The Ithacan

‘Sinners’ strikes a chord with its strong messaging

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter Editor • May 2, 2025

Within the last decade, writer-director Ryan Coogler has cast Michael B. Jordan in six of his most significant projects. The dynamic, disruptive duo come back together to make “Sinners” as action-packed as “Creed” and as profound as “Black Panther.” At its heart, the film celebrates Black culture throughout history in an unexpected commentary about white supremacy and its impact on Black communities.

‘Étoile’ is on pointe with the dramedy of ballet

By Maya Silveira Scuri, Staff Writer • May 1, 2025

“Étoile” — which means star or a ballet company’s principal dancer in French — is Amy Sherman-Palladino’s newest entry into a world of fast-talking, personality-filled characters. The “Gilmore...

‘Until Dawn’ adapts its source material poorly

By Nolan Sheehan, Co-Life and Culture Editor • April 30, 2025

Attempting to build off of a popular video game with different story direction, “Until Dawn” is an adaptation that fails to follow the blueprint. Directed by David F. Sandberg, this film goes to great lengths to make itself unique in how it presents its horror.

A24’s creature feature ‘The Legend of Ochi’ fails to stay focused

By Noa Ran-Ressler, Managing Editor • April 30, 2025

“The Legend of Ochi” is an incredible visual experience. The cinematography, special effects, sound effects and soundtrack are all awe-inspiring. The plot and dialogue, however, are completely convoluted. So while this movie is well-made, it is not any good.

‘Daredevil: Born Again’ is a return to form for the Marvel Cinematic Universe

By Will Caron, Staff Writer • April 25, 2025

Created by Dario Scardapane, Matt Corman and Chris Ord, “Daredevil: Born Again” holds to the heart of the original Netflix series, of which this show is a direct continuation of. The season sees the return of Charlie Cox as Matthew Murdock/Daredevil, the now retired vigilante and full-time lawyer, following a tragedy that changes his life forever.

Breakthrough artist delivers on his debut album, ‘Malcolm Todd’

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter Editor • April 18, 2025

Almost two years after his launch to fame with the release of his single “Roommates,” Malcolm Todd dropped his first studio album on April 4. Having opened for Omar Apollo and performed in festivals like Governor's Ball and Lollapalooza, Todd has practiced his stage presence despite starting his music career during the pandemic and will be going on tour starting May. With the singles going viral, the small taste of the album set up a good precedent for the rest of the songs.

Bon Iver explores tragedy in ‘SABLE, fABLE’

By Nolan Sheehan, Co-Life and Culture Editor • April 17, 2025

Thematically rich and beautifully written, Bon Iver returns to the music world with his first studio album in six years, “SABLE, fABLE.” This two-disc album is a reflective piece where Iver breaks...

A24 brings combat realism with latest military thriller, ‘Warfare’

By Mila Ventura-Rodriguez, Staff writer • April 17, 2025

“Warfare,” co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, is a realistic war movie that appears to capitalize off of A24’s recent success with “Civil War.” It is a cinematic representation of...

The Hunger Games return with long-awaited Haymitch prequel, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

By Marissa Moschella, Assistant Photo Editor • April 16, 2025

With a March 18 release, author Suzanne Collins brought readers back to the brutal world of Panem in the highly anticipated prequel novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The newest installment in the...

Landon doesn’t ‘Drop’ the ball in riveting new movie

By Brian Murray, Contributing Writer • April 16, 2025

In “Drop,” the exhilarating new thriller from director Christopher Landon, a woman’s romantic misgivings on a first date fall by the wayside as a sinister plot unfurls. In an age of online dating...

‘A Minecraft Movie’ doesn’t chicken out from being itself

By Allison Dolan, Staff Writer • April 9, 2025

“A Minecraft Movie,” directed by Jared Hess, is the film adaptation of the formative video game. The film released April 4 and was highly anticipated despite the trailers receiving backlash from fans. Good comedic writing and some strong performances help to make up for the poorly developed characters and questionable plot.

Comedy and horror fuse for one ‘Hell of a Summer’

By Brian Murray, Contributing Writer • April 9, 2025

The horror genre is no stranger to camp, both in tone and subject matter. In “Hell of a Summer,” the new horror comedy from upstart writer-directors Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, a group of summer...

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