The Avenue | Movies And Tv - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

“Vacation” receives criticism for its sensitive comedy plot

By Kelsey Bona | Aug. 5, 2015

The newest installment of the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series was released last week, only to be met with overly harsh criticism. Though it’s necessary to swallow any preconceived ideas of high comedy prior to seeing “Vacation,” the film is not bad — idiotic, yes, but certainly not the terrible movie it’s been made out to be.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

‘Trainwreck’ is Hollywood’s latest comedic gem

By Kelsey Bona | July 22, 2015

Last weekend’s release of the comedy film “Trainwreck” solidified Amy Schumer as this year’s breakthrough comedian. Although not everyone can digest Schumer’s typical stand-up routines, most audiences will laud her writing and performance in her big-screen debut.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

CMT creates reality show on transitioning GNV residents

By Julia Nevins | July 22, 2015

CMT is capturing “the ‘ville” in a new documentary-style reality television series titled “Gainesville.”

People are seen eating at Boca Fiesta on Wednesday night.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Boca Fiesta hosts film race tonight

By Katrina Alvarez | July 15, 2015

The Backyard at Boca Fiesta and Palomino is hosting a film race where contestants are required to create a one- to five-minute film good enough to impress judges and audience members — all within 48 hours.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

‘Spy’ exceeds expectations

By Kelsey Bona | July 1, 2015

Director Paul Feig, who brought us the notable favorite “Bridesmaids,” released his new Melissa McCarthy collaboration “Spy” on June 5.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Box office hit ‘Jurassic World’ succeeds as a fun sequel

By Kelsey Bona | June 17, 2015

The premise of the entire Jurassic Park franchise and its new record-setting addition “Jurassic World” can be summed up in a brief statement uttered by one of the film’s minor characters: “These people, they never learn.”

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

UF alumnus lands television role

By Julia Nevins | June 3, 2015

From student to entertainer, a UF alumnus lands a spot co-starring on USA Network’s show “Complications.”

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Tony winner working with UF

By Julia Nevins | May 27, 2015

Tony Award-winning producer and UF alumnus John Arthur Pinckard has brought in an accomplished team to work with the UF’s School of Theatre and Dance.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Review: ‘Furious 7’ shows evolvement despite complex plot

By Erika Canfijn | Apr. 15, 2015

“Furious 7” surpassed the $800 million mark globally and broke records since its release earlier this month. The film’s success may be attributed to the highly anticipated emotional farewell to the franchise’s lost team member, Paul Walker, who died in November 2013.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt edition

By Ellen Villafuerte | Apr. 15, 2015

The semester coming to an end can only mean that two things: more time to dedicate to drinking and binge watching shows on your borrowed Netflix account. If you loved “30 Rock” and haven’t found the time to watch Netflix’s breakout show, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” do yourself a favor and catch up on Tina Fey’s latest creation (don’t worry, she makes a special appearance, too). Aside from laughs, you’ll get a strong sense of female empowerment, as its catchy theme suggests.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking: Mad Men edition

By Emily Cardinali | Apr. 8, 2015

“Mad Men” was truly designed for a drinking game. The end of an era began Sunday. Well, the end of an already-ended era of drinking during work, smoking at your desk, prohibitive glass ceilings and sleeping with your secretary after coming back from buying roses for your wife because you forgot your anniversary. Oh, what an era. The ultimate “Mad Men” drinking game would be to match each person, drink for drink, in the show. But then you’d be sure to die, so here’s a modified version.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge Drinking Game: How I Met Your Mother edition

By Moriah Gaynor | Apr. 1, 2015

Suit up! Despite its rather lackluster finale one year ago (still salty over that one), the television show “How I Met Your Mother” still holds a place very near and dear to my heart. “HIMYM” taught me the correct way to pick up someone at Midtown, it showed that “revertigo” is alive and well, and most importantly, a lower-back tattoo of a butterfly is not a good idea. So whether you’re watching from your couch or at your own version of MacLaren’s, get ready for a night that will be LEGEN — wait for it — DARY.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Review: Dreamworks’ “Home” features first black protagonist, fails to excite

By Kelsey Bona | Apr. 1, 2015

Amid news earlier this year of DreamWorks Animation having to cut about 500 employees due to low box office turnouts, the studio premiered its new animated feature “Home” on Friday in hopes of crawling out of its financial hole.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Sold-out showing of ‘The Princess Bride’ prompts second show

By Ashlyn Pinter | Apr. 1, 2015

There’s still a chance to go back in time at the Hippodrome State Theatre’s Time Warp 80s/90s Night film series showing of “The Princess Bride.”

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Breaking Bad edition

By Andrew Osorio | Mar. 25, 2015

Seven years ago, television was graced with what many now consider the best TV series about a high school teacher turned meth cook of all time. Just in 2013, “Breaking Bad” series creator Vince Gilligan was here at UF with the Accent Speaker’s Bureau, where he answered questions about the show and his creative process.

Chris Colfer arrives at the 32nd Annual Paleyfest : "Glee" held at The Dolby Theatre on Friday, March 13, 2015, in Los Angeles.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Goodbye to ‘Glee’ — A retrospective six years in the making

By Alyssa Holcomb | Mar. 18, 2015

Six years, 121 episodes, 700-plus musical numbers, numerous casting changes and one quarterback: Fox’s groundbreaking musical dramedy “Glee” has made statements, stumbled along the path and ultimately found its footing in something that has remained with the show from beginning to end — heart.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking: Arrested Development

By Moriah Gaynor | Mar. 18, 2015

While we’re all used to shows like “House of Cards” and “Orange Is the New Black,” it’s about time we pay our respects to one of the earlier Netflix binge-watching extravaganzas: when the fourth season of “Arrested Development” premiered on Netflix after being canceled in 2006. While the fourth season took some adjusting to — even Gob might not have watched it on a dare — the cult classic holds a special place in our hearts nonetheless. So, for all those who miss watching possibly the worst family in America and need a way to justify failing exams, here’s a game that’ll leave you saying: “I’ve made a huge mistake.”

Actor Nick Frost, known for his roles in “Shaun of the Dead” and other British comedies, stars in “Unfinished Business” with Vince Vaughn and Dave Franco.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Q&A with British 'Shaun of the Dead' actor Nick Frost

By Melissa Mihm | Mar. 11, 2015

You may know him as Ed from the 2004 film “Shaun of the Dead” or the voice of Flynn from “Ice Age: Continental Drift.” But even though he’s mainly known for his roles in British comedies and being Simon Pegg’s closest pal, Nick Frost has teamed up with Vince Vaughn and Dave Franco in “Unfinished Business,” which was released in theaters March 6. Keep reading if you want to hear all about Nick’s latest American film, how he prepared for his role, how he balances out being an actor and a family man and his plans for the future.

Host Neil Patrick Harris speaks at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Trophy hunting: Academy Awards showcase year’s best movies

By Alyssa Holcomb | Feb. 25, 2015

In the season-long trek from movie screens to center stage, all of the surprises, snubs and shenanigans of the 2015 awards season arrived at the pinnacle of the Hollywood trophy hunt — the Academy Awards. The most prestigious (and longest) ceremony in Hollywood, hosted this year by Neil Patrick Harris, had no shortage of the aforementioned traits — and then some.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Q & A with Vince Vaughn about acting, ‘Unfinished Business’

By Ellen Villafuerte | Feb. 25, 2015

After being in the right place at the right time (aka the Alligator office), I was able to casually chat with Vince Vaughn (and six other student journalists) via Google Hangouts to talk about his upcoming film, “Unfinished Business,” (March 6) a comedy also starring Dave Franco and Tom Wilkinson about a small-business owner and colleagues who take a business trip to Europe to close an important deal but not without some problems along the way. He also spoke about his involvement in films extending beyond acting, and he even dropped some knowledge for those who are unsure about what they want to do with their lives.