THE ITHACAN

Ashe is back to reclaim her genre-fusing sound and reassert her artistry in ‘Willson’

By Georgie Gassaro, Co Life and Culture Editor • September 9, 2024

Ashlyn Rae Willson, better known as Ashe, is no stranger to redefining her own name. With her new album, “Willson,” she is now setting a new precedent for what her name stands for. “Willson,” released Sept. 6, is both Ashe’s third studio album and the third piece of her self-titled series. This album is her first independently-released album because her first two albums –– evidentially titled “Ashlyn” and “Rae” –– were created under a record label, whereas “Willson” is completely owned by Ashe. This self-ownership serves as a metaphor of independence because “Willson” marks Ashe’s resurgence into the music industry, the reconciliation of her wounded past and the start of her self-rediscovery.

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

By Logan Thompson, Contributing 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).

James Smith’s emotional range presents ‘Common People’ as both a dance-party and a pity-party

By Noa Ran-Ressler, Managing Editor • September 4, 2024

After experiencing brief stardom at the age of 15 on Britain’s Got Talent, James Smith largely dropped out of sight. Now, with his first album release — after a series of variably executed EPs — Smith shows listeners what exactly he was doing with all that time out of the spotlight. On Aug. 23, he released his record “Common People.”

Charli XCX redefines summer hits while doing a ‘360’ on the word brat

By Autumn Valdes, Contributing Writer • September 2, 2024

On June 7, Charli XCX dropped her new album “BRAT,” which arguably set the tone for the summer. Music in general is compelling and can influence moods, society and perspectives, which is exactly what “BRAT” did.

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

By Makai Yllanes, Co Video Editor • 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, Co Life and Culture Editor • 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.

‘Short n’ Sweet’ explores relationships in a raunchy and witty manner

By Mariana Contreras, Co Life and Culture Editor • August 27, 2024

Former Disney Channel star Sabrina Carpenter released her sixth studio album “Short n’ Sweet” on Aug. 23. This release followed the success of summer hits “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” which are the two singles of the album. She delivers an album that is diverse in themes and genres, with lyrics touching on lustful mistakes, passionate love, infidelity and even heartbreak. Her songs are not only catchy, but surprising as listeners are met with an experimental genre blend of R&B, pop and folk-country, giving it a nostalgic but timeless melody.

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

By Mariana Contreras, Co Life and Culture 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, 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.

Famous features on St. Vincent’s newest album

By Sammie Macaranas, Staff Writer • April 30, 2024

On April 26, Annie Clark, more widely known as St. Vincent, released her seventh studio album, “All Born Screaming.” The musician has made a name for herself since leaving alternative indie artist Sufjan Stevens’ touring band in 2006. The multi-talented artist took a new step with this album, making it her debut as a producer. Clark’s musical abilities are once again put on display as she plays the electric piano, bass, acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, vocals and more.

True dedication to historical and cultural accuracy shown in ‘Shōgun’

By Ray Milburn, Video Editor • April 29, 2024

During the era of “peak TV,” FX had a problem. A 2015 Variety report criticized FX for its lack of diversity in the director’s chair. In response, CEO John Landgraf adjusted the network’s efforts to represent women and people of color in their TV series. Soon after, “Atlanta” debuted on FX, earning its network 26 Emmy nominations and seven statuettes during its four-season run.

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.

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