"Mud" has the feel of a classic, although it's perhaps not enthralling enough to be one. The third and most elaborate feature to date from writer-director Jeff Nichols seems to have been adapted from a novel that doesn't exist -- something by James Lee Burke, perhaps, or Cormac McCarthy, or some other specialist in frequently violent tales about the challenges to masculinity and the forging of new identities that face rural people who belong to a sprawling modern world -- who might be hanging out in a supermarket parking lot one moment and falling into a creek full of deadly cottonmouths the next.

The number of children being taken into Child Protective Services’ custody continues to escalate each year in Arizona, but the minors are not the only concern. After age 18, college-bound individuals who were essentially raised in the system still need the support — like any young adult — to have a successful future.

The Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) emphasizes the difference between traditional religious practices in the past and how newer Christian clubs, like CRU Downtown, an Arizona State University religious organization, have changed the mentality of worship.

Recently deciding to collaborate with Canon in a Digital University partnership is just one of the steps Arizona State University is taking to maintain its goals to achieve higher sustainability. Implementing “Sustainable Printing” has decreased its number of printers by 32 percent, but is still easily accessible for students.

Paul Lucas is no longer just creating a buzz. He is on his way to establishing a legacy.

Meet Parker, a very cute but shy little boy with adorable ears and those big eyes that just beg for you to pick him up and hold him close. It seems that Parker has not been on many car rides and will need a family to take him on short trips to help him with his fear. He is very scared and will try to hide under the car seats. This little snuggle bug wants nothing more than a nice lap to lay in and his own person to cuddle with. He likes his walks but is still a little leery of things around him. Once he gets to know you and feels secure he will be your best friend. He is a pretty mellow guy so the perfect home would be one that is calm with not a lot of activity. Another canine in the house would be a plus. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like anyone has taken the time to show Parker how much fun playing with toys can be, but with some help it won’t take long.

Remember how director Todd Phillips just half-heartedly remade “The Hangover” in “The Hangover Part II?” Remember how lethargic, lame, and tedious it felt having to sit through the same movie over again with fewer laughs? That’s the best way to describe “21 and Over.” The film marks the directorial debut of Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the writing team behind the original “Hangover.” They’ve basically recycled their smash hit comedy beat for beat. Where “The Hangover Part II” at least had three laugh-out-loud moments though, there’s nothing even remotely funny in “21 and Over.” It’s a comedic dead zone from its opening scene all the way through.

"Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).

Claiming illegal retaliation, the Arizona Students' Association is asking a federal judge to void a vote by the Board of Regents changing how its fees are collected.

When Ahwatukee Foothills resident Sarah Reiter got tired of driving to Scottsdale for a chemical-free and sun-free tan she decided it was time to bring another option to Ahwatukee.

On Wednesday pen will meet paper.

While most men pushing 70 are spending their twilight years on the golf course, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone are still packing heat. Many modern actors have attempted to rein supreme as the definitive action star of this generation, such as Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, and The Rock. Yet, none have come close to headlining a franchise on par with “The Terminator” or “Rambo.” Although Arnold and Sylvester may not be the most phenomenal talents ever to grace the big screen, it’s difficult not to be won over by their charisma and unrelenting bloodlust. Even in an era of so much fresh blood, they’re still easily the kings of action…with exception to maybe Bruce Willis.

Sarah Neumann

Ahwatukee Skin and Laser

Nearly a year after first talks of reducing the Kyrene School District’s Elementary Coaching Program enlisted help from a task force, cuts were inevitably made this school year to the program that supports teachers in math and literacy.

In the eight years I’ve taken on the regular duty of reviewing movies, 2012 just might have been the best. It wasn’t easy compiling a top 30 list for a 12-month period of so many diverse, outstanding films. I found myself having to make some absolutely painful snubs, including “Flight,” “The Sessions,” “The Hobbit: An Expected Journey,” and a little cinematic masterpiece by the name of “21 Jump Street.” In the end though, I managed to narrow the list down to the 20 titles that best encompass 2012 in all its glory. If you’re still behind on the movies of yesteryear, consider this your ultimate movie guide to 2012.