Features

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' is exhilarating thrill ride

By Emily Balan | December 22

The second installment of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," prequel to the popular "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is a sensory overload. The IMAX 3-D version is insane - flying arrows and gold coins pop off the screen while an amazing score sets the tone of the scenes, all the while rattling your body to the core. Visually scenes are so fast-paced, and the camera shot is so zoomed-in, that you really work hard to see exactly what is happening.

Saving Mr. Banks' proves as magical as 'Mary Poppins'

By Staff Writer | December 22

The heartwarming classic film "Mary Poppins" has entertained generations of children since it was released in 1964. Featuring iconic musical numbers and an Oscar-winning performance from star Julie Andrews, the tale of a magical English nanny helped establish Disney as a legitimate producer of live-action fare and remains one of the studio's best-loved movies. However, the making of "Mary Poppins" certainly wasn't the cheery time seen on screen. In fact, behind the scenes there were tests of wills, outrageous demands and two artistic geniuses coming to terms with their own painful pasts - a fascinating story masterfully brought to life in "Saving Mr. Banks."

Beyonce's shocking new album features quality material

By Amanda Boyer | December 22

With no warning to the public whatsoever, Beyonc?©'s fifth album "Beyonc?©" was released Dec. 13 exclusively on iTunes, later hitting stores. The new music is not only revolutionary for the unprecedented method of its release, it also shows the singer's strengths, her personality and her growth as an artist. Even more unique, Beyonc?© released the 14-song track list with an accompanying video for each song that helps show what message she was trying to capture.

2013 Album review, best of the best

By Staff Writer | December 11

A joke written on an Applebees napkin. Who is really going to read this? We laughed. After hours of contemplation. After weeks of blood, sweat and tears, here is a list of the best albums of 2013, according to TrackMarks. I hope you read it.

Have a Celtic Christmas at SOPAC

By Michelle Foti | December 4

It's the most wonderful time of the year to take part in holiday festivities and to sing along to the timeless Christmas carols. This holiday season lend an ear to Christmas songs with cultural infusions for a change.

Literature still alive and well in 2013

By Staff Writer | November 24

Not long ago, while waiting for my pancakes at the local diner, I overheard a couple talking about the state of contemporary fiction. The man said that the further we get from modernity, the further we get from any fiction of real substance. The woman readily agreed, adding that today's fiction functions under the pretense that our society is essentially invincible, that death is no longer on our minds. The conversation didn't last long, as the server came around with their check, but it left me feeling a bit agitated.

Ground Floor' hits the ground running

By Staff Writer | November 24

The new TBS show "Ground Floor" is about workers at a financial services company -- specifically Brody Meyer (Skylar Astin), a top-floor, tailored-suit, workaholic who interacts with the company's ground-floor girl, Jenny (Alexis Knapp).

Fox's new sci-fi show offers something for everyone

By Staff Writer | November 24

I'm not one for sci-fi themed anything, but there's something about "Almost Human" that might have changed my mind. "Almost Human" kicked off Sunday, Nov. 17thwith a pilot and with the second episode airing the very next day.

Best Man Holiday' shows all sides of the season

By Emily Balan | November 24

If you want to get into the holiday spirit early, go see the movie "Best Man Holiday." The star-studded cast includes Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs and Regina Hall. Written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, who also directed favorites such as "Roll Bounce" and "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins," this is an instant classic holiday film.

Pickler finds her roots on latest album

By Amanda Boyer | November 21

Country music artist and actress Kellie Pickler, best known for finishing sixth in the fifth season of "American Idol," released her fourth studio album, titled "The Women I Am," on Nov. 12. Unlike most of the contestants from prior seasons, Pickler used the show as a way to break into the country music scene, not pop.

Jewish students embrace holiday traditions

By Michelle Foti | November 21

As Christmas approaches, students do not often think of their classmates, roommates and friends of different religious backgrounds who do not celebrate the Christian holiday.

Alum's new book predicts new wave of altruism

By Rebecca White | November 21

A Seton Hall alum who graduated in 2001 is releasing a book, "Motivation, Altruism, Personality and Social Psychology: The Coming Age of Altruism," on Dec. 4.

Holiday recipes

By Staff Writer | November 21

While traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as pumpkin pie and stuffing are delicious, the customary classics can get boring. Check out the recipes below that will raise some eyebrows at the table and prompt countless questions of, "How did you make this?!"