Film Review
‘Shrek III’ Delivers Ogre-sized Laughs,
But Only a Fair Tale
By Ted Peetz (June 15, 2007)
The first Shrek was just about the funniest and most entertaining animated movie to ever come from outside of Disney.

Film Review
New ‘Pirates’: A Fun, but Long
Eye-Liner Maelstrom
By K-K Bracken (June 8, 2007)
They may be devils, and black sheep, and really bad eggs, but no one can wear eye liner with quite as much style as Jack Sparrow and his gang.

Exhibition Review
‘Bodies’: Uncomfortable, Amazing
By K-K Bracken (June 1, 2007)
Did you know that every person has a unique tongue print? Or that all the blood vessels in the body joined end to end would stretch two and a half times around the earth?

Music Review
Maroon 5’s Catchy,
Confusing New Album
By Francisco Brady (May 21, 2007)
It’s been five years since Californian soul-rock band Maroon 5 released “Songs About Jane,” their phenomenally successful debut album.

Film Review
‘Spiderman III’ Has a Little
Something for Everyone
By Judah Chandler (May 10, 2007)
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), now a New York hero as Spiderman, is ready to pop the question to Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), whose theater career is off to a slow start

West Springfield's Annie:
Distinctly Delightful
‘Responsive Stage Crew’ Made this Show Work’
By Jack Brorsen (May 8, 2007)
Jack Brorsen is a member of the George Mason Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) Team. Critics attend plays at local high schools and submit reviews. A few are selected for publication in local newspapers. This one, a review of West Springfield High School’s “Annie,” appeared in showbizradio.net

Play Review
‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’:
An Uproarious Display of 1930s Wit
By Juliana Hardesty (May 5, 2007)
Juliana Hardesty is a member of the George Mason Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) Team. Critics attend plays at high schools around the area and submit reviews. A few are selected for publication in local newspapers. This one, a review of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at Chantilly High School, also appeared in “ShowBizRadio.net”

Play Review
‘The Man Who Came to Dinner:’
Food for Thought
By Caitlin Hurwit (May 5, 2007)
Caitlin Hurwit is a member of the George Mason Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) Team. Critics attend plays at high schools around the area and submit reviews. A few are selected for publication in local newspapers. This one, a review of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at Chantilly High School, also appeared in “Times Community Newspapers.”

Theater Review
A Full House for
The House of Blue Leaves
By Jack Brorsen (May 1, 2007)
Artie's music is getting him nowhere, and Bananas has, well, gone bananas. The two live as a husband and wife about to crack in New York, but Artie has been seeing another girl, Bunny.

Film Review
‘The Lookout’: Refreshing
Update to a Classic Genre
By Caitlin Hurwit (April 26, 2007)
The slick and unpredictable car chases beloved to fans of the classic gangster film are modernized and made realistic in The Lookout, an intriguing character study focusing on the devolution of a damaged man into a criminal.

Theater Review
‘Arms and the Man’:
A Questioning of Class
Juliana Hardesty is a member of the George Mason Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) Team. Critics attend plays at high schools around the area and submit reviews. A few are selected for publication in local newspapers. This one, a review of “Arms and the Man” at Fairfax High School, also appeared in “The Rebel Roar.”
By Juliana Hardesty (April 24, 2007)

Film Review
‘300’: ‘Visual Punch in the Face’
By K-K Bracken (April 19, 2007)
“This is Sparta!” a line firmly etched in the man-mantra of 2007 ever since the glorious debut of “300.”

‘Little Shop of Horrors’:
Stylish Production, Laughs Galore
By K-K Bracken (April 17, 2007)
(K-K Bracken is a member of the George Mason Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) Team. Critics attend plays at high schools around the areas and submit reviews. A few are selected for publication in local newspapers. This one, a review of T.C. Williams High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors,” will appear in “Theogony.”

Film Review
‘The Namesake’: A Heartrending
Depiction of an Immigrant Family
By Anna Duning (April 17, 2007)
“The Namesake”, directed by Mira Neir, is simply a rich experience of a movie. Set against the colorful contrasts of New York City, its suburbs, and India, the characters are genuine and their stories are moving

Music Review
Let’s Give Thanks to England
For Artists Like Mika
By K-K Bracken (April 13, 2007)
Why is it that Great Britain continues to supply us with a disproportionate number of brilliant musical artists?

Restaurant Review
Monroe’s Offers Pleasing Italian
Cuisine, Comfortable Ambience
By: Andy Pribulka (March 31, 2007)
Sitting comfortably on the corner of Monroe and Commonwealth Ave in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Monroe’s offers some of the most pleasing Italian cuisine in the Washington DC area

Film Review
‘Norbit’: Don’t Waste Your Money
By Judah Chandler (March 31, 2007)
I went to see “Norbit” Monday the day we didn’t have school because of the snow.

Film Review
‘Daddy’s Little Girl’: For Women Only
By Judah Chandler (March 31, 2007)
Monty (Idris Elba) is an auto mechanic working in a working class neighborhood for Willie (Louis Gossett, Jr.), who he wants to buy out

Restaurant Review
Clare and Don’s Brings the
Beach Right to Falls Church
By Jesse Wilson (March 30, 2007)
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack
130 N. Washington Street
Falls Church, VA 22046

Play Reviews
As the Cappies Liked It
The following are two reviews of Mason’s performance of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” by members of the national Cappies (Critic’s and Awards Program) area.
(March 28, 2007)

Film Review
NOT HOG WILD FOR ‘WILD HOGS’
The Best Part Is When It’s Over
By Ted Peetz (March 22, 2007)
If you have seen a commercial or a full length preview for this movie, you have seen more than enough.

Film Review
‘Zodiac’: Unusual, Engrossing Thriller
By Caitlin Hurwit (March 22, 2007)
Unsolved and utterly perplexing, the string of real-life murders committed in the 1960s by a serial killer known simply as the Zodiac provide a solid base for the newest movie by director David Fincher

Music Review
OK Go’s ‘Oh No’: Good
Lyrics, Great Music
By K-K Bracken (March 15, 2007)
Rock is not dead. The current generation may have wounded it with whiny, repetitive songs about feelings, but there are still some mainstream bands with merit

Film Review
‘Freedom Writers’: Words that
Parallel the Freedom Riders
By Rebecca Gomez (February 28, 2007)
Based on a true story, Freedom Writers is an inspiring movie directed by Richard LaGravenese that illustrates racial tensions in an integrated Los Angeles high school

Film Review
‘Music and Lyrics’: Formulaic
Comedy Leaves You Smiling
By K-K Bracken (February 22, 2007)
Music and Lyrics is not a movie aimed at the men folk of America, but it is a darn good romantic comedy.

Play Review
‘Macbeth’ – Words = Amazing
By Charlotte Volpe (February 13, 2007)
Macbeth (or as most Shakespeare aficionados know it, “that Scottish play”) is one of William Shakespeare’s most well-kn

TV Review
Get Hooked on ‘Heroes’
By K-K Bracken (February 13, 2007)
“ Save the cheerleader, save the world.” The slogan sends shivers down my spine every time it’s whispered on NBC.

Movie Review
A Bleak Yet Fascinating
Future for ‘Children of Men’
By Margaret Lipman (February 5, 2007)
The premise of director Alfonso Cuarón’s film “Children of Men” is remarkably simple – in the near future, women have suddenly and inexplicably become infertile.

Restaurant Review
Bamian Serves Up Spicy
Classy Afghan Food, History
By Mat Carl (January 29, 2007)
Bamian
5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA

Music Review
‘Time Well Wasted’ Deserves Its
CMA Album of Year Honors
By K-K Bracken (January 29, 2007)
The title of Brad Paisley’s Country Music Association (CMA) award-winning album Time Well Wasted brings to mind lighthearted Country ideals:

Music Review
Cyrus Chestnut's 'Soul Food'
Features Amazing Keyboard
By Andy Pribulka (January 25, 2007)
Although Cyrus Chestnut is certainly the main focus of this album, he is in no regard the only one playing.

Politics Review
Bush Gives State of the Union,
Requests Second Chance in Iraq
Dean Woodley (January 24, 2007)
(Lasso Online’s political junkie decided to review last night’s State of the Union Address.)

Restaurant Review
Lost Dog Café Serves Up Great
Food, Rescues Dogs to Boot
By Charlotte Denekas (January 23, 2007)
Having visited The Lost Dog Café several times recently, I have decided that it is one of my favorite restaurants.

Film Review
Pan’s Labyrinth – Enchantingly Gruesome
By Anna Duning (January 15, 2007)
“Pan’s Labyrinth” contains everything a good fairy tale should: the unrealistically brave and young hero, the evil conniver, the magical creatures, and, among other things, the three testing tasks.

Restaurant Review
Mie N Yue in Georgetown:
Tasty, Pricey, Great Ambience
By Andrew Pribulka (December 10, 2006)
3125 M St. NW
Washington, D.C.
The minute I walked into Mie N Yu in Georgetown, I could tell it was no ordinary place.

Restaurant Review
Maneki Neko: ‘Gem in the Rough’
By Nick Farstad (December 8, 2006)
Maneki Neko, Japanese Cuisine
238 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA
If you’re just passing by, you probably wouldn’t spare this small restaurant a second glance. Crushed tightly between two other buildings, it’s small and hard to notice.

Play Review
‘Alice in Wonderland:’A Curious Trip Through the London Underground
By K-K Bracken (December 7, 2006)
K-K Bracken is a member of the George Mason Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) Team. Critics attend plays at high schools around the area and submit reviews. A few are selected for publication in local newspapers. This one, a review of Stone Bridge High School’s “Alice in Wonderland,” was published in the Washington Post.

Concert Review
‘OK Go’ Rocks the 9:30 Club
By K-K Bracken (November 22, 2006)
For those of you that say that rock is dead, I have four letters in response: OK Go.

Play Review
Churchill’s ‘Singin’ in the Rain’:
No Gene Kelly, but Close
By K-K Bracken (November 16, 2006)
K-K Bracken is a member of the George Mason Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) Team. Critics attend plays at High Schools around the area and submit reviews. A few are selected for publication in local newspapers, including the Washington Post. This one, a review of Winston Churchill’s “Singin’ in the Rain,” was published in The Sentinel.

Movie Review
‘The Last King of Scotland’:
A Terrifying Look at Dictator Idi Amin
By Margaret Lipman (November 14, 2006)
In the 1970’s, over 300,000 people were murdered in the African nation of Uganda. The man responsible for these crimes was President Idi Amin.

Movie Review
‘Babel’: Fist-Clenchingly,
Heart-Wrenchingly Remarkable
By Anna Duning (November 14, 2006)
‘Babel’ is easily one of the most compelling and provocative movies that I have seen in a long time.

Film Review
‘Borat’ is Very Nice… We Like
By K-K Bracken and Alex Prewitt (November 10, 2006)
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit the Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is offensive to the following people (in order:) Jews, Women, Kazakhs, Rednecks, and gypsies. Also Fundamentalist Christians and frat boys. Oh, and Pamela Anderson.

Restaurant Review
Bubba’s BBQ: Not Your
Ordinary American Rib Joint
By Alex Prewitt (November 5, 2006)
Bubba’s Barbequ,e 7810-F Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042, 703-560-8570
Every Sunday, millions of Americans fire up the charcoal in their backyards and enjoy a tradition that is as old as Joan Rivers: Bar-B-Q’ing.

Restaurant Review
New York Deli Offers a
Taste of the Big Apple
New York Deli, 8150 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-7:00 pm ; Sat-Sun 10:00 am-4:00 pm
By Andy Pribulka (November 2, 2006)
My father has always despised popular sub sandwich chains because of their lack of meat

Movie Review
‘Jesus Camp’: Not As Impartial
As The Directors Claim
By Dean Woodley (November 2, 2006)
Ah yes, the politically-charged independent films and documentaries so inherent to the months leading up to the November elections, there’s nothing better.

Restaurant Review
Burrito Brothers: Like a Trip
To Latin America
By Peter Campanelli (November 1, 2006)
Burrito Brothers, Idlewood Rd., Falls Church, Va «««« (4/5 stars)
Ever been to a Latin American country? And if so, have you ever been to an authentic restaurant there? Maybe not? That’s okay. What if I told you that you could experience the same sights, sounds, smells, and culture right here in Falls Church?

Game Review
Madden 2007: Another Disappointment
By Derek Blodget (October 31, 2006)
On August 22, every video game store in the world prepared for the day called “Madden Mania.” Madden 2007 was being released that day, and many people were already in lines as far as the eye could see to get their hands on the newest edition of Madden.

Film Review
‘Marie Antoinette’: Interminable
Game of Dress-Up
By Anna Duning (October 24, 2006)
Perhaps my expectations upon seeing this movie were too high, but what could be better than an entire movie devoted to fulfilling decadent pleasures of teenage royalty? Well, how about a plot?

Film Review
Everyone’s Zero?
By Ted Peetz (October 24, 2006)
First off, I’d like to say that yes, I did actually pay to see a G-rated movie, but I would also like to make clear it was because I had to take my 12-year-old neighbor and I was fully reimbursed.

Film Review
See ‘Snakes on a Plane’ before
It Slithers Out of View
By K.K. Bracken (September 14, 2006)
Do not go to Snakes on a Plane looking for the following: thought-provoking dialogue, Oscar-worthy performances, or symbolism of any kind. Do go if you're looking for-- well, snakes on a plane.

Review
‘ Little Miss Sunshine’: A Hilariously Poignant Road Trip Worth Taking
By Margaret Lipman (September 5, 2006)
It’s probably a good thing that I knew hardly anything about “Little Miss Sunshine” before going to see it.

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Lasso Online - October 2001 - June 2006