‘Dragon Age: Absolution’ is a mildly entertaining but empty three hours
By Ben Konuch
"Beware, boy. Memory unheeded can only bring enmity."
I absolutely adore the "Dragon Age" series. The video game franchise from Bioware quickly became one of my favorite pieces of fantasy within my first few hours of playing the first title, "Dragon Age: Origins" back in 2020. As I've played the rest of the games and delved deep into its novels and comics, my love for its story hasn't changed. Set apart from other fantasy worlds with its dark nature and tone and ...
Season three of ‘The Chosen’ begins with an emotional aftermath
By Sophia Monastra
“The Chosen” is the world’s largest crowdfunded TV series, and from the launch of the first episode of its third season, it’s easy to see why.
Episode one, “Homecoming,” begins with a look at the disciple Matthew’s backstory before cutting away to the Sermon on the Mount, where Season two leaves off. A few of these shots are weirdly formatted, with Jesus voicing over clips when he has stopped speaking. This may be an artistic choice to signify time ...
‘Andor’ episode 12 is what a reckoning sounds like
By Ben Konuch
“And know this, the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empire's authority and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege. Remember this: try."
“Andor’s” last episode pieces the entire season together to create a masterpiece of a finale for what has probably been the best live-action Star Wars series to date. The questions and themes of the entire series, the ...
‘The Fablemans’ shows the rise of one of the world’s greatest filmmakers
By Samuel M Acosta
This review may contain some spoilers for “The Fablemans.”
As someone with a high respect for the art of film, I have no doubt that Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential filmmakers in history. Few people can be given credit for as many blockbusters as Spielberg, having created hits such as “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Schindler’s List,” to name only a few. This man is the role model of so many aspiring directors and writers, all of ...
‘Violent Night’ exceeds all expectations
By Samuel M Acosta
The very idea of combining “Die Hard” with Santa Claus is something that any reasonable person would laugh out of the room. The addition of having an actor as relevant as David Harbour portraying Santa makes this absurd idea seem just plain stupid. Yet, somehow, “Violent Night” takes what should be an awful idea and turns it into one of the most entertaining holiday movies made in the past decade.
“Violent Night” follows Santa Claus as he struggles to ...
‘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...
