Movies

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. 

‘Perfect Days’ flushes away the idea that joy can’t be found in an ordinary life

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • February 27, 2024

On any given day, Hirayama (Koji Yakusho) wakes up to the sound of a woman sweeping the street outside his living space. He shaves his beard, gets a drink from a vending machine and drives to work as...

Connection and rediscovery in ‘Bleeding Love’

By Nolan Sheehan, Staff Writer • February 21, 2024

Keeping with the general feelings in the air that come around for Valentine’s Day, director Emma Westenberg, best known for television series “Long Slow Exhale” and “Dollface,” comes back Feb. 16 with “Bleeding Love,” a film that explores the complex relationship regarding a father and his estranged daughter. 

‘Madame Web’ is a sticky mess of a story waiting to be told

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter Editor • February 20, 2024

Despite the low bar set by its predecessors “Morbius” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” “Madame Web” somehow is an even more underwhelming spin-off to the Sony Spider-Man-adjacent universe. Despite its well-known cast of talent and award-winning director S.J. Clarkson, there is little to nothing that can be actually saved in this film.

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ on track to be the next cult classic

By Maddy Tanzman, Photo Editor • February 18, 2024

“Lisa Frankenstein” all in all is a campy, nostalgic film that fits right in with our most adored ’80s films. For anyone wishing they could time travel back to 1989, back to the days of iconically crimped hair, styled with scrunchies, timeless pop ballads and the occasional undead revenge plot, “Lisa Frankenstein” is the perfect film. 

Obvious CGI outweighs performances in ‘Argylle’

By Georgie Gassaro, Staff Writer • February 7, 2024

Based on a recently published novel of the same title, the film “Argylle,” released on Feb. 2, follows the journey of fictional author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) as she discovers that her spy novels seemingly possess a fortune telling power for actual spy missions.  Elly — an introverted, quirky home-body and quintessential cat lady — befriends a dad-joke-loving spy named Aiden, who has been pursuing efforts to destroy an international espionage organization called the Division. In order to dismantle the Division, Elly must write the next chapter of her latest book and determine an ending much larger than that of her fiction spy-thrillers. 

‘Dear England’: Theater for jocks, message for all

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter Editor • February 1, 2024

Athletes struggling with the pressure of sports is no new discovery. The anxiety of exceeding the already high expectations of the fans is the subject of multiple stories we’ve heard over and over again....

‘Origin’ researches human experiences

By Patrick Mazzella, Staff Writer • January 31, 2024

Purely in concept, the visual depiction of an academic researching histories of racism, segregation and unbalanced power dynamics while writing a book should only be able to evoke snoring in an audience. But writer/director Ava DuVernay’s film, “Origin,” has managed to transcend traditional filmmaking structure, melding fiction, documentary, history and surrealism into a work that not only leaves a profound impact on its viewers, but builds a sound academic thesis in the process. 

Reality and emotions tested in ‘All of Us Strangers’

By Patrick Mazzella, Staff Writer • January 29, 2024

Retrospection is a double-edged sword; opening oneself up to the past, what was lost and what wasn’t said can change a person. The power of love cracks a person open and spills out all the best and worst...