Oklahoma-based band rocks away for charity

During winter break this semester, many bands rocked Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. One OCCC student head-banged in support of local charity.

OCCC sophomore Tyler Comes supplies his heavy vocals to Severed By Sin, an Oklahoma-based band. Along with Comes’ vocals, Chris Poor plays guitar, Andrew “Pablo” Sauceda slaps the bass, while Ben Hill dominates drums.

The last show performed by the crew was Dec. 12 at the Conservatory, located at 8911 N. Western in Oklahoma City.

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Adventure awaits in ‘Tangled’

‘Tangled” is to 2010 what ‘Little Mermaid’ was to the ‘90s.

It is another job well done by Disney/Pixar, released Nov. 24.

The story, based on the Grimm brothers “Rapunzel,” tells the story of the princess who was “kissed by the sun” and given the gift of hair that heals when she sings.

Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) is taken from her home — the castle — as an infant and is raised by her abductor, Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) in a tower hidden by waterfalls and towering trees.

With 70 feet of flowing blonde hair in tow, Rapunzel spends her days painting, reading and wondering about life outside of the tower.

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Hinder album proves a ‘Nightmare’

When Oklahoma-based rock quintet Hinder burst onto the scene with 2006’s “Lips of an Angel,” it was like a breath of fresh air.

Now, with the release of the band’s third studio album “All American Nightmare,” it’s time for an oxygen tank.

“All American Nightmare” was released in stores Dec. 7.

The album opens with “2 Sides of Me,” a fast-paced rock anthem that sounds promising at first listen but fails to deliver on a lyrical level.

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Western meets kung fu in action film

I went into this movie thinking to myself, “There are going to be cowboys and ninjas, but no pirates. It’s going to be mediocre at best. “

My hopes weren’t that high, but I was pleasantly surprised.

It might have taken two years to make, but you can tell the detail they put into it.

The movie is one giant combination of a western, a kung-fu movie and Final Fantasy.

It’s rather like Star Wars without spaceships.

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She said: Dark themes propel ‘Potter’ film

It’s the beginning of the end.

Part one of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the final installment of J.K. Rowling’s mega-popular series about the eponymous boy wizard, was released into theaters Nov. 19.

The significantly darker aura of “Hallows” is set early when newly appointed Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy) laments: “These are dark times. There is no denying.”

Scrimgeour’s mournful words quickly set the tone of the film as Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) sever ties with their families and embark on a dangerous quest to track down mystical items known as horcruxes.

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He said: First ‘Deathly Hallows’ doesn’t live up to the hype

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I” is the seventh installment based on author J.K Rowling’s book series.

The movie is being split up into two parts so the movie distributor, Warner Brothers, can cash in on the Harry Potter hoopla one final time.

This installment finds Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) away from Hogwarts, looking for the horcruxes that contain pieces of the soul of the dastardly Lord Voldemort (Ralph Finnes).

What this movie should have spent 146 minutes looking for is its actual soul.

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Theater department brings ‘Dream’ to life

On Nov. 18, 19, and 20 the OCCC theatrical department blew the cobwebs off a Shakespearean standard with their production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Director Brent Noel introduced the audience to the play premise as well as Elizabethan practices of set design, costumes, and all-male casts.

Noel said the stage design and costumes follow the traditional way, but there was a mixture of male and female actors in the cast.

This was an excellent choice in casting, as it would be difficult to imagine Hermia being portrayed by a man, rather than the lovely and talented Shellie Sterling.

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‘Burlesque’ moves better saved for concert

Dancing showgirls, a cat and mouse romance, and a recycled plot adds up to a cinematic travesty.

Or, in the words of “Express” by Christina Aguilera: “this is burlesque.”

“Burlesque” is a romance mixed with humor that tells of a small town girl seeking the riches of showbiz.

After leaving home and seeking out her fame, Ali (Aguilera) finds hope in a dance club called Burlesque. The ride is not smooth for the up-and-coming dancer/singer.

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Emotional performances award worthy

Don’t let the name fool you. “For Colored Girls” is a movie for every woman and man of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life.

“For Colored Girls” had an inaugural opening of more than $20 million at the box office.

The provocative movie is one of three R-rated movies to do that well at the box office this year.

This movie is the first R-rated film for the African-American media mogul Tyler Perry.

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Super villain charms all ages in ‘Megamind’

Will Ferrell delights kids and adults alike in DreamWorks’ new animated film, “Megamind.”

Directed by Tom McGrath, of the Madagascar films, “Megamind” is a goofy, intelligent look at the flip side of superheroes, the supervillain.

At just eight days old, Megamind’s parents send him and his devoted sidekick Minion (David Cross) to Earth in an attempt to save him from the black hole that is consuming the planets in his galaxy.

To his disdain, there is another alien baby sent from a different planet whose parents have the same idea.

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