The Ithacan

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ raises laughter rather than the dead

By Abbi Puckett, Contributing Writer • September 11, 2025

Empty and lifeless are a few words that describe “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) are back on screen for the final movie and in action for their...

‘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.

‘Companion’ draws from the hard drives of horror for endless thrills

By Sheelagh Doe, Life and Culture Editor • February 5, 2025

“Companion” is one of the best multifaceted horror movies to be released in recent times, and is full to the brim with shock factor. After hitting theaters Jan. 31, the film showcases the genre’s...

Deja View – “The Fly”

By Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows • November 15, 2024

First-year hosts Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows discuss David Cronenberg's sci-fi horror classic "The Fly" (1986).

Deja View – Horror Characters Bracket

By Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows • November 1, 2024

First-year hosts Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows are joined by first-year Nico Benjamin to conduct a horror-themed bracket. Through four rounds of discussion, they determine which icons of the genre would win in a fight.

‘Smile 2’ outperforms its predecessor with stronger characters and thrilling cinematography

By Logan Thompson, Staff Writer • October 24, 2024

“Smile 2” starts with a bang and never pumps the brakes. Fans of “Smile” (2022) will be delighted, as this sequel is an upgrade in every way. The horror is more horrible and the scares are scarier. The main character is a scandal-plagued pop star, desperate for a comeback following a car accident and the public meltdown that tanked her career. In every way, her story is bigger than the previous main character, Rose, who was a psychiatric hospital therapist.

Deja View – “Terrifier 2”

By Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows • October 18, 2024

First-year hosts Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows discuss Damien Leone's "Terrifier 2" (2022), the bold and bloody sequel to the 2016 original.

Deja View – “The Devil’s Rejects”

By Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows • October 4, 2024

First-year hosts Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows discuss Rob Zombie's "The Devil's Rejects" (2005), a direct sequel to "House of 1000 Corpses" (2003).

Gruesomely perfect societal commentary executed in ‘The Substance’

By Logan Thompson, Staff Writer • October 1, 2024

“The Substance” is, hands down, the best horror movie to hit theaters in years. A viciously dark satire on the entertainment industry, it’s a wild ride you’ll never forget. Those with a low threshold for gore should watch with caution, however. As I can personally attest, at the Cannes Film Festival premiere this past summer, a fellow audience member passed out and was taken away on a stretcher. Yes, it’s that kind of R-rated movie. Gore galore!

Deja View – “House of 1000 Corpses”

By Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows • September 21, 2024

To kick off a brand-new horror-themed season of Deja View, first-year hosts Dylan Long and Christopher Meadows discuss Rob Zombie's "House of 1000 Corpses" (2003).

‘Pop Off!’ – The “Saw” Franchise

March 26, 2024

Host first-year student Ethan Kaufman is joined by guest first-year student MiCaila Lohrfink to rank the 10 films of the “Saw” franchise from worst to best. Intro: 00:00-3:03 Bottom 5: 3:03-19:33 Top...

‘Popcorn Premieres’ – “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (2023), “Anatomy of a Fall” (2023), “Pain Hustlers” (2023)

November 3, 2023

Host first-year student Logan Thompson is joined by guests Braedy Dilger and Simona Forgione to discuss the film adaptation of the video game franchise, "Five Nights at Freddy's". Thompson and Forgione continue to review "Anatomy of a Fall", and Thompson alone reviews the Netflix Original "Pain Hustlers".