The Ithacan

‘The Creator’ is a stunning spectacle filling a flawed script

By Nolan Sheehan, Contributing Writer • October 3, 2023

Eager to add on to his growing repertoire of science fiction epics, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” director Gareth Edwards brings audiences his latest film, “The Creator,” released Sep. 29. It...

‘Autumn Variations’ is a breath of fresh fall air

By Jadyn Davis, Staff Writer • October 3, 2023

After spending more than a decade releasing albums with mathematical titles, Ed Sheeran’s latest album, “Autumn Variations,” is a breath of fresh fall air because this is the first of Sheeran’s albums that he released independently through his record label, A Gingerbread Man Records.

In a solo project, Del Water Gap releases a truly lyrically unique album

By Kinsey Burr, Staff Writer • October 2, 2023

Samuel Holden Jaffe, also known by his stage name Del Water Gap, released the sophomore album of his solo project, “I Miss You Already + I Haven't Left Yet,” on Sept. 29. The 12-track indie-pop album, immersed with layers of folk and rock, creates an eclectic sound true to his discography but explores new themes of addiction and self-acceptance reflective of Jaffe’s newfound fame and sobriety.

An end of an era: ‘Saw X’ ends the ‘Saw’ franchise in a gruesome, yet philosophical way

By Matt Minton, Senior Staff Writer • October 2, 2023

Right off the heels of disappointing spin-offs “Jigsaw” (2017) and “Spiral” (2021), there was little hope that a 10th film in this long-running horror franchise would be able to recapture what Wan’s original film achieved. However, with a back-to-basics approach and a storyline that places John Kramer (Tobin Bell) front and center, “Saw X” manages to be one of the very best films in the entire franchise. Who would have thought?

Sammy Rae & The Friends bring the house down at the State Theater

By Vivian Rose, Co-Life and Culture Editor • September 29, 2023

Sammy Rae & The Friends came to Ithaca and performed at the State Theater Sept. 24 as a part of the band’s “Camp” tour after wrapping up a wild summer tour, “If It All Goes South.” The aesthetic of the concert was to combine a summer camp feel with campy elements of the show, from Sammy Rae’s Freddie Mercury poses on stage to holding up a fan with the word “CAMP” in rainbow at the end of the band’s introductory song, “Talk It Up.”

Actor Julia Lester discusses life behind the camera and on stage in NYFTSA session

By Vivian Rose, Co-Life and Culture Editor • September 29, 2023

Julia Lester, actress and singer known for her time as Ashlyn on “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” was brought to Ithaca College via Zoom for the New York Film and Television Student Alliance as a part of the alliance's “Actors on Set” program Sept. 26.

Slaughter Beach, Dog make a new chill album perfect for roadtrip music

By Rowan Keller Smith, Staff Writer • September 28, 2023

“Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling” has a distinct sound that strays away from Edwald’s start in emo revival band Modern Baseball. The mellow and deeply heartfelt folk-rock sound of the album mixed with Edwald’s songwriting gives a feeling of a slightly chipper Tom Waits. Edwald was, in fact, inspired by songwriters like Waits, Randy Newman and Neil Young.

‘Scarlet’ does not escape the pop stereotype

By Sarah Mooney, Contributing Writer • September 27, 2023

Doja’s past album “Planet Her” went above and beyond. It is unfair to judge because there is no way anything could surpass that album. This high expectation coupled with Doja’s attempt to escape her popstar reputation left many disappointed. Maybe pop is Doja’s forté and she should stick to music that constantly goes viral on TikTok.

‘It Lives Inside’ honors East Indian culture while creating suspense

By Sarah Payne, Staff Writer • September 27, 2023

“It Lives Inside'' was clearly created from a genuine place of honoring the Hindu religion and East Indian culture. Also, the characters are relatable to teenagers and can provide insightful lessons for parents and teens. However, the movie prioritized the sometimes cheesy character-centric plot line over the actual horror in the film, rendering the film as tense and exciting, but not frightening.

Q&A: Dylan Lyons ’14 discusses LGBTQ+ online bookstore

By Molly Fitzsimons, Co-Life and Culture Editor • September 26, 2023

Co-Life and Culture Editor Molly Fitzsimons spoke with Lyons about The Lavender Rhino, the motives behind starting this project and where it is going next. Lyons was a journalism major at Ithaca College and later received an MBA at New York University, moving to New York City post-graduation. His professional experience so far has included journalism, content marketing, as well as being active politically and fighting for causes such as LGBTQ+ rights and empowerment.

‘El Conde’: Chilean dictator turned vampire

By Patrick Mazzella, Staff Writer • September 25, 2023

Director Pablo Larrain has made a name for himself creating fairy tale-like reimaginings of real-life political figures, including Princess Diana of Wales and Jackie Kennedy. Now, in glorious black and white photography, Larrain offers a new take on brutal Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, known as “El Conde.” In a turn of elaborate magical realism, the former South American president is revealed to have been a vampire, hundreds of years old, who has spent his years squashing revolutions and enforcing a strict authoritarian ideology. Set in the mid-1990s, the count has decided it is time for him to die, but not without one final meal.

Mitski’s new album haunts listeners in the best of ways

By Rowan Keller Smith, Staff Writer • September 21, 2023

Released Sept. 15, “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We” stands out from the singer-songwriter's other discography. The album is both cinematic and intimate. There is a folky twang to the instrumentals, written by Drew Erickson, that work beautifully with her haunting lyrics and a beautiful, soft Southern Gothic undertone that permeates the album.

The Ithacan

The Ithacan

The Ithacan

The Ithacan

Comments (0)