The Ithacan

New Netflix sitcom ‘A Man on the Inside’ has a promising first season

By Maya Silveira Scuri, Contributing Wrier • December 3, 2024

The newest addition to Michael Schur’s legacy of sitcoms arrived on Netflix Nov. 21. “A Man on the Inside” stars Ted Danson as Charles, a retired professor and recent widower, who accepts an offer from a private investigation firm to work undercover in a retirement home. The first season follows Charles as he figures out how to be a 70-year-old spy and step out of his lonely shell, finding companionship alongside the other residents at the home.

Netflix’s musical ‘Emilia Perez’ beautifully explores a gender transition in the face of war and murder

By Logan Thompson, Staff Writer • November 22, 2024

"Emilia Perez" is a bombastic musical set in Mexico that has just landed on Netflix. A darling of critics and industry awards — the leads jointly won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival — the film juggles multiple plotlines during its short two-hour runtime: murder, infidelity and gender transitioning, all set against the brutal backdrop of Mexico’s unending drug war.

Netflix’s new horror film ‘It’s What’s Inside’ scares without blood

By Logan Thompson, Staff Writer • October 9, 2024

“It’s What’s Inside” is the story of a reunion gone horribly wrong. On the eve of a wedding, friends gather at a family estate to celebrate and reconnect before the big day. Things are going great until the arrival of an eighth friend and his strange suitcase ruins their plans with a brutal game akin to “Mafia.” Despite many similarities to 2022’s “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” the film makes its own mark with sci-fi gimmicks and trickery.

Will & Harper: A road trip exploring identity against the odds

By Sheelagh Doe, Staff Writer • October 8, 2024

Netflix’s new documentary, “Will & Harper,” highlights the strength of two life-long friends — Harper Steele and Will Ferrel — who take to the road so Steele can re-experience the country as her true self after coming out as a transgender woman two years ago. This documentary tells Steele’s story beautifully, and doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. The trip won’t be easily forgettable for the duo or for viewers.

‘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).

‘Pop Off!’ – “Stranger Things” Characters

April 2, 2024

Host first-year student Ethan Kaufman is joined by guest first-year student Hannah Greaves to rank their top 5 "Stranger Things" characters.

‘Popcorn Premieres’ – The SAG Awards and Weekend of Feb. 23

February 29, 2024

First year student hosts Logan Thompson and Ethan Kaufman break down the recent wins at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards and how they anticipate the Oscar Awards playing out. Thompson and Kaufman also go through last weekend's top movies at the box office.

Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is rediscovering the elements

By Jadyn Davis, Senior Writer • February 28, 2024

The animated series of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” — created by Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino — first premiered in 2005 and instantly became popular for its excellent storytelling, well written characters and powerful themes. But after 19 years, fans of the original show can enjoy the tale of Avatar Aang once again in the live-action series, which was released Feb. 22 on Netflix.

‘Popcorn Premiers’ – “May December” (2023)

December 10, 2023

For his final episode of the season, host first-year student Logan Thompson reviews the comedy/drama Netflix film with sophomore Michael Mahtesian to discuss the actors' performances and the audience's perception of the true crime genre. Thompson continues with a recap of his favorite films of 2023 and movies he is anticipating in 2024.

‘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.

‘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".

Column: The case for the weekly streaming model

By Matt Minton, Co Life and Culture Editor • April 5, 2023

Despite the popularity of binge-watching, the weekly streaming model is the most effective at keeping the momentum of a show going.