Arts

MFA explores Aphrodite's many guises

"Aphrodite and the Gods of Love" is on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) through February 2012. The exhibit beautifully pieces together representations of the goddess of love and beauty from a variety of ancient civilizations. The most prominent medium represented is sculpture, but the exhibit also boasts pottery, frescoes, jewelry and small figurines. The works on view largely hail from the MFA's Classical holdings, and are cohesively presented despite their diversity in media, era and cultural association.

Mediocre script mars dazzling visuals in 'Hell on Wheels'

Boasting successes like "Mad Men," "Breaking Bad" and "The Walking Dead," AMC undoubtedly knows what audiences want. With this past Sunday's debut of "Hell on Wheels," it remains to be seen whether or not this new addition will add to AMC's growing repertoire of exceptional shows.

Oranges and Sunshine' botches British history

Some films leave you smiling. Others leave you shaking your head in utter disappointment. Then, there are those forgettable films that earn a simple shrug and a "so what?" Though "Oranges and Sunshine" tries desperately to avoid this outcome, it fully succumbs to the latter category.

One of Seven' documentary explores Pinto's life of exile

"I came here to ask you … Of your seven children, am I the most screwed up?" Goel Pinto asks his mother in her kitchen after a montage of photos appears on screen.

Tai Frater | Chewing the Fat

When I considered the food options I would find in America, I stereotypically expected burgers, ribs, fried chicken and carb-heavy, fat-laden food. I was somewhat surprised to have hitherto discovered my sweet tooth since my arrival here. Formerly somewhat of a "savory" girl, I shunned chocolate in favor of olives, cheese and chips, and tended to crave salt more than sugar. However, although I am still partial to an olive or 12, my sweet tooth has definitely emerged, thanks especially to two establishments: The Danish Pastry House and J.P. Licks.

What's up this weekend

Living Dead Uprising: BOSTON: Swing by Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant and Music Club in Davis Square for a night of zombie fun. The venue will provide makeup and fake blood, unleash its zombies on Davis Square and welcome them back later in the evening with live music by Flow Tribe and Racky Thomas. 21+ only. Tonight at 6 p.m. at Johnny D's. Tickets are available at LivingDeadUprising.com for $15.

Moby Dick' revives Melville's classic novel

Adapted for the stage by husband and wife duo Conor and Judy Hegarty Lovett, the Gare St. Lazare Players Ireland's production of "Moby Dick" remains astonishingly true to the Melville classic. In their production, the Lovetts manage to include the story's important plot details without losing any of the witty lyricism of its narrator, Ishmael. Like the novel, their "Moby Dick" manages to seem at once modern and utterly timeless, focused as it is on the uniquely human sentiments of vengefulness and obsession.

Top Ten | Child stars who are successful

Childhood fame is notorious for producing less than savory characters. Here's a tribute to the fit few who braved the paparazzi and managed to have semi-functional adult lives.

The Sea and Cake prove prowess in Monday concert

Considering that The Sea and Cake's self-titled debut first appeared in 1994, it's impressive that these guys are still even active in the indie scene, which generally thrives on transient personalities and young, undeveloped talent. Ever since its startup, the band has separated itself from its contemporaries with its seemingly boundless variety of influences — from the surf rock-laced tracks on its debut to the Steely Dan-esque guitars on "Oui" (2000), to the gloriously uncharacteristic snippets of electronica on this year's "The Moonlight Butterfly."

Pair of ExCollege courses look at food as part of a bigger picture

A 20−minute PowerPoint presentation by freshmen Johnathan Kent and Erica Santos may at first seem like a culinary guide for tourists of the Rhône−Alpes region in France. They describe chestnuts from Ardèche, blood−red cherries from the Alps, Reblochon cheese from Haute−Savoie, green liqueur brewed by monks and the region's abundance of "raclette," a sizzling wheel of cheese so hot that the top simmers off into a savory mousse, spreadable on a crusty loaf of baguette. After working up the appetites of 12 students in a classroom at Miner Hall, these freshmen serve up their own raclette heated up in a portable fondue stove.

Boston Ballet's 'Romeo and Juliet' delivers

Perhaps more than any love story to grace the stage of ballet theaters throughout history, "Romeo and Juliet" demands your attention. The production calls for the portrayal of political intrigue along with forbidden desire and heart wrenching tragedy — and that's just the plot.

Chuck' returns triumphantly in its fifth and final season

Each episode starts with the same line: "Hi, I'm Chuck. Here are a few things you need to know." Well, current and potential viewers, here is what everyone needs to know about "Chuck": The show is fantastic.

Danes excels in 'Homeland' performance

Alexandria Chu | Hit Li(s)t

With strong vocals, Florence + the Machine's sophomore album has plenty to offer

Anyone who had doubts about the sophomore album of Florence + the Machine can breathe freely.Frontman Florence Welch and her band's newest contribution, "Ceremonials," is a grand, sweeping gesture of an album. "Ceremonials" shows off Welch's chillingly powerful vocals and allows her band to demonstrate its orchestral abilities.

Before I Leave You' considers eccentric relationships

Cronenberg and von Trier to release psychological dramas

Two of modern cinema's most renowned directors will be releasing new films this November. David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method" will have its American debut on Nov. 23, while Lars von Trier's "Melancholia" will open in theaters on Nov. 11. This makes November a particularly rich month for film buffs around the country, since both directors have earned much acclaim for their edgy, thought−provoking productions. Cronenberg and von Trier both emerged as relatively controversial directors whose films unflinchingly examined masochism, voyeurism and the darker aspects of the human condition.

Strong acting saves 'How I Met Your Mother'

In the seventh season of CBS's "How I Met Your Mother" ("HIMYM"), viewers are finally seeing some hints that an ending is in sight. Though the show has yet to reveal whom Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) will actually marry, it has addressed a couple of old possibilities.

Chris Poldoian | Extra Butter

Can we take a moment to acknowledge the brilliance of R. Kelly? This must seem entirely out of left field, but trust me. After watching parts his magnum opus, "Trapped in the Closet," there is no doubt in my mind that Kelly is the best narrator ever. ... Well, at least the best berretta−toting, falsetto−singing narrator to ever find an adulterous midget in his kitchen cabinet.

3Ps' production delves beneath the surface

How would you interpret it if someone said that you looked "average" or "normal?" Chances are, you wouldn't take it well.