‘What If…?’ season three misses the point of nostalgia bait
By Katlynn Rossignol
“What If…?” is one of Marvel's animated shows that explores alternate versions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters. With a prompt so broad, the show has shared three seasons of unique scenarios. However, the last act of season three had me asking, “What happened?”
Gundam, Power Rangers, Voltron, Pacific Rim… or Sam Wilson in a robot?
Before delving into the many negatives, I’d like to appreciate the animation and art put into ...
‘A Vengeance Most Fowl’ is a comedic commentary
By Danielle Cherry
In the 17 years since Wallace and Gromit’s last appearance, animation has moved through both ultra-realism and stylization, with high-tech tools dominating the medium. Their newest film “A Vengeance Most Fowl” breathes an old-fashioned air into an over-saturated genre.
The greatest charm of the film is the characters' personas. Wallace is an avid inventor, systemizing his entire life with the push of a button. Wallace sees change and advancement as exciting, ...
‘The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim’ brings deep-cut Tolkien to life
By Janie Walenda
This review contains spoilers for “The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim”
Confession time: fantasy isn’t really my thing. While I enjoy it, it’s not something that I get invested in or seek out. It’s entirely possible that my apathy towards fantasy is an attempt to balance my brother’s obsession with it, especially when it comes to J. R. R. Tolkien’s work.
He’s read every book, brought the Silmarillion on our five-day vacation and, as I write, is ...
‘Arcane’ ends with a bang
By Janie Walenda
“Sometimes taking a leap forward means leaving a few things behind.”
What is “Arcane” about? Its sprawling plot lines and interwoven character arcs make it difficult to pin down. But the answer to this question is pivotal for both the highlights and the letdowns of “Arcane’s” final act.
When I asked my brother what “Arcane” was about before he watched season two, his answer focused on the conflict between Piltover and Zaun. This conflict, mirroring ...
‘Six Triple Eight’ is my new favorite wartime movie
By Danielle Cherry
The true story of “Six Triple Eight” follows a battalion of black women tasked with the impossible mission of sorting out seven million pieces of mail piled up over ten months. Facing discrimination and feelings of unworthiness, the women push on fighting to make both the deadline and their ability known.
Following the life of Lena Derricotte (Ebony Obsidian), the film begins when Lena receives the tragic news that the love of her life, Abram David, died in ...
‘Mufasa’ should win a Oscar
By Danielle Cherry
Pride Rock shines once again in “Mufasa,” retracing the history of the royal line to where it all began: with Taka and Mufasa. Throughout the film, their relationship develops and stretches as they encounter obstacles that hinder them from making it to Milele.
From the beginning of the film, Taka and Mufasa are inseparable, playing in the grass under the watchful eye of Taka’s father, Obasi. By the middle of the film, the viewer is clued to who Taka really ...
A character driven show causes viewers to ponder; ‘What If…?’
By Danielle Cherry
Anything is possible within the multiverse. “What If…?” explores the endless possibilities within the Marvel universe, following beloved characters in unique team-ups and stories that set this animated series apart from the other Marvel TV shows and movies. Here, anything goes, even the most ludicrous.
“What If…?” is a controversial series among Marvel fans, garnering much hate and love at the same time. I was surprised that the TV show was ...
‘Gladiator II:’ We are entertained, but we should be feeling something stronger
By Ben Konuch
“A man does not become emperor by bloodline alone. It must be taken by force and kept by force! Are you such a man as this?”
I really, really wanted to love “Gladiator II.” As one of 2024’s flashiest blockbusters and a sequel to one of the most famous historical action films ever made, “Gladiator II” had a lot going for it. As iconic director Ridley Scott stepped back into the world of ancient Rome with a new, star-studded cast, I found myself thoroughly ...
‘Maria’ is a borderline insulting waste of time
By Isaac Steward
This review contains spoilers for “Maria”
“Maria” is a 2024 biographical psychological drama, following the final week of Maria Callas, widely considered to be the greatest female opera singer of the 20th century, Maria Callas, before her death at the age of 53 in 1977.
By this time in Maria’s life, she has long been retired from the stage, inflicted by a mysterious illness that has diminished her once legendary voice. Despite this, she still longs to sing, ...
‘Wicked: Part 1’ defies expectations
By Sophia Monastra
As I researched this movie, two thoughts ran through my mind: “This movie is how long?” and “What do you mean this is part 1?”
Full disclosure, I’ve never seen the musical “Wicked” due to limited finances, (or “Wizard of Oz” due to generational trauma from flying monkeys but that’s another matter), but research shows that the musical is around three hours long.
The movie is two and a half hours for Part 1. Surely the filmmakers had to be adding ...
