The Beacon’s one-stop guide to music, film, dining and culture.
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WATCH ... SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD It's already hard to resist Michael Cera in his traditional awkward-boy-in-love role, but add in some BAMF and you've got his character in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." The latest gem from director Edgar Wright meshes comic book elements with a classic Nintendo game feel to create a fabulous action rom-com. Scott Pilgrim falls in love with Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Unfortunately, Pilgrim must defeat Flowers' seven evil ex-lovers, who all have different superpowers. For example, Evil Ex No. 3, Todd Ingram, is vegan. No joke, veganism is his super power. Luckily, being vegan also makes him telekinetic. Although the movie attempts to create some deep meaning about personal baggage and the way you should treat someone with whom you are in a relationship, that message never fully develops. This is probably for the best because what the film does really well is give the audience one-dimensionally hilarious characters along with entertaining action sequences and ceaseless humor. - Elizabeth Vogel EAT AT ... LE BISTRO MONTAGE "In film there's something called 'montage,'" Professor Bowen said in Fine Arts 288. "That's also a restaurant here!" a student piped up. That seemed like the hundredth time I'd heard Montage mentioned since school started two weeks ago. Everyone seems to be talking about its cool vibe and famous foil takeout creations. Officially called Le Bistro Montage, it's located in the old Royal Hotel building at 301 SE Morrison St., tucked away in a slightly sketchy-looking corner under the Morrison bridge. It's open late, too - until 2 a.m. daily and 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. I knew it was going to be an experience just walking up to the door. Montage is hardly marked, with a glowing 'M' on a corner sign. The bike rack outside was packed despite the late hour, and the people wandering out were holding the likes of huge swords and dragonflies made out of tin foil. Inside, the atmosphere is friendly and adventurous and eclectic. As waiters yelled out random orders and addressed me as "darling," the candlelight flickered off champagne bottle displays. It's casual, yet classy, and recalls images of a little southern venue. Jambalaya, linguini, and many types of macaroni and cheese dominate the menu. But what really popped out at me was gator - fried and bite-sized on salads, pastas and rice. Of course I had to try it. It wasn't bad either, a sort of chicken and tough fish mixture that went fine with a salad or pesto macaroni. Everyone from sweet older couples to a gaggle of high schoolers looked comfortable there. With reasonable prices, Montage was definitely worth a visit. For a bit of an escape, some good Southern cooking and a touch of tin foil fun, put Le Bistro Montage on your list. - Enid Spitz
