The University Star
Wednesday, June 8, 2016 | 3
LIFESTYLE
Denise Cervantes, Lifestyle Editor @cervantesdenise
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FUN
MOVIES
Enjoy the river with activities other than tubing
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising your summer guilty pleasure
Stacee Collins Assistant Lifestyle Editor @stvcee
By Erin O’Donnell Lifestyle Reporter @1erino Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is a film with no reason to exist. Besides occasionally building on the relationships and characters from the first movie, Neighbors 2 reuses the same plot and brings nothing new to the table. Although the reuse of the plot and lack of character development was disappointing; the film itself was not completely unenjoyable. One of the good things about this movie was the consistency in humor. Sure a few jokes fell flat or felt unnecessary, but that seemed to be the point of this movie. Something unnecessary can still be enjoyable. Another one of my favorite attributes of the film was seeing how much Zac Efron (Teddy) and Chloe Grace Moretz (Shelby) have grown as actors. Efron was able to hold his own comedy midst of Seth Rogen. In fact, Efron’s character exhibits the most character growth between the two part series. Efron was able to play the same character exhibiting not only insane frat boy behavior but displaying natural growth as Teddy matures into a young adult ready to right his wrong actions. As somebody who has seen Efron in his High School Musical days, I am more than thrilled to see how his acting develops in the future, especially if he can display the same amount of talent he has displayed in this film. Moretz, on the other
PHOTO BY CASSANDRIA ALVARADO
hand, exhibited a knack for comedy, going out of her comfort zone. While she is much more known for her action oriented movies, I could not help but think some of the more comedic parts of the movie belonged to her. Unlike most actors, Moretz is the same age of the character of Shelby, which helps convey how her age and the stage of life she is currently in benefits the way she portrays Shelby. Moretz was able to display raw emotions, while not letting the story become bogged down with them. Neighbors 2 wasn’t afraid to twist traditional feminine roles. In most college based movies fraternities are the stars, such as in Neighbors, but this sequel put a sorority in the spotlight, while still displaying the same sense of raw humor the first film showcased. None of the Sorority sisters were made to be perfect angels, in fact, this movie displayed how college-age women want to have just as much fun as collegeaged men. While we live
in a world that attempts to showcase women as pure and angelic, Neighbors 2 exhibited a raw sense of realism when it came to the sorority. Unlike most films that would attempt to show the sorority sisters partying in the excessive amount, as a complete parody or just for an audience reaction. Neighbors 2 demanded the actions of the sorority be taken at the same level of seriousness as the fraternity in the first film. In fact, the primary reason the sorority exist in Neighbors 2 is because of Shelby’s desire to be held to the same standards fraternities are held. At the end of it all, though, this movie was a delight. Do you need to rush out to see this film? No. Would it ruin you day if you did see this? No. The film was a great way to pass an afternoon and get in a good laugh or two. While it is not as good as the first film, it can stand by itself and is just as entertaining.
Tubing the San Marcos River has been a Texas State tradition for many years. However, people can still enjoy summer when they ditch the tube. Rebecca Ybarra-Ramirez, San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau executive director, said there is a wide variety of non-tubing activities for locals to experience. “People come in and surf at Rio Vista Falls,” YbarraRamirez said. “The first drop is so strong that people surf it.” Ybarra-Ramirez said SUP Adventures San Marcos is one of the groups to frequently surf the falls. The recreational service offers stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons and tours. Power Olympic Outdoor Center provides rentals for equipment like kayaks and canoes. Paddleboard yoga is another popular activity at Texas State, YbarraRamirez said “There is a gentleman who has a partnership with Power Olympic Outdoor, and they do yoga on standup paddleboards,” YbarraRamirez said.
Trey Hatt, communication specialist for the city of San Marcos, said kayaking is one of the most popular river activities. “We’ve got a really energetic kayaking community,” Hatt said. “Texas River Safari is this major kayaking and canoe race that goes all the way down the San Marcos River and down to the coast.” Bring a swimsuit to Sewell Park where wading, swimming and snorkeling are options. “We’ve got the Texas wild rice, so if you want to get a good, non-destructive look at it, you can snorkel around the wild rice strands,” Hatt said. San Marcos’ river park system provides activities for locals, visitors and Bobcats. “Depending on which parks you go to, it includes everything from open spaces, park benches, picnics to pavilions,” Hatt said. “We have a wide variety of facilities available within walking distance of the river.” Jonathan Hernandez, assistant director of facility operations, said the Texas State Outdoor Center offers affordable gear for Bobcats to rent. “We have rentals for
backpacks, canoes, kayaks, lanterns and other miscellaneous camping gear,” Hernandez said. When taking a trip to the river with a friend group, bring some chairs, a Frisbee, a radio and a football for some fun on the riverbanks. Frisbee Dan is likely to join in on the fun. Bobcats can lay out on Bikini Hill at Sewell Park to get a good tan. Some people meet at the river to have cookouts. Families can gather at one of San Marcos’ parks to enjoy hamburgers by the river. Don’s Fish Camp in Martindale offers kayak rentals and music coolers. The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment provides historic glass bottom boat tours, wildlife viewing, wetlands boardwalk and more. “Activities on the river are very economical whether it’s a family or a couple or an individual,” Ybarra-Ramirez said. Whether you’re kayaking or simply dangling your feet in, always remember to take care of the river—what goes here flows here!
A kayaker enjoys the San Marcos River at Stokes Park. Kayaking is one of many activities to be enjoyed on the river.
PHOTO BY PABLO MEJIA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TRAVEL
Top road trips to take this summer Vivian Medina Lifestyle Reporter @vjmedina6 Forget the 5-star hotels and first class flights this summer. Explore the Lone Star State the old fashioned way by taking a road trip. From sandy beaches to pine forests, Texas has many hidden gems which not only makes for a perfect drive, but for a cheap and simple getaway. Starting with the most overlooked region of Texas: the Panhandle. Take the historic Route 66—now mostly I-40—to travel straight across the state to find unique attractions such as Cadillac Ranch, which consists of a gallery of cars fully marked with graffiti. Cadillac Ranch makes a great photo op, said Valerie Leal, social work junior. “I have been to Amarillo, Texas where Cadillac Ranch is located and I recommend it,” Leal said. “It makes for cool Instagram pictures.” Palo Duro Canyon, also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Texas,’ is located just off of I-40 and holds some of the best views in the state. Hiking, horseback riding, biking and camping are just a few of the activities that are available. Continue driving along Route 66 to explore ghost towns and unusual finds. However, for a more relaxing road trip, drive on down to the Piney Woods in East Texas. Jacksonville resident Lauren Gandy said it is filled with long roads and tall trees. It is easy to get lost in the green surroundings.
“I have lived in East Texas my whole life, but never realized how beautiful it actually is,” Gandy said. “I guess I should start appreciating it more.” While traveling through the cities of East Texas, take a boat ride on Caddo Lake where a 100 plus pound snapping turtle was recently found. If that isn’t adventurous enough, head to the small town of Jefferson to go back in time with its steamboats, general stores and real-life haunted houses and hotels from the Civil War
era. To get away from the country roads and small towns, head to urban Dallas. Memorable museums and sites such as the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Holocaust Museum and Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Not only is the city full of modern art and architecture, but it is also home to some of the biggest amusement parks and attractions such as Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor in Arlington and the State Fair of
MochasAndJavas.com
STAR FILE PHOTO
Texas, Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Arboretum. If the destination is not nearly as important as the journey, then the road going from Marble Falls to Inks Lake State Park is the perfect route. Take Highway 281 up to Park Road 4 and the beau-
tiful scenery will make anyone forget where they were going in the first place, said Marble Falls resident Jack Wright. Throughout the winding road, fields of bluebonnets will be found and dark caves can be explored.
“I think I am probably being biased when I say that the hill country has the most beautiful views since I grew up here, but it really is great,” Wright said.
#MochasAndJavas
Leg endary customer service. And coffee, of course. But we are more than just coffee - visit our LBJ location for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Just around the corner from where ever you are. 700 N. LBJ Dr. 641 E. Hopkins St. (inside HEB) 102 Wonder World Dr. 1301 Wonder World Dr. (inside CTMC)
10% OFF next drink!
Searching for all-stars to join our team! )XOO DQG SDUW WLPH SRVLWLRQV DYDLODEOH )OH[LEOH VFKHGXOHV *URZWK RSSRUWXQLWLHV DYDLODEOH
Apply Now at CBEjobs.com or call 830-730-4282 EOE/AA M/F/VET/DISABILITY. Background checks and drug screening required. Credit checks are not conducted for entry-level positions.