Movies

‘The Deliverance’ delivers nothing but an underwhelming attempt at horror

By Logan Thompson, Staff Writer • September 5, 2024

“The Deliverance," directed by Lee Daniels, was advertised as the next great Netflix horror film. It is not. “The Deliverance” is the first horror film directed by the Oscar-nominated Daniels, who is best known for his critically-acclaimed dramas “Precious” (2009), “The Butler” (2013) and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (2021). 

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ combating superhero fatigue with humor and heart

By Makai Yllanes, Staff Writer • August 28, 2024

One of the most anticipated releases from Marvel, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” came to the big screen this summer with a wave of excitement from fans and as a hopeful new breath of life for the superhero production company. This film brought the classic character back to the big screen after fans questioned whether Marvel Studios would continue using the man in red since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox. An even more unprecedented return was Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and his entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). 

‘It Ends With Us’ film adaptation is more than meets the gossip-ridden headlines

By Georgie Gassaro, Staff Writer • August 27, 2024

“It Ends With Us” — both the 2016 hit novel written by Colleen Hoover and the new film — tells a story of intricate human love. “It Ends With Us” is also a raw unveiling of perpetual domestic abuse. These two statements are not mutually exclusive, no matter what the film’s thoughtless press tour advertises. 

‘Twisters’ is the perfect storm of ’90’s nostalgia, thrilling special effects and actor chemistry

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter Editor • August 27, 2024

If one had to describe the ruling genre in Hollywood as we approach the mid-2020s, then sequels, adaptations and remakes would be right at the top of the list. Among these is “Twisters,” a stand-alone sequel of the 1996 blockbuster “Twister.” Despite the only characters it shares with the original being tornadoes, “Twisters” offers a captivating ride, sticking to the “American dream” movie formula of the ’90s. 

‘Challengers’ volleys with a true erotic triangle

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter 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 • 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, Staff Illustrator • 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...