‘Andor’ episode 11 takes a breath before the finale
By Ben Konuch
“They’ll trust nothing. Just like you’re doing now.”
Episode 11 is the beginning of the end for “Andor”, as the overarching feeling of the inevitability of defeat and sacrifice grows stronger. The news of Maarva’s death hits all of our characters hard and leaves a dark cloud hanging over Ferrix which Dedra wishes to exploit. She believes allowing the people of Ferrix to hold the funeral ceremony for Maarva will be their best bet at flushing out Andor, and ...
‘Devotion’ soars as a biographical drama with a message
By Ben Konuch
“I can’t tell you how many times people have told me to give up, quit, die even. That’s why you can’t always do what you’re told. If I did, I wouldn’t be here.”
“Devotion”, the 2022 Korean War aviation film, is so much more than a typical war film. While it has gorgeous aerial shots and genuinely thrilling dogfight scenes, the heart of “Devotion” is in its characters. Jonathan Majors portrays Jesse Brown, the first African-American to graduate from the ...
Corny Christmas movie tropes strike again in ‘Something from Tiffany’s’
By Cedars A&E Staff
What is it about Hallmark movies and Christmastime? Somehow these inseparable elements of American media and culture are inextricably linked. Despite all the groans and the giggles about the cheesy, Christmas romances, we see them appear again and again.
This year, Amazon Prime Video released “Something from Tiffany’s,” a not-too-sappy, guilty pleasure Christmas movie. The movie is based on a book of the same name written by Melissa Hill and published ...
‘Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’ isn’t the best, but is no humbug either
By Laci Strouse
“Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” is a cheerful and family-friendly Christmas movie. You can feel the holiday spirit throughout the film. Unlike the other versions of the story, this one is aimed at entertaining children. This is the perfect Christmas movie to watch with young children and to brighten their day.
Despite the cheerful jolly vibe, the opening song, “I Love Christmas,” felt awkward and pushy. Ebenezar Scrooge is immediately seen as being rude to the ...
From family favorites to seasonal classics, Cedars writers share their top Christmas movies
Compiled by Janie Walenda
As Christmas break begins, so do the Christmas movie marathons. Whether you prefer Hallmark rom-coms or classic movie musicals, charming family entertainment or uproarious comedies, there’s a Christmas movie for you. Oftentimes these movies become part of holiday traditions. Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie, and some of our Cedars Arts and Entertainment writers have taken this opportunity to share their favorites with you. &n...
Here are our top recommendations for individual or family Advent devotionals
By Kathryn McDonald
With Christmas just around the corner, it can be easy to get swept up in all the holiday celebrations without pausing for personal reflection on the deeper meaning of the season. Within the traditional Church calendar, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas provide believers and their families opportunities to slow down and celebrate the Christmas story. Some families may choose to use an advent wreath or countdown to provide a visual reminder of the weeks and days ...
‘Spirited’ is a heartfelt, festive and irreverent treat
By Janie Walenda
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a well-trod territory by this point. Everyone has a different favorite movie adaptation – mine is “The Muppet Christmas Carol” – and the story makes an appearance every year in theaters around the world. There's a good reason for this, as “A Christmas Carol” is far more than just festive entertainment but an enduring story about humanity, change and what it means to be a good person.
“Spirited” isn’t ...
‘Slumberland’ is a bland movie with an interesting past
By Katlynn Rossignol
Nemo loved living with her father in their picturesque island lighthouse, but when Nemo’s father is lost at sea, Nemo is sent to live with her estranged and socially awkward uncle. Nemo sleeps to escape her grief and meets Flip, the self-proclaimed famous outlaw of Slumberland, in her dream. The two go on a treasure hunt for the wish-granting pearls hidden in the Sea of Nightmares to fulfill Nemo’s wish to see her father again.
Tone:
The tone of ...
‘The Wonder’ displays the battle between belief and skepticism
By Caroline Stanton
“We are nothing without stories and so we invite you to believe in this one” is the beckoning into the world of Ireland in "The Wonder," just a few decades after the devastating Irish famine.
I can say with absolute certainty that I have never encountered a movie like “The Wonder.” This film is closely based on the book “The Wonder” by Emma Donoghue. I went into watching it with very little knowledge of the premise of the film I was about to ...
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ presents a cheerful Christmas extravaganza
"Oh Christmas Groot, how I love your branches.''
By Lacie Strouse
Marvel’s goofiest protectors of the galaxy set out to Earth after discovering the holiday, “Christmas,” with hopes of cheering up Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt.“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” is filled with festive holiday cheer and classic Guardian humor. Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff, is given a special spotlight in the holiday special along with Kraglin, played by Sean Gunn, who we should ...
