The Ithacan

Review: “Rainswept” is a deluge of visceral visuals

By Avery Alexander • February 20, 2019

A rich landscape of beautiful, rolling hills is quickly followed by the silhouette of a man in his window — then a heart-stopping bang leads to peaceful silence. This is the beginning of “Rainswept,”...

Letter to the Editor: Racial critique of ‘La La Land’ unnecessary

By Jackson Donaldson • February 9, 2017

I am writing you to ask you to just review the film, not its perception or place in culture.

Review: One Republic’s ‘Oh My My’ offers thought-provoking lyrics

By Ashley Wolf, Staff Writer • October 17, 2016

“Oh My My,” released Oct. 7, offers listeners a nicely balanced variety between moving power ballads and easy-listening dance tracks.

Review: Spears’ signature sound cannot appeal to modern listeners

By Angela Weldon, Staff Writer • August 30, 2016

Her signature 90s sound — the peppy synth beats, generic bass drops and basic lyrics — feels stale compared to her contemporaries, like Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé. Each song may have topped the charts in Spears’ heyday, but now the tracks feel forced and inauthentic. Her album may have been better received had she made more of an effort to stay current.

Review: ‘War Dogs’ film barks up the wrong tree

By Sam Fischer, Contributing Writer • August 30, 2016

Packouz and Diveroli’s relationship is certainly an entertaining one: The combination of Packouz’s snarky personality and Diveroli’s ignorance makes for funny dialogue. However, the protagonists of “War Dogs” aren’t dynamic; there doesn’t seem to be much growth or change for either character. Not to mention, the story itself didn’t do a great job of making the audience feel connected to the characters.

Review: Simon’s talent shines on thirteenth release

By Matthew Radulski, Staff Writer • June 22, 2016

Simon proves he has not stopped being innovative. His latest effort, “Stranger to Stranger,” shows Simon just as inspired as ever. The album is a harmonic convergence of sound, and Simon makes the listener consider each word carefully.

Review: Big stars fail to bring ‘joy’ to viewers

By Angela Poffenbaugh, Staff Writer • December 29, 2015

If one is looking for a movie that lives up to the joyous sounding title, prepare for an entirely opposite and disappointing experience.

Review: ‘Foxcatcher’ provides riveting character study

By Byron Bixler, Staff Writer • January 21, 2015

Directed by Bennett Miller, "Foxcatcher" stars Steve Carell as paranoid billionaire John du Pont and Channing Tatum as world-class wrestler Mark Schultz in a psychologically thrilling drama.

Review: Synthetic sounds disappoint in Guster’s new album

By Kenny Chapman, Staff Writer • January 21, 2015

Straying from their characteristically indie sound, Guster produces lackluster synthetic vibes in "Evermotion."

Review: Cumberbatch’s performance drives Turing biopic

By Mary Ford, Assistant Life & Culture Editor • January 15, 2015

Directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightly, "The Imitation Game" reveals the story of a little-known cryptographic genius punished for his homosexuality.

Review: Beloved rap group disappoints with reunion album

By Matthew Radulski, Staff Writer • December 10, 2014

Twenty-one years after the release of their first album, Wu-Tang Clan reunites but ultimately falls flat in "A Better Tomorrow."

Review: Boy band brings more mature melody to new album

By Serena Weiss, Staff Writer • December 3, 2014

One Direction returns with crowd-pleasing album.