is closing for good on Monday, so this is Claire and Luke's last chance to find proof that the hotel is haunted. Luke's previous encounters prompted him to create a website and record any of the hotel's strange happenings. Claire begins to document bizarre occurrences like a piano playing by itself. Inspired by her findings, she works harder to find more evidence and makes contact with the hotel's spirits with the help of one of the inn's last remaining customers, Lee (Kelly McGillis). Lee's healing psychic abilities are the perfect aid to Claire, whose quest is not just to find ghosts, but also herself.

Even in winter, Boston offers many options for the ice cream aficionado

Dreamlike exhibit throws viewers into bees' world

Young comedy's dynamic cast, fresh presentation guarantee 'Happy Endings'

The Old Republic' boasts varied gameplay and rich lore

"Star Wars: the Old Republic" (SWTOR) was released to the general public on December 20th and was met with incredible success and acclaim from both casual and hardcore gamers alike. Notable for its nostalgia and incredible gameplay, this massive multiplayer online role playing game, or MMO for short, takes players back to the days of the original Xbox game, "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic,"(2003) upon which the newest title is based. Somehow, SWTOR manages to stay true to its roots, while at the same time expanding into a vibrant new universe.

Dull writing, unlikeable cast ruin Showtime's 'House of Lies'

Don Cheadle is a fantastic actor, so when Showtime debuted its new pilot, "House of Lies," starring none other than the "Hotel Rwanda" (2004) celebrity himself, one might have thought magic was in the making.

Extremely Loud' is extremely melodramatic

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' concludes with all-too-real tragedy, leaving viewers wanting more

Two-Timin'' is proof that blues will never die

Up All Night' tackles familiar topic with wit, candor

Strip-T's serves up gourmet food without the pretension

Experimentation can't save 'Resolution' from redundancy

Elegance, simplicity define the gospel-tinged 'Come Sunday'

Charlie Haden and Hank Jones' latest album, "Come Sunday" proves simplicity often says it best. Both jazz artists have enjoyed incredibly rich careers that have included collaborations with some of the most famous musicians of the 20th century, ranging from giants like Keith Jarrett and Ornette Coleman to "Cannonball" Adderley and Tony Williams. 

After six seasons, '30 Rock' starts growing stale

While NBC's "30 Rock" used to be one of the most clever and cutting-edge shows on television, it has lost much of its bite in recent years. The one-liners have become increasingly dull and the show can't seem to reach the high levels of excellence it once achieved regularly. Now entering its sixth year on the air, "30 Rock" has understandably begun to decline somewhat in quality, especially as the characters' behaviors become more and more predictable.

The Flowers of War' values pretense over substance

With the largest production budget in the history of Chinese cinema, totaling $90 million, director Zhang Yimou was given the task of revisiting the atrocities committed in Nanking during World War II. His challenge: translating his interpretation of the horrific event to the big screen. 

Timid hosting and predictable results mar Golden Globes

Award season is gearing up yet again, with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Oscars all right around the corner. This past Sunday, Ricky Gervais kicked things off in a lackluster fashion while hosting the first big awards ceremony of the season, the Golden Globes on NBC.

Gaslight Brasserie puts subtle twists on French fare

Visiting a French restaurant is a lot like seeing a venerable band in concert. No matter how good their newest album may be, concertgoers will demand the greatest hits. Such a problem leaves the musician in a creative rut. His past success prevents him from further innovation. Such is the case with French cuisine. Dishes like duck confit, beef bourguignon and escargot are the culinary equivalent to Ben Folds' album "Rockin' the Suburbs" (2001).