“Man on a Ledge” is a revenge seeker’s delight. It makes good use of plot twists and gripping editing that keep even a disengaged viewer entertained.

The basic story is about an unidentified man stepping on a ledge to kill himself. The story unfolds as his identity is revealed.

Although his fugitive with a heart of gold act reels in the NYPD and swarming New Yorkers, the man’s aim is to deflect attention from a heist taking place.

The acting was uneven, with the strongest players being Elizabeth Banks and Ed Harris. But even their on-screen presence could not shake the overdone archetypes: good cop turned bad, powerful archenemy, female therapist (possible love interest).

A movie like this relies on keeping the audience hypnotized by all the spinning plates of side plots, making you figure out who are the good guys and who are bad, and the eye candy of rising star Genesis Rodriguez.

“Man on a Ledge” had terrific editing that reminded me of “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” The action/heist sequences drew upon some sequences of “Ocean’s Eleven.”

But if you are looking for the drama or desperation of “Dog Day Afternoon,” you’ll need to look elsewhere for pathos.

This film is good for some easy laughs, a bit of sustained tension and pleasing action sequences.

Grade: B

(c) Summit Entertainment

Links:

Can’t go see it yet? Check out this preview here.

View the trailer.

Movie showtimes

Featuring works from Visual Arts students, the West Campus student art exhibit displays a variety of mediums that the students used, including lithographs, photographs, drawings and paintings. The free exhibit will be on display through Feb. 3.

Artwork by Pima Community College visual arts students adorns the walls in the Student Art Gallery on West Campus.

Paula Rodriguez, "N" Mixed Media

SandScript, Pima Community College’s award-winning art and literary magazine, gives students hands-on experience in producing a high-quality publication.

For two decades, the magazine has also served as a path to publication for PCC students and employees, welcoming contributions from writers, poets, photographers and visual artists. Deadline for 2012 submissions is March 1 at 5 p.m.

In the latest in a long line of national awards, SandScript’s 2011 edition took first place in the American Scholastic Press Association’s annual contest for scholarly publications, magazines and newspapers.

Instructor Joshua Cochran teaches Writing 162, the West Campus course in which the magazine comes to life. He sees his role as more mentor than director.

“The students do everything; I’m just a coach,” said Cochran, now in his second year as faculty adviser. “I try to stay out of the process as much as possible and just guide them in best practices, because it’s their magazine.”

Students in the class express their visions when deciding what form the collected work should take.

“We wear our hearts on our sleeves, talk about things and really get intimate in the class,” Cochran said.

Sometimes emotions run high.

“We argue, and it can get very heated,” said Cochran, himself a former Pima student. “We fight for the pieces that we really like.”

True to his egalitarian stewardship, Cochran doesn’t pull rank.

“There are pieces that I wanted in there that never made it,” he said. “But majority rules, and I’m just one.”

Former SandScript faculty adviser and current writing instructor Meg Files echoed Cochran’s take.

“The instructor has a hand in it, but it’s a democratic process,” said Files, who co-founded the magazine in 1990 with fellow writing instructor Ann Tousley.

Cochran said the class helps prepare students to find a job after graduation.

“Many students have gotten their first jobs working in the publishing field as editors or typesetters just because of this experience,” he said.

“The class is geared toward people who want a behind-the-scenes look at how a magazine is put together,” he added. “Here the students get to kind of see behind the fig leaf.”

Many students in the class are aspiring writers and artists themselves, Files said.

“I think it’s great for staff members to be on the other side of the editorial desk,” she said. “It gives them an inside look at how editorial decisions are made, and that helps them when they get their own work out there in the world.”

None of this hard work could come to fruition without contributors, and Cochran is actively reaching out to them.

“We want as many submissions as possible,” he said. “We’re putting up posters on every campus, and have also designated a faculty representative for the magazine at each campus.”

Cochran has also instituted an online option for submitting works to complement the time-honored method of physically delivering submissions.

He cautions contributors to read the posted submission policies before sending their pieces. The guidelines can be found on the SandScript tab at aztecpressonline.com, or by emailing sandscript@pima.edu or jcochran@pima.edu.

There’s still time (and space) for anyone who wants to be a part of SandScript this semester, Cochran said.

“The class involves a lot of reading and can be a bit stressful, but we also have quite a bit of fun,” he said.

Aztec Press Illustration by Steve Choice

The works of three Tucson artists who reveal the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands will soon be on display in “East/Pacific/West: Confluence” at Pima Community College’s Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery.

The exhibit features a range of media celebrating the talents of Claire Campbell Park, Nancy Tokar Miller and Mary Babcock.

The artwork will be on display from Jan. 30 through March 9 at the Bernal Gallery in PCC’s Center for the Arts on West Campus.

Park has taught color and fiber classes in the visual arts department at PCC for 33 years. The gallery collaboration stems from sabbatical research she conducted in Hawaii in 2010.

She says her pieces are inspired by her interest in eastern and western spiritual customs, and illustrate her reaction to the natural elements she encountered while in Hawaii.

“As an artist of faith, my experience is imbued with my understanding of the holy, which is founded in Christian Catholicism and informed by a deep appreciation of Zen aesthetics,” Park said.

Miller, an abstract landscape painter, focuses on water themes in her exhibit pieces. She said inspiration came from two recent helicopter rides over the northern part of the Hawaiian island Molokai.

“I have lots of sketches of the desert,” Miller said, “but I’m drawn to water.”

Babcock, who received her MFA from the University of Arizona, now heads the fiber department at the University of Hawaii. She described her woven pieces as a means of meditation inspired by eastern philosophy and Buddhist thought and practice.

Park will host a book signing Feb. 9 in the gallery from 1:30-4 p.m.  Her book, “Creating with Reverence: Art, Diversity, Culture and Soul,” emphasizes the significance of diversity within art and the need to broaden perspectives.

Other special events on Feb. 9 include a gallery talk from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and a gallery reception from 5-7 p.m. A lecture will take place in the CFA Recital Hall at 7 p.m.

For more information about the exhibit, call 206-6942 or visit pima.edu/cfa.

FYI

“East/Pacific/West: Confluence”

When: Jan. 30 through March 9

Where: Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery, West Campus CFA

Admission: Free

Details: 206-6942 or pima.edu/cfa

Special events Feb. 9:

Gallery talk: 1:30-2:30 p.m., Gallery

Reception: 5-7 p.m., Gallery

Lecture: 7 p.m., Recital Hall

Claire Campbell Park - "Lava/Sea/Sky."

Nancy Tokar Miller - "Over Molokai."

Mary Babcock - "Pacific Exchange."

Every spring, a variety of Tucson-area festivals and celebrations fill the calendar. From a massive gem show to art festivals, there are events that appeal to everyone’s interests and schedule.

Arizona SciTech Festival – Jan. 25 – March 14

From Jan. 25 to March 14, numerous science and technology displays will take center stage at the statewide Arizona SciTech Festival. Events are free and are located in several areas. For more information, visit azscitechfest.asu.edu.

Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase – Jan. 28 – Feb.12

The largest gem show in the United States takes place Jan. 28 through Feb. 13 with more than 40 sites around town featuring mineral, gemstone, jewelry and fossil retailers. Most exhibits are free to the public and hours vary. See details at visittucson.org/visitor/events/gemshow.

Horse Racing at Rillito Park Race Track – Jan. 28 – March 25

Tucson’s landmark Rillito Park Race Track is the scene of live Quarter Horse and thoroughbred horse racing on weekends through March 25, excluding Feb. 4-5. Gates open at 11 a.m. and racing begins at 1 p.m. Rillito Park is located at 4502 N. First Ave. Admission to the clubhouse is $800, grandstand is $5 and children under 12 are free. For more details call 293-5011 or visit pima.countyattractions.com.

Lunar New Year – Feb. 4

The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center will ring in the Year of the Dragon with a family festival featuring traditional Chinese arts, crafts, performances and food. Festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road. Admission is $1. For details, visit tucsonchinese.org or call 292-6900.

Tubac Festival of the Arts – Feb. 8-12

The 53rd annual Festival of the Arts will bring hundreds of artists, crafters and musicians to Tubac. Activities include horse-drawn trolleys, roving entertainment and a food court. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tubac, an artist community, is located south of Tucson off Interstate-19. For more information, visit tucaz.com/festivals.asp.

Arizona Centennial Celebration – Feb. 10-12

This celebration marking the 10th anniversary of Arizona’s statehood on Feb. 14, 1912 will include free concerts, firework displays, street musicians, food vendors, rides and a historical re-enactment in downtown Tucson. Events will take place on West Congress Street. For details, visit downtowntucson.org.

See Aztec Press Issue 2 for additional spring festivals.

MUSIC CONCERTS

 Saturday, Jan. 28:

 The Silver Thread Trio with Loveland and Ryanhood

At Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. Doors open at 9 p.m. 21+. $5. Silver Thread Trio’s CD release show. Details: plushtucson.com.

 From what I’ve heard, these three ladies are a George Clooney away from the Soggy Bottom bunch. However, let it be known they can rock — in a washboard, knee-slapping sort of way. Caroline Isaacs, Gabrielle Pietrangelo and Laura Kepner-Adney eloquently combine a cappela with a heavy dose of classic American country, some bluegrass and a dash of spiritual. If that’s not enough folk for you, Ryanhood and Loveland should deliver all the acoustic-riddled ballads you can stand in one night. Oh, and don’t forget how awesome the bar is at Plush. Two dollar Honey Browns all night long. Cheers.

Friday, Feb. 3:

The Electric Blankets with The Project and Church Key at Plush 340 E. Sixth St. Doors open at 9 p.m. 21+, $5. The Electric Blankets CD release show. Details: plushtucson.com.

Although this may sound exactly like my last pitch, the music is much, much different, with all local bands. The Electric Blankets kick off a new album with juggernaut super band The Project. Oh, and Church Key. The Blankets deliver a catchy garage-pop sound propped up by heavy bass riffs, sporadic drums and twangy guitars. Project, on the other hand, is Tucson’s latest all-star lineup. The band includes ex-Bled bassist Darren Simoes with members of local faves Holy Rolling Empire, Dead Western Plains and Scrilla Gorilla. Watch for these guys to steal the show. As for Church Key, they self-describe as indie with a tinge of grunge, mimicking that of a hybrid Smith/Screaming Trees offspring.

Thursday, Feb. 9:

Scott Huckabay performing at Solar Culture. 31 E. Toole Ave. Doors open at 9 p.m. All ages, $8 Details: solarculture.org.

Finger. Tapping. Fun. Scott Huckabay, a.k.a. Guitar Alchemist, is one with his guitar-delivering stellar acoustic and spiritual expression. Huckabay is a descendant of Southern Arizona’s Chiricahua Tribe (Apache), who survived a near fatal accident, recovered from partial-paralysis and found salvation in the acoustic guitar. Personally, I’d never heard of him, so I checked YouTube. He’s definitely worth the eight bucks. Plus, Solar Culture isn’t too shabby of a venue. Mushrooms aren’t necessary, kids. Although never discouraged.

                                                  -Compiled by Kyle Wasson

MOVIE OPENINGS

Jan. 27: “The Grey”

This is an action thriller about oil drillers who get stranded after their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness. Reducing their already slim chances of survival is a pack of wolves that are trying to hunt the group of men down. I’m not a huge fan of animal movies (especially suspenseful ones — “Rottweiler” was absolutely awful) and wolf movies are no exception. I’m just glad it’s not “Twilight.”

Feb. 3: “Chronicle”

“Chronicle” is a sci-fi film about three high school friends who acquire superpowers after encountering a strange crater. While the boys start out innocently enough, playing with their new abilities and causing minimal harm, the movie explores the darker side of power as the boys start to abuse their new abilities. The found footage camera style with the superpower angle makes the trailer look like a mix between “The Blair Witch Project” and “X-Men,” but it looks interesting nonetheless.

Feb. 3: “Big Miracle”

Based on the book “Freeing the Whales” by Tom Rose, this movie takes place during Operation Breakthrough, a mission to free three grey whales stuck in pack ice in the Arctic Circle. It’s a romantic drama starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski. I hate how Hollywood insert romances into non-romantic storylines to make the audience care about the plot. That said, this film has potential for great cinematography and a compelling story.

                                                          -Compiled by Miki Jennings

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You haven’t picked up a single book since last semester ended, have you, Aquarius? Tsk tsk. You can make up for it by finding something new to read. I’ve been reading the complete works of Emily Dickinson, but whatever works for you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You need some new tastes in music, Pisces. I feel like we’ve had this conversation, but there you have it. I find The Pretty Reckless to be fairly intriguing, but you may want something more highbrow. In that case, give Lana Del Ray a listen.

Aries (March 21-April 19)
Did you make the mistake of scheduling an early class, Aries? Me too. It’ll be good for both of us, though. We need to learn to go to sleep at reasonable times. And hey, it means you’ll get decent quality horoscopes from me because I won’t write them at 3 a.m. Everyone wins!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You need to unwind a bit, Taurus. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, or whatever that quote is. Spend time doing something you love. Paint a landscape, read that book you’ve been looking forward to… the possibilities are endless.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
You’ve had a semester off from me, Gemini, so here’s the main question: How’s that twin doing? Oh, you two stopped hanging out? That’s a shame. Ah well, it happens. Chalk it up to experience and move on.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Got anything fun planned for the semester, Cancer? You’re going to want it. You can’t always take difficult classes, or you’ll burn out from the stress. Take a dance class, or something fun like that.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Ah, my lions. Tell me, Leo, do you always pay your debts? Because if you do, you may be a Lannister. What do you mean you don’t know what I’m talking about? Sigh. Forgive me, I’ve spent my break with “Game of Thrones” fans. It’s rubbed off.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept.22)
What kind of classes are you taking this semester, Virgo? The Fates tell me you need to take it easy. You’ve got the rest of your life to worry about doing what you have to do. Right now, worry about what you want to do.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
At least you got to play Skyrim, Libra. I don’t own it yet, because I was told not to buy it. This is why I don’t usually listen to people. So how was it?

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to pick on you. For now, I’ll leave you with the following advice: never let your mouth write a check your butt can’t cash.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Winter is here, and it’s horrifying. Do what I do, fellow Sagittarius, and stay indoors. Wrap in your Snuggie, curled up on the couch with hot chocolate and a good book. Yes, I own a Snuggie. At least it’s not a Forever Lazy.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Miss me, Capricorn? I’m sure you didn’t. But I missed you! I’ve had no one to pick on. Oh right, you want a horoscope. Erm… hit the ground running this semester and study hard? Does that work?

Hey all you Pima punks and punkettes, let’s talk about tabletop role-playing games! Almost all video game RPG tropes descend in one way or another from these games. What they lack in graphics, they make up for in sheer capability for improvisation and adaptation to the players. But which ones are the best of their genres? Here are my choices for the Top 10:

10. Best Everything RPG: Gurps

A system that can be described as “hard to learn, easy to master,” this game can be used for almost anything and can be modified to your heart’s content, but only if you have the imagination for it.

9. Best Western RPG: Deadlands

Set in an alternate Wild West where the spirit world burst open and all sorts of demons came out, this Old West Faustian fantasy has a few elements of steampunk and an exquisite setting that comes highly recommended.

8. Best Urban Fantasy RPG: Unknown Armies

This game lets you gain magic powers by being really, really crazy. It blends the modern and the fantastic in unique and wonderful ways, like gaining magic powers from obsessively watching a TV show or mimicking the acts of a porn star turned god. It’s a dark and heady blend of Postmodern Magick that you should definitely check out if you can get your hands on it.

7. Best Post Apocalyptic RPG: Gamma World

Rarely could a post-apocalyptic setting be described as “wacky,” but that is exactly what Gamma World’s setting is. With a system heavily dependent on luck of the draw and some hilarious writing, this game is great if you’re looking for a wild, almost “gonzo” experience.

6. Best Alternate Fantasy RPG: Exalted

A blend of anime, Eastern mythology and “dear Jesus, what the hell” tropes, this is a game where you play as slightly crazy near-gods defending the world from annihilation. It’s hard to learn, but so over the top that it’s well worth your time to check out.

5. Best Cyberpunk RPG: Shadowrun

Though not pure cyberpunk, this strange, yet oddly well-done hybrid of fantasy and cyberpunk is one of the longest-lasting cyberpunk games in the biz, so it must be doing something right!

4. Best Superhero RPG: Mutants and Masterminds

With an extensive character-creation option and a great guide to creating your own setting, this game is a customizer’s dream, both for the game master and for the players.

3. Best Space Opera RPG: Warhammer 40000: Dark Heresy/Deathwatch/Black Crusade

This space opera setting is so depressing they had to invent a new term to describe it (grimdark). Nevertheless, this well-designed game has a great, albeit depressing, setting and great random character generation mechanics that really emphasize the grittiness of the game. If you want to play in the “Grim Dark Future (Where There Is Only War),” give this game a spin.

2. Best Horror RPG: New World of Darkness

Technically a whole series of games, whether you play Vampire, Werewolf, Mage, Changeling or Promethian, these excellent horror games focus more on the social aspect of role-playing and less on the battling side. Check these out if you want to play Poe-esque tales of modern ennui and of man’s inhumanity to man, or monster’s inhumanity to man, or monster’s inhumanity to monster or… you get the picture.

1. Best Classic Fantasy RPG: Dungeons and Dragons/Pathfinder

The granddaddy of all RPGs, both computer and tabletop, Dungeons and Dragons is a classic that everyone wanting to get into tabletop RPGs should play at least once. If you want a simple and easy-to-pick-up-and-play experience, try D&D Fourth Edition. If you want to do something a bit more complex and customizable, give D&D’s spinoff/competitor (long story) Pathfinder a whirl. But whatever you do, play this game.

For those wondering how to get into tabletop role-playing, your best bet is to call local gaming stores and check which ones have a “game night.” Go there to see if any of the gaming groups would be open to one extra player.

Join one that does, and welcome yourself to the wonderful and wild world of role-playing.

I’ve got a list, and I am checking it twice. With it you will know which games this year were naughty or nice.

NICE

Playstation 3

Santa’s pick: “Uncharted 3”

2011 was the year of the three-quel. You had “Modern Warfare 3,” “Gears of War 3” and “Killzone 3.” Of the three, the nicests came from developer Naughty Dog in the form of “Uncharted 3.” Proving the third time’s the charm, U3 leads the three-quel herd with finesse by setting a new standard for game presentation.

Elves’ picks:  “inFAMOUS 2,” “No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise” and “God of War: Origins Collection”

XBOX 360

Santa’s pick: “Gears of War 3”

While “Gears of War 3” is an amazing game, it wins almost by default. With Microsoft’s exclusive lineup being so thin, GOW 3 does what it must to bulk up the slim pickings. Even though it follows a strict “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, it still has enough variety in the narrative to motivate players to reach the closure-centric ending.

Elves’ picks: “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,” “Dance Central 2” and “The Gunstringer”

Wii

Santa’s pick: “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword”

No surprise here. The Wii has had a tough year, with declining console and game sales. Link saves the system from complete destruction.

Elves’ pick: Buying another copy of “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword”

Multi-platform

Santa’s pick: “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”

Selling about half of what the newest “Call of Duty” did, “Skyrim” shows the world that nerdism is not dead and stats matter. Fixing most of the problems “Oblivion” had, “Skyrim” shows how well an open-ended RPG can work and should keep you entertained until the apocalypse of 2012.

Elves’ picks: “CathErine,” “Portal 2,” “Saints Row: The Third,” “Dead Space 2” and “Deus Ex: Human Revolution”

NAUGHTY

PS3

Pick for the fireplace: “DC Universe Online”

This year was probably Sony’s strongest yet, but there’s always one brat who ruins it for everyone. That little imp is “DC Universe Online.” Launching with horrible gameplay glitches and weak mechanics, DCUO had no chance of surviving in the current market of MMOs. The game is still on life support and has become so desperate for players that you can now download the full game for free.

Other disappointments: “Killzone 3” and “Tekken Hybrid”

XBOX 360

Pick for the fireplace: “Fruit Ninja Kinect”

For a game that is free on Android and a dollar on iPhone, I can’t justify the $10 price tag on this port. “Fruit Ninja Kinect” is the prime example of why digitally distributed games are not ready to become the new standard format for consoles, thanks to ridiculous prices. Also, the Kinect controls don’t hold a candle to its phone-friendly counterparts.

Other disappointments: “Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do” and “Rise of Nightmares”

Wii

Pick for the fireplace: “101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix”

Publisher Atlus must have really needed a paycheck. I can’t find one reason why anyone should be subjected to this shovelware unless they have committed crimes against humanity. A warning to all you mothers out there: Seeing this game in the bargain bin does not make it a good deal. Spend the extra five bucks and buy your loved ones a giant Hershey bar.

Other disappointments: “Just Dance 3,” “Conduit 2” and “Mario Sports Mix.”

Multi-platform

Pick for the fireplace: “Call of Juarez: The Cartel”

If someone translated one of those low-budget Mexican-made action films, they would create something very similar to “Call of Juarez: the Cartel.” Not only is this probably the worse shooter of the year, this might be one of the worst products ever released to the public for $60.

Other disappointments: “Dragon Age II,” “Rage,” “Brink” and “Homefront”

Photo illustration by Miki Jennings

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec 21)

I know it seems like everything is falling apart, but it’s not. Just take a step back and re-evaluate the situation. Things will clear up. All of the frustration will be over soon.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan 19)

Keep your eyes open and your ears tuned. Something significant is going on with someone close, and you may soon be needed. Be ready to offer help when asked.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You’ve been taking it easy, but you should be taking things much more seriously. Deadlines are creeping up fast, and you want to be ready for them. Get through your finals before you ease up.

Pisces (Feb.19-March 20)

You’ve been really critical of others recently, and you need to tone it down some. Although you have good intentions, they may come off the wrong way. Nobody likes to be judged.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

People close to you are doing more harm than good right now. Talk to them and keep an open line of communication. Make sure they know how you feel.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Tell that new love interest that you’re interested! With the cold weather we’re facing, now is a good time to unleash your romantic side and cuddle up. Light a fire, or at least bring along a warm blanket.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Things may be getting frustrating with your friends right now, but don’t worry. Just chill. When the time comes for open communication, let it be heard.

Cancer (June 22- July 22)

You feel that you can take on the world, so go out there and do it. Right now is a great time to tackle another project or try something new. Register for that class you’ve been wanting to take.

Leo (July 23- Aug. 22)

You’ve been stressed with all that’s on your plate, but don’t worry. Things will get better soon. Just keep pressing hard and you’ll get there. Classes will be done before you know it.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

You’ve been getting a lot of attention recently, and it has been very flattering. Don’t let it go to your head by getting complacent. Keep working hard and you will surely be rewarded.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Come on now, everyone else has finals and holiday problems, too. You don’t need to take out your frustrations on others. If people set you off, give them a second chance.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Your friends are playing a big part in your life right now, so embrace them. Make sure they are part of your holiday plans, and tell them how much they mean to you.