www.theotherpress.ca Arts. The impossible story of The Impossible By Steven Cayer, Contributor OOODOt n 2004, the coast of South- East Asia was hit with the Indian Ocean earthquake and devastating tsunami, making it one of the biggest natural disasters in history. Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona took it upon himself to make a film honouring one Spanish family caught in the mayhem, appropriately titled The Impossible. Spending what was to be a wonderful Christmas vacation in Thailand, the family is torn apart, and must struggle to find each other. Although the film places a white, English-speaking family in the scenario, Bayona did a fantastic job of making the audience feel everything that the “Bennett” family must have gone through physically and emotionally. The cinematography was definitely one of the high points of the film. The way the camera moves everywhere, below and above the water, gave a very claustrophobic feeling. The cast was also incredible to watch on screen, which makes Naomi Watts’ recently announced Oscar nomination even more deserved. If you see this movie, bring either tissues or a friend you can rub your nose on—you’re going to need it. Ewan McGregor, Oaklee Pendergast and Samuel Joslin in The Impossible | Photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment Arnold's back in The Last Stand’ By Elliot Chan, Contributor eo f you want a night full of cerebral challenges and dynamic character development, just ignore Arnold Schwarzenegger’s major comeback to cinema last week. But if you fancy gunshots, car chases, fist fights, and explosions, then The Last Stand will be for you. The Last Stand offers exactly what you expect it to, including Schwarzenegger’s bang-on impression of himself playing an American sheriff. Yes, there was a novelty to his return, but in the end it leaves the same empty feeling most get when a once popular film star attempts to repeat their all too timely success. Fans will Fans will ultimately be disappointed in the efforts of the aging Austrian action hero; he is no longer Mr. Universe. ultimately be disappointed in the efforts of the aging Austrian action hero; he is no longer Mr. Universe. For the price of admission, The Last Stand offers quick cuts, fast-paced action sequences, and cringe-worthy comedy. The film’s Korean director, Kim Ji-woon, beloved overseas, is clearly taking tepid steps toward the very different world of American cinema. But at the very least, his vision is clear and concise, which makes his collaboration with Schwarzenegger worth checking out. Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Last Stand | Photo courtesy of Tony Rivetti SMPSP Toro y Moi returns with Anything in Return By Angela Espinoza, Arts Editor ae | ae | ae | 4 \ ‘ ‘ ‘ \ Foe hazwick Bundick, better known as electronic musician Toro y Moi, released his third album Anything in Return on January 22. Overflowing with synth- filled melodies and many a chillwave moments, Anything in Return is anything but disappointing. The album on the whole creates a very relaxed, café-like mood on every listen. There is the occasional track that presents feelings of unrequited love, but the lyrics fail to take away from the album’s otherwise positive sounds. Partway through its 13 tracks, the music starts to pick album in that it comes off a little less chillwave and a little more R&B, but it nonetheless fits in nicely with the rest of the album, serving as one of several highlights rather than a single outstanding moment. Anything in Return offers a near-hour of downtime fun for any listener, and at its least, serves as some excellent reading music. up in a way that eliminates any previous moments of feeling a bit too calm. The beats and in turn the vocals peak, making every track from “Studies” and on feel significantly more alive. Standout tracks from the album include single “So Many Details,” the back-to-back team of “Studies” and “High Living,” and my personal favourite, “Cake.” “Cake” does differ from the rest of the Anything in Return /