A film in focus

After a long week of papers, reading, group projects and just all around stress, we all feel like we need a break – a little stress relief. If you're an average college student, chances are you're not made of money. In fact, if this assumption is correct, you're probably pretty poor. So what options does that leave you with finding something fun and relaxing, yet cheap, to do on a Friday night?

Last Friday night I decided to see a movie. I'd had a very long week with an exam, inhumane amounts of reading, and papers to start – with the weekend bringing very little relief, only enough time to start the numerous papers and projects I had due at the next weeks beginning. My friend Kelsey Kopp, senior, thought a movie sounded like a solid choice for a relaxing Friday night, so she joined me. Lucky for the two of us (for all of us, really), La Crosse is home to a small, budget movie theatre – the Rivoli. The Rivoli offers movies that have just been transferred out of our local cinemas, bringing us new releases at a discounted price. The Rivoli has a great atmosphere, as it allows patrons to feel as though they are escaping from downtown La Crosse. Honestly, unless you are consciously thinking about your location, it's almost as if you're in a smaller town – you feel like there is no way you can step outside and be right at the doorsteps

of the downtown scene. Besides a cheap ticket (it was $3.50!) Kelsey and I decided to split some pizza and cheese bread. The both of us got our ticket AND dinner for little over $12.

As far as movie choice goes, we decided we needed a little Ryan Gosling in our lives. We chose The Ides of March - a movie Gosling stars in, which actually just moved to the Rivoli, and that both Kelsey and I would highly recommend. The movie is set in present day, with the story focusing on a democratic politician staffer, Stephen Meyers (played by Gosling), of a new presidential candidate, Governor Mike Morris (played by George Clooney.) While campaigning for the Ohio primary, Gosling's character quickly finds himself wrapped up in a scandal that puts not only the primary race in jeopardy, but his career as well. This movie surprised me in several ways, the first of which being a twist. In the beginning of the movie, we learn that the Morris campaign's opposition is interested in having Gosling's character on their side, and the naivety of Gosling's character leads him to meet with the opposition. Meanwhile, there is unsurprisingly a romance between Gosling's character and an intern. If you see the movie, you will undoubtedly see this coming – but the direction that not only their romance, but the consequences of Gosling's character's meeting with the opposition takes is what is surprising. The twist in the movie is not overly dramatic, but the scandal within the film isn't what you might expect.

The plot suddenly becomes very interesting and complex, and as audience members we undoubtedly became emotionally involved. Gosling does a great job with this serious role, which is a refreshing change from his usual pretty boy characters. His character is not just about wooing a lady and looking nice, he really finds himself backed into a wall and it was entertaining to see his character deal with it.

Although this movie is political, it doesn't bore you – it truly sheds a very accurate light on what we see in today's political world, yet keeps it fresh and relevant. The point of view of the story was more behind the scenes, giving us a peak into what may or may not go on behind closed doors in campaigning. By the end of the movie we're all rooting for Gosling's character, as his character is definitely dealt some unfortunate cards.

Overall, this night was a success. For around $12 Kelsey and I were fed and entertained, leaving the theatre feeling refreshed. We enjoyed the movie tremendously and the Rivoli's atmosphere has left us planning our next trip! Have a great weekend!