THE ITHACAN

‘Challengers’ volleys with a true erotic triangle

By Mariana Contreras, Assistant Life and Culture Editor • May 1, 2024

When it comes to desire, passion and lustfulness, Luca Guadagnino is an expert at capturing it — the excitement, the thrill and even the shame of it all. He has proven himself capable of seducing the audience through his depictions of sensible and, at times, out of the box erotisms. It’s no surprise then when Guadadino and novelist-playwright Justin Kuritzkes take tennis, one of the most erotic sports, and craft a restlessly sexy, infuriating film in “Challengers.” Since its release April 26, “Challengers” has become No.1 in the box office with a domestic gross of $15 million.

Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: Many Action Hiding Weak Characters

By Nolan Sheehan, Staff Writer • April 29, 2024

When it comes to Guy Ritchie, one can only expect the most outlandish, over-the-top action centerpiece to arrive at theaters with explosive flare. Supported by an incredible cast that is fronted by Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is a film that plays to its director’s strengths every chance it gets.

Directors of ‘Abigail’ craft a delightfully devilish dance of horror

By Sarah Payne, Staff Writer • April 29, 2024

In an era where movie critiques and visual essays analyze every frame of a film, artistry is often the priority. While creative in its own right, “Abigail” is a film that focuses on fun — and the watching experience is significantly better for it. The slightly comedic vampire horror/thriller movie was first released April 19.

Even Nicolas Cage could not save ‘Arcadian’

By Rua Fay, Contributing Writer • April 23, 2024

This year’s South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas was filled to the brim with incredible new projects. Festival goers were able to get first-looks at Alex Garland’s “Civil War,” Dev Patel’s “Monkey Man” and Amazon Prime’s new “Fallout” series. But every large media festival is bound to have some less than satisfactory projects, and SXSW is no different.

‘Civil War’ leaves much unexplored and unclear

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • April 17, 2024

In director Alex Garland’s raging, uneasy portrait of the United States’ near future in “Civil War,” the finite details of what issues people are fighting for are intentionally left unclear and unexplored.

Action-revenge and Hindu legend in ‘Monkey Man’

By Atticus Jackson, Contributing Writer • April 14, 2024

“Monkey Man” is a bloodthirsty, action-revenge story following the emotional crux of class struggles in modern-day India but painted parallel against the echo of a mythical Hindu legend. Being the long-awaited directorial debut of the British filmmaker, actor and writer Dev Patel, the film explores many angles of its protagonist’s emotional journey and the thematic developments that infuse it, but where it really shines is in its absolutely subversive action.

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ brings monster brawls and little else

By Nolan Sheehan, Staff Writer • April 5, 2024

Fresh off the heels of Oscar-winning “Godzilla Minus One,” the monster-movie genre is brimming with a newfound sense of potential. It is up to any director to capitalize on a possible revitalization, and Adam Wingard is seemingly up to take a chance with “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Written by the trio of Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater, this kaiju throwdown released March 29 for an Easter Sunday box office hit.

Alejandro and Elizabeth face many ‘Problemistas’

By Patrick Mazzella, Staff Writer • March 27, 2024

Salvadoran performer Julio Torres came onto the American comedy scene with an act unlike most had seen. His deadpan delivery and quiet-as-a-mouse disposition juxtaposed perfectly with the eccentric subject...

Doping, eroticism and evil, bald man lies bleeding

By Ari Klein, Contributing Writer • March 26, 2024

Katy O'Brian has her star turn in a lineup of standout cast members in Rose Glass’ sophomore film “Love Lies Bleeding” which just received its wide release March 15. Not to say that the Kristen Stewart renaissance will not be in full swing after this movie, but it is wonderful to see someone come into their own on screen. In addition to the stellar leads, the film has excellent direction, symbolism and all-around strong performances from the entire cast.

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ strikes a balance of laughs and lessons

By Jadyn Davis, Senior Writer • March 20, 2024

Fans of the loveable and skilled martial artist Panda Po, voiced by Jack Black, are in for another ‘skadoosh’ in “Kung Fu Panda 4,” which was released in theaters March 8. Directed by Mike Mitchell, the movie picks up from “Kung Fu Panda 3” with Po basking in the glory of being chosen as the Dragon Warrior. However, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), tells Po that he has to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, which begins the search for Po’s successor.

‘Dune: Part Two’: A brilliant achievement for science-fiction film

By Nolan Sheehan, Staff Writer • March 6, 2024

Building on an already impressive resume of science-fiction, director Denis Villeneuve continues his epic film adaptation of the first Dune novel with “Dune: Part Two,” the sequel to the 2021 film “Dune,” based on the critically acclaimed novel by Frank Herbert. Releasing into IMAX screenings Feb. 25th and regular theaters March 1, this science-fiction space opera picks up with the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his encounter with the people of the desert planet Arrakis.

‘Drive-Away Dolls’ refreshes concise comedies

By Tim O’Dowd, Contributing Writer • February 29, 2024

Legendary writer and director Ethan Coen finds himself at the helm of a new project, “Drive-Away Dolls," but this time without his usual filmmaking partner and brother, Joel Coen. The two brothers — known for films like “Fargo,” and “The Big Lebowski” — have not made a film together since 2018’s “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” citing creative differences and desires to move their careers in different directions.

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