Think about it: if the folks claiming the world is ending on Dec. 21 are right, then October is kind of the beginning of the last season ever. Why not start it off right? you know, just in case.
David Dixon, Senior Staff Writer
Who can resist a story that’s so unbelievably outlandish, proving the old adage that “truth is stranger than fiction?”
“Argo” is supposedly an intense thriller set during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. In the film, 52 Americans are held by militants at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), a C.I.A agent, is asked to help save six captives who have escaped and are hiding in the homes of two Canadian diplomats.
In order to get them out of danger, he pretends they are part of a film crew for a nonexistent science fiction movie called “Argo.” With the help of an actual film producer (Alan Arkin) and makeup artist (John Goodman), Tony tries to do everything he can to protect the hostages.
One of the key reasons “Argo” has the potential to be a huge success is because of the man behind the camera—Affleck himself. His two previous films, “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Town” are first-rate crime dramas with a high amount of tension and smart storytelling.
According to early buzz, “Argo” not only has nail-biting suspense, but very funny satire as well. Affleck knows the Hollywood aspect of this real tale is so surreal, the only way to acknowledge it is by poking fun at the strangeness of it all.
With advanced word-of-mouth and a compelling marketing campaign, Affleck has another winner on his hands. Be prepared to gasp and laugh.
Information about “Argo” can be found at argothemovie. warnerbros.com.
Isabella Place, Staff Writer
The main art event of October is taking place tonight at The San Diego Museum of Art’s exquisite Culture and Cocktails series. Find your inner beast at this fantastic soiree and come dressed as your favorite monster or make a beastly (or beautiful) mask on-site to fit the theme of its featured exhibit, “The Human Beast.” Tonight’s event will also feature an al fresco after party in the Sculpture Court Cafe. A solid six hours of fun, music, food, and drinks await you. Show up as early as 6 p.m. and stay as late until midnight.
Experience an astounding presentation of Cirque Berzerk’s cabaret-inspired circus performers and enjoy a cocktail before heading into the Funhouse Lounge, with amusing attractions such as carnival mirrors and a talking photo booth. Top off the night at the Club Cabaret After Party where DJ Scot Roberts will spin records until midnight, right before some people turn into pumpkins. Admission to the event is free for SDMA members, which you can become right on the spot, otherwise it’s $15 per person at the door. The event is open to ages 21 and older only and remember to designate a driver or split the tab for a 15-minute cab ride from campus to this splendid party that only happens once every season in the gorgeous and historic Balboa Park.
Andrew Younger, Assistant Entertainment Editor
With new craft breweries sprouting up across San Diego like patchy facial hair on a hipster’s chin, a weekend beer fest is about as rare as sand at the beach. Some things can be taken for granted.
However, for alcoholically inclined individuals, the original beer-and-bratwurst fair known as Oktoberfest returns to La Mesa Village Friday, through Sunday. Featuring 300 booths and two beer gardens, the free event engulfs six blocks of downtown La Mesa while vaguely approximating German culture through the use of St. Pauli Girl stand-ins and oompah music. The popularity of La Mesa Village Oktoberfest, entering its 39th year, makes parking problematic.
Thankfully, the La Mesa Boulevard trolley stop on the Orange Line is within walking distance. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information visit lmvma.com.
Cody Franklin, Head of Aztec Gaming
October is upon us, and you know what that means: No, not Halloween, the start of the end- of-year video game release flood has begun. Ready your wallets; the next few months are going to be a bumpy ride.
Dawn your gasmasks, for “Resident Evil 6” has arrived. Initial reviews of the game have not been kind, so franchise fans might want to hold off before rushing to pick up a copy.
“Pokemon Black and White Version 2” hop out of a pokeball on Sunday, bringing a whole new Poke-venture, set two years after the original “Black” and “White” versions.
Speaking of big franchises, “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” invades on Oct. 9. The rebirth of the “XCOM” series has been controversial, but controversy usually leads to interesting games.
Ready to assassinate some baddies? Then October is the month for you. “Dishonored” creeps out from the shadows on the 9th, allowing you to teleport, mind control or just plain stab people to death in a steampunk wonder world.
Of course, you could always spend Halloween in your house cutting a path through Redcoats in the Revolutionary War as Connor in “Assassin’s Creed 3.” If it wasn’t delayed on PC, that’s where I would be.
Kevin Smead, Entertainment Editor
If you’re like me, you love metal, dudes with beards (holla!) and unwieldy amounts of Pabst Blue Ribbon. And if you’re like me, you’ll be at Red Fang, Black Tusk and Lord Dying at The Casbah on Oct. 30 getting so weird you might end up not remembering the whole month.
These dudes have the greatest time playing loud, raucous doom metal and it’s hard not to have fun with them. Red Fang, having now released several albums, cemented itself among the metal pantheon with crushing riffs and thundering drums. Black Tusk, a mighty three- piece from Savannah, prefaced a song during its last show here at The Ruby Room by jokingly stating, “This one is kind of old, but it’s still about Satan,” then proceeded to play some of the heaviest music known to man. Lord Dying sounds like it could be called Slayer II with its Kerry King and Dave Lombardo-like aggressiveness.
Normally, these bands tour separately and have decent opening bands. It’s a Halloween miracle they’re all playing together for one monster show. I, for one, can’t wait to hear some new stuff from Portland’s Red Fang, for the band never dissappoints.
As a primer for the show, check out Red Fang’s video for its incredible single “Prehistoric Dog.” I’ll wait.
Back yet? Okay, now find me something cooler than live-action role playing in beer armor.
With this image in mind, I must say this will most likely be a “mostly dudes” affair. But really, no matter who you are, be at The Casbah on the 30th ready to get wild with some incredible bands.
Ellise Miller, Staff Writer
This October, sit back and enjoy an often-ignored vehicle of entertainment: dance. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Culture Shock Dance Center is hosting a weekend full of dance performances, all held at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
Culture Shock is one of San Diego’s most notorious hip-hop dance troupes, consisting of performers, ages 18-25. The crew started in 1993, has successfully brought about the creation of Culture Shock dance teams in other areas including Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Oakland, Washington D.C., Ottawa and Toronto. The weekend of hip- hop kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19 with a youth showcase, with performances from Culture Shock’s spin off dance groups, Future Shock, Mighty Shock, Mini Shock and other youth dance teams.
Even though the members of these groups are younger than 18, don’t worry. These kids have an immense amount of talent, which promises to thoroughly entertain. At the same time on Saturday, Oct. 10 the International Choreographers Showcase will conclude the weekend, featuring numbers from Culture Shock dancers from across the nation. With guest performances by Poreotics and Kaba Modern from “America’s Best Dance Crew,” this show will highlight some of the finest modern hip-hop choreography.
Tori Haynes, Staff Writer
One of the most anticipated days in October is Halloween. By the time October comes around, most girls have carefully planned out their costumes and people of all ages are prepared for this fun, festive holiday by watching scary movies.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is San Diego’s only all- outdoor haunted attraction and is a great way to begin the Halloween season. Whether you go with a rowdy group of friends or a casual date, thrill seekers are guaranteed to have a memorable night full of screams, scares and thrill.
This year, The Haunted Trail features an additional maze called the experiment, which takes terror to a whole new level. The original trail takes about 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on the pace of the group, but the experiment lasts as long as it takes to find a way out.
Because this attraction contains high impact scare, fog juice and strobe lights, it’s not recommended for children younger than 10-years-old, pregnant women or people with heart conditions.
General admission tickets start at $15 Sunday through Thursday and $17 Friday and Saturday. The trails are open until Oct. 31. Only cash is accepted at the gate, but tickets can also be purchased online at hauntedhotel.com.
If visiting The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park isn’t already marked on your calendar, you better add it ASAP!
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