The Ithacan

Napoleon: Fantastic performances marred by an inconsistent tone

By Nolan Sheehan, Co-Life and Culture Editor • November 30, 2023

Adding onto the impressive and long-running repertoire of the famous director and writer Ridley Scott comes one of the most widely anticipated films of November, released Nov. 22. Combining his talents with world-renowned actor Joaquin Phoenix, Scott casts his own dynamic portrayal of Napoleon onto the big screen.

‘The Killer’ slays every detail of a caper thriller

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • November 16, 2023

The titular killer (Michael Fassbender) in David Fincher’s new caper thriller, “The Killer,” never misses. Or so the man of walking contradictions claims.

Meg Ryan’s newest rom-com leaves us asking ‘What Happens Later’

By Sarah Mooney, Staff writer • November 16, 2023

“What Happens Later,” directed by Meg Ryan, was released Nov. 3. The movie brings back the old romantic comedy flare that can be found in Ryan’s past films. The film follows two love interests as they wait for their pending flights and is a perfect watch if you need the dreadful airport layover to be romanticized.

‘Popcorn Premieres’ – “Priscilla” (2023) and “Fingernails” (2023)

November 10, 2023

Host first year student Logan Thompson is joined by guest Maggie Schluth to discuss recently released films "Priscilla" (2023) directed by Sofia Coppola and "Fingernails" (2023) directed by Christos Nikou.

‘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".

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ brings frights and fun to life

By Lucretius Rutkowski, Proofreader • November 1, 2023

Ever since the success of the first Five Nights at Freddy’s game, created in 2014, the idea of a movie adaptation has been a running gag in the gaming community for almost a decade. Rumors of its production and it being stuck in “development hell” were spread until Blumhouse Productions and the games’ creator Scott Cawthon started posting teasers online about its gradual development. Released in theaters Oct. 27 almost nine years later, there is finally a “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie.

Death and the French legal system are a confusing mess in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • October 31, 2023

The film effectively critiques the way the media indulges into people’s private lives. At times, the camera’s perspective switches to iPhone or home video footage being taken of Sandra and Samuel while being questioned, feeling akin to true-crime documentaries. But the real story is grounded in character work: the real meat of the drama is found within the courtroom, which Triet and Arthur Harari’s sharp screenplay understands thoroughly.

‘Popcorn Premieres’ – “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023)

October 27, 2023

On episode 7 of "Popcorn Premieres," host first-year student Logan Thompson reviews "Killers of the Flower Moon" (2023) with guests Lily Ashman and Anthony Vicendese. The three discuss pacing, drama and the actors' performances as they dive into the details of the plot.

Scorsese tells a painfully bloody yet important story of American history

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • October 23, 2023

Like many terror-stricken periods in American history, stories of genocide and racial injustice are often re-written into different narratives, the pain inflicted on groups of people forgotten and cast side. In this last-stage Scorsese work, he reminds audiences of the power of who is telling what story at any given point in history.

‘Popcorn Premieres’ – “Fair Play” (2023), “Totally Killer” (2023) and “The Burial” (2023)

October 20, 2023

On this week's episode, host first year student Logan Thompson reviews "Fair Play" (2023), "Totally Killer" (2023) and "The Burial" (2023). Thompson introduces a new segment on the show reviewing movies of 2023 that were released prior to the first episode of "Popcorn Premieres"

‘Deja View’ – “Ratatouille” (2007)

October 17, 2023

In Episode 5 of their animation series, host junior Therese Kinirons is joined by guest Sena Namkung to talk about the Pixar film "Ratatouille" (2007). Join them as they discuss delicious food, Pixar at large, and potential health code violations.

‘The Burial’ is destined to be buried under other content

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • October 16, 2023

As “The Burial” hits the exact crowd-pleasing beats that fans of procedural dramas have come to expect over many decades, it’s hard not to have a smile on your face when the verdict is read. It’s also hard not to think about the greater potential for a more creative portrayal of this story.