The Season Premiere of “Hawkeye” Is Right on Target
By Janie Walenda
This review contains minor spoilers for the first two episodes of “Hawkeye,” as well as spoilers for the comics.
I should probably begin by apologizing to anyone who’s listened to me talk about “Hawkeye” within the past year. This was my most anticipated show from the initial MCU Disney+ lineup, and I had high expectations, and so far, “Hawkeye” has not disappointed.
One of the more surprising elements of “Hawkeye” is how heavily the show focuses on Kate ...
‘Belfast’ is a Film for the Heart and the Soul
By Sam Acosta
“Belfast” is a beautiful example of an accessible arthouse film. Even with its short hour-and-a-half runtime, it takes the viewer on a complete emotional journey that raises questions about family, parenthood, marriage and the meaning of home.
This semi-autobiographical film takes place in Belfast, Ireland in 1969, where tensions are rising between the Catholic and Protestant populations. We watch as the young boy Buddy and his family are faced with an impossible choice: ...
‘Tick, Tick…Boom!’ Soars as a Showcase of Unexpected Talents
By Ben Hiett
“Am I cut out to spend my time this way?”
So asks Jonathon Larson, the real-life Broadway composer and playwright who is the focus of this film. Directed by Broadway extraordinaire Lin-Manuel Miranda with a screenplay penned by “Dear Evan Hansen” writer Steven Levenson, “Tick, Tick...Boom!” is an adaptation of a solo rock opera originally composed and performed by Larson himself. Written before his most famous musical “Rent," the show tells the story of Larson’s ...
Analysis: Christians and Horror Films
By Sam Acosta
As believers, discernment in entertainment can be a daunting task, with the seemingly endless amounts of music, shows and movies to filter through and pick from. It’s an important task, however, as Phillipians 4:8 instructs us to be careful about what we dwell on and let into our minds.
Right off the bat, there are some fairly obvious rejects, such as the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series. Other properties are more controversial: some Christians refuse to watch “Harry ...
Disney+ and Spiderman and Ghostbusters! Oh My!
By Janie Walenda
It is nearly impossible to keep up with movies and TV shows nowadays, so let me help by recapping the past few weeks of Hollywood news, including the latest box office figures, “Spiderman: No Way Home” leaks, recent casting announcements, and Disney+ Day.
While the box office is still nowhere close to the state it was in 2019, it is gradually returning back to normal. After just two weekends, “Eternals” has already earned 118.7 million dollars, surpassing “Dune. ...
‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Brings Heart Back to the Franchise
By Janie Walenda
“Ghostbusters” has a rough history with sequels. In 1989, “Ghostbusters II” failed to recapture the magic of the original, and the 2016 reboot has been largely reviled by fans. While “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is by no means a perfect film, it manages to both satisfy old fans and win over new ones.
One key to the film’s success is its use of another iconic 80’s genre: family adventure films. Drawing on the trademarks of this genre, the film follows most ...
‘Red Notice’ is Fun and Entertaining and Doesn’t Need to be Much Else
By Benjamin Konuch
I couldn’t wait to see Red Notice.
When I first heard it announced and learned what kind of movie it was, my excitement was through the roof. I utterly adore the action comedy genre, with movies such as “Red” and “Knight & Day” being family favorites. Hearing that Netflix was going to be making an original movie in that style, starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Renolds, and Gal Gadot, my excitement skyrocketed. Here were three of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the ...
Tom Hanks Shines as Troubled Father Figure in ‘Finch’
By Ben Hiett
I wasn’t expecting much out of “Finch,” a small-scale sci-fi movie quietly released on Apple TV+ last weekend. True, it did star American acting legend Tom Hanks in the titular role, and, based on promotional footage, the practical and CG effects for his robot companion looked convincingly realistic.
Still, none of what I saw looked unfamiliar. Moviegoers have seen the “post-apocalyptic world ravaged by some major disaster” story told time and time again in films such ...
‘Last Night in Soho’ Teeters Between Mess and Masterpiece
By Sam Acosta
“Last Night in Soho” is one of the best examples of gorgeous cinematography in the last decade. Supported by an interesting plot and talented cast, this film starts strong but then loses steam halfway through, see-sawing between wonderful storytelling and awkward filmmaking. As a result, I left the theater with mixed feelings.
“Last Night in Soho” follows Eloise, a young woman who dreams of becoming a famous fashion designer. Along with her eye for fashion, Eloise has ...
‘The Last Duel’ Addresses a Serious Topic with Tact and Honesty
by the Cedars A&E Staff
Editor’s Note: [“The Last Duel” contains some mature scenes and deals with the sensitive topics of rape and sexual assault. Viewer and reader discretion is advised.]
“The truth does not matter. There is only the power of man.”
“The Last Duel” is an enigma of a film. It is directed by Ridley Scott, who is known for his gripping action films such as “Alien,” “Gladiator” and “The Martian.” While the marketing has made “The Last Duel” ...
