Arts & Lifestyle

This is not a film for children. That said, I’m not sure if it’s for all adults either. Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” expertly-tailored philosophical thriller that resonates long after the screen has gone black.

The yellow caution tape was bound around his bare torso, adorned with an American flag bandanna on his forehead and some seriously worn-out fishnet stockings. It was American patriotism à la Lady Gaga, and it kicked off the LGBTA's annual drag show at the Tabler Arts Center.

The Zebra Path, a painted section of walkway between the Melville Library and Old Chemistry building that leads down to the Chemistry building, has been repainted to its original straight black-and-white colors stripes this week.

My initial listen of the group's sophomore release “The Optimist” proved that after a muted three-year hiatus, the band has finally packed its bags and produced something compelling.

Fang Island's self-titled debut album is composed almost entirely of that climactic moment in any song when the singer shuts up and the music gets really intense. Every track is pumped-up and the minimalist lyrics keep them from being simply wallpaper covering the music.

I hate novelties. Novelty parties, novelty clothes, you name it. I don’t care how ugly your sweater is, or how slutty of a secretary you can be, and if I hear that kid from bio class play “Jingle Bells” on his piano tie one more time, I swear, I’ll murder Santa Claus. And most of all, I can’t stand novelty songs. (However, being the cosmopolitan that I am, I can make an exception for the 1985 Chicago Bears’ “Super Bowl Shuffle.” That song is fire. Plus, how else would I be able to see such a whitey like Jim Fuller rap and dance? It’s hard to imagine that the dude was worse at something than passing.)

Snorting coke in an airplane bathroom. Girl-on-girl action. More cursing than Bob Saget, post-Full House. This film follows rebellious teenagers Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) in the early ‘70s as they break rules, rise above female stereotypes and score a record deal with their all-girl rock band, the Runaways.

The first time I experienced Flatfoot 56 was actually at a ska show on Long Island. I saw a dude from their band come onstage with a bagpipe, and, after my general confusion as to why he didn’t have a trumpet subsided, I thought, “great, another trite Celtic-punk band.” (Note: I am fully aware that this statement, coming from a guy at a ska show, might seem a little silly.) But I was pleasantly surprised with the band’s uniqueness.

Every child needs a role model – someone to teach them how to grow up. We may be entering the Internet age, but books are still one of the best ways to find one. The feisty female characters on this list have helped raise generations of women who have broken through glass ceilings and demolished stereotypes.

In celebration of Women's History Month, the Stony Brook Independent proudly brings you the most inspirational women in rock and roll. These are the women who have had the greatest impact on rock music's past, present and future.

The new thriller from "Training Day" director Antoine Fuqua takes the viewer on a journey through the lives of three unconnected New York City cops. The drama does not let up from beginning to end, making for a suspenseful ride.

"The Crazies" is a twisted horror film that wasn't half as bad as I expected. This remake of the 1973 classic features violent freaks, action sequences and an anti-government sentiment. A few stars, an interesting plot and down-to-earth characters really pull this movie together.

In their debut album, Titus Andronicus may have went into hipster overload with spoken word Albert Camus and Shakespeare. But with their release of "The Monitor," these Jersey kids prove that they've grown up and moved on to more mature territory.

Haiti has been in the news a lot lately, mostly because of the earthquake and the extensive recovery effort afterward. But that is not a complete picture of Haiti. Warm up those earmuff headphones - here are five Haitian musicians who you should be on your radar.

Carrie Ellmore-Tallitsch sat on a bench at the Staller Center last Saturday evening. A silky, purple-colored sheet engulfed her entire body, revealing only her face, a single hand and bare feet that were planted on the ground.