‘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...
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 ...
