October 27, 2003 The Lion's Eye Page 5: Fve on Entertainment Lion’s paws: Places to go ... things to do TV SHOWS Playmakers, ESPN “Playmakers,” ESPN's first dramatic series, origi- nally aired Aug. 26, 2003 and is centered around the Cougars, a fictional football team. The show portrays six standout characters and their lives on and off the field. “Playmakers” is a fast-paced and exciting show that depicts the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of these six main characters. The characters include Eric Olcyzk (Jason Matthew Smith) who is a high-strung and mentally fragile out- side linebacker. Leon Taylor (Russell Hornsby) is a frus- trated running back who is an elder member of the team struggling to get back on track after blowing out his ACL during the previous season. Kelvin "Buffalo" James (Marcello Thegford) is a mammoth offensive tackle who enjoys partying and women. Demetrius Harris (Omar Gooding), is a fast-talking , talented running back whose cocainehabit may ruin his career. Derek McConnell (Christopher Wiehl) is a womanizing quarterback who is struggling with a rota- tor cuff injury in his throwing shoulder. Wrapping up the group is head coach Mike George (Tony Denison), a struggling coach who is at times seeing his team do incredible things and at other times, seeing the Cougars fall apart. “Playmakers” leaves the viewer uncertain about what will happen from one episode to the next. The show deals with many sensitive subjects such as mental illness, drug addiction, marital infidelity, and even spousal abuse. Although the show is at times exagger- ated, it never gets boring and most likely deals with the same issues which consume the lives of real profession- al football players. “Playmakers” is an 1l-part dramatic series. It can be seen every Tuesday night at 9 p.m. with an encore presentation of the prior week's episode on ESPN2. It will run until Nov. 4. “Playmakers” receives three out of a possible four lion's paws. — SEAN ORNER > Bp Pp MOVIES Lost in Translation We're all accustomed to seeing Bill Murray in movies that for the most part fall in the comedy cate- gory. For instance, “Caddyshack,” in which he plays as greenskeeper who throughout the film mocks golfers and pulls silly stunts. In previous roles, like “What About Bob?,” again we see Murray as the center of a comedic role. “Lost in Translation,” Murray's latest movie appear- ance has him playing a 50- to 60-year-old married man in the acting business. The romance /comedy takes place in Tokyo. After arriving in Tokyo, Murray's character, Bob Harris, is instantly mobbed by a commercial crew. Harris is in Tokyo for a week to shoot a series of whiskey commercials. In between and after the sets Murray's character escapes to the bar to have a few drinks and soon after call it a night. Then he meets a young married Yale graduate who is confused and dis- traught about where she stands in life and in her rela- tionship with her husband. This is the common ground which Bob and the Yale graduate, Charlotte, stand upon during the film. Their relationship builds upon this feeling of not knowing exactly who you are, what you're doing, and why you're with the person you love. Charlotte displays these feel- ings more than Bob because of her unsupportive hus- band, who is in Tokyo for work as a photographer. Eventually her husband leaves for a photo shoot and this is when she and Murray's character begin hanging out more often. ; After several nights of going out in Tokyo, Bob must return back to his wife who he's been married to for 25 years. Neither Bob nor Charlotte wants to return to their normal life. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and finally they say their goodbyes. — STEVE SPENCE CAFES Cosi You're in college, and you're not at Cosi? Cosi. It's "your ultimate place to drink, dine, and unwind from wake-up call to last call." The modernized coffee joint, located on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, at Bryn Mawr Square, has become a home away from home for college students, who have since ditched their Starbucks and Wawa cups for something better. Their coffees and espressos, hot or cold, are the best around, in particular their vanilla lattes and arctic mochas (unfortunately they stopped serving their beloved arctic s'more for some unbeknownst reason). But, it doesn't even matter if you're one of those "non- coffee drinkers." For your kind, Cosi offers various assortments of teas, ciders, and arctic fruit smoothies. You can also purchase muffins, sandwiches and salads, along with amazing desserts. You can snack on a pastry, or build the perfect sand- wich on Cosi's secretrecipe bread. You could share a pizza or have a drink at the bar...and then there's always the infamous s'mores...you have to ask for the s'mores! The atmosphere is perfect, whether you're looking to crack open the books, hang out with your friends (even if they are from 'Nova), or go on a totally affordable first date. Cosi is open until 11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and until 1 a.m. Thursday-Sunday. They generally seat cus- tomers until 10:15 on weekdays, and 12:30 on weekend nights, although customers are welcome to seat them- selves until the lights go out. — KIM HICKEY BB Po RESTAU- RANTS Iron Hill Brewery Looking for somewhere new to eat? Try the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant. There are three locations, and one, in Media, is particularly convenient for Penn State students. : The Iron Hill in Media has an inviting interior that is both rustic and stylish. The brewing area can be seen from the bar, where you can sit at tables by large win- dows and watch the world go by on busy State Street. If the bar isn't for you, there's seating for 200 in the din- ing area, where you'll have a view of the open kitchen including the wood-fired pizza oven. Speaking of the open kitchen, the food at the Iron Hill is great and also affordable. For lunch I recom- mend the smoked turkey breast sandwich. Smoked turkey with red oak lettuce and cranberry-black walnut mayonnaise all on marbled rye. Like all of Iron Hill's sandwiches it is served with French fries and vegetable slaw. If you're going for dinner and you want an appetiz- er try the "Tex-Mex Egg Rolls," two egg rolls filled with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese served with avocado cream. If you have room for dessert they have an ever- changing variety with usually four or five selections to choose from on a given night. The Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery is a great place if you're looking to try something new. They've got great food, good drink, and a comfortable atmosphere. Try it. You'll be glad you did. More information about the Iron Hill Restauraunt & Brewery can be found online at http://www.ironhill- brewery.com or by calling (610) 627-9000 for the Media location. - — JEFF HUBER
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers