Last winter, the founders of Lambda Epsilon Omega fraternity took over the UCLA campus, manipulating their pledges above Kerckhoff Patio and running amok around Royce quad. The men were not here for long, but not because they were kicked out by the inter-fraternity council for hazing; rather, the members of the fraternity disbanded themselves once […]
Author Archives: CJ Yu
Even smart university students fall for dumb PR
If the hype looks too good to be true, then chances are it probably is. As obvious as this lesson may seem to most level-headed individuals, I had the unfortunate privilege of learning it the hard way last week along with hundreds of other students from UCLA and USC, after sitting on Hollywood Boulevard for […]
Romantic comedies set impossible
Come Friday, I’ll probably be spending Valentine’s Day alone yet again, but this year I’m putting the blame on someone other than myself: more specifically, those estrogen-filled, male-deprecating movies known as “chick-flicks.” Title them whatever you’d like ““ be it “Sleepless in Seattle” or “Two Weeks Notice” ““ modern-day romantic comedies have all seemed to […]
Screenwriters overly praised for “˜originality’
These days, screenwriters seem to be getting all of the attention, maybe a little more than they deserve. When screenwriters apply overused devices to tell stories, they still get praised for their originality, despite how many times their contrived devices may have been used by other artists in other media. Take for example the story […]
“˜Biker Boyz’ ride goes beyond racing
While motorcycle clubs may be readily associated with macho leather-clad bikers such as Hell’s Angels, the makers of “Biker Boyz” (produced by UCLA alumnus Gina Prince-Bythewood) hope that their new film will do more than just change the misinformed stereotypes about those who ride. In an effort to adjust the image that most may have […]
Rising star of “˜The Recruit’ Colin Farrell “˜works and plays hard’
From his nightly bar-hopping with friends to his highly publicized escapades around town, Colin Farrell has developed a reputation for himself as becoming one of the new up and coming bad boys of Hollywood. Since the success of last summer’s action blockbuster, “Minority Report,” in which he starred opposite Tom Cruise, Farrell’s Hollywood career isn’t […]
Hollywood war films vividly commemorate, do their “˜duty’
Hollywood wants YOU to do your part ““ and no, it has nothing to do with casting your vote in FOX’s overly-hyped battle to crown the next American idol. In several recently released movies, filmmakers have been using their projects to ensure that citizens are thinking about what they can do in wartime efforts, and […]