An Unsettling Throwback: A Mostly Spoiler-Free Review of “WandaVision” Episodes One and Two
by Sam Acosta
The first Disney+ exclusive Marvel show represents an exciting new chapter of the MCU that explores a more creative side of what Marvel has to offer. “WandaVision” starts this new age of superheroes by throwing us back to the era of black-and-white television, immersing us in a world reminiscent of classic shows like “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “I Love Lucy.”
Superhero couple Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) have just moved to a new neighborhood ...
“Soul” Review: Lighthearted Children’s Movie or Philosophical Dilemma?
by Kathryn McDonald
As COVID-19 restrictions have caused many disruptions for the entertainment industry, Pixar’s decision to release their animated film “Soul” on Disney+ in time for the holidays was highly anticipated by children and adults alike.
Director Pete Docter began work on “Soul” following his second Oscar for the highly acclaimed Pixar film “Inside Out.” Docter has built a reputation for his innovative stories that make difficult concepts such as emotions and ...
Ambitious Season Finale is a Fun but Messy Ride – “The Rescue” Review
by Hunter Johnson
[Editor’s Note: The following actually doesn’t contain any spoilers for “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 8. Enjoy.]
Team Mando just keeps getting bigger. In the previous two episodes of “The Mandalorian,” Din Djarin has assembled quite the team. Mercenaries Boba Fett and Fennec Shand are under oath to help Djarin save Grogu, and long-term ally Cara Dune—now a New Republic marshal—has joined his ranks as well.
But that’s not quite enough for our ...
“Wonder Woman 1984” Review: Simply Entertaining
by Sam Acosta
[Editor’s Note: The following review contains minor spoilers]
“Wonder Woman 1984” is a film that entertained me throughout its duration but left me missing its predecessor. Despite the bright atmosphere and vibrancy that comes with the ‘80s setting, the film pales in comparison to its predecessor. While it lacks any glaring flaws and kept me engaged, there were many points throughout the movie where I wish there had been just a bit more substance.
In terms of ...
Seventh Episode Moves Slow but Packs a Big Punch – “The Believer” Review
by Hunter Johnson
[Editor’s Note: The following contains minor spoilers for “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 7]
“The Mandalorian” soars in its second season’s penultimate episode, all thanks to none other than comedian Bill Burr.
“The Believer” follows Djarin and company on their mission to rescue Grogu from the clutches of Moff Gideon, and there to help them do just that is mercenary Migs Mayfeld, with Bill Burr (“F is for Family,” “Breaking Bad”) returning as ...
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Review: The Cost of Pride and Ambition
by Sam Acosta
[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”]
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” an adaptation of August Wilson’s stage play, made me feel the emotion of almost every character and left me thinking about its themes long after I watched it. Director George C. Wolfe brings together an amazing cast, with every actor and actress playing their roles perfectly and making each character memorable.
However, this movie also left me ...
Family Matters Most – “Safety” Review
by Nick Ratliff
Based on the true story of college football player Ray McElrathbey (Jay Reeves), “Safety” is a story of determination, persistence and the importance of family. The real-life Ray is an inspiring example of a student-athlete, and this film depicts this well.
The film begins with Ray, a freshman attending Clemson University, being recruited as a safety to the Clemson football team, the Tigers. Early on, Ray struggles to balance his time between academics, sports, and his ...
“Mank” is a Tale of Politics, Corruption, and the Cathartic Power of Film
by Ben Hiett
[Editor’s Note: This review contains spoilers for the Netflix film “Mank”]
“Tell the story you know.” So says movie producer John Houseman to Herman J. Mankiewicz, the titular protagonist of David Fincher’s latest film “Mank.” Fincher has crafted an intricate, subtle masterpiece of filmmaking that only gets better upon rewatch (trust me, I watched it twice). However, the point of a review like this is to help you, the reader, determine whether this movie is one ...
Boba Fett Makes His Epic Return in Sixth Episode of “The Mandalorian” – “The Tragedy” Review
by Hunter Johnson
[Editor’s Note: The following contains major spoilers for “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episodes 5 and 6]
After the major plot developments of last week’s episode, many fans probably expected “The Mandalorian” to take a break from the main story. The last episode ended with Ahsoka tasking Djarin to take the Child to an ancient Jedi monument on the planet Tython, and fans wouldn’t be blamed for expecting this season to wrap up with two filler episodes building ...
Live-Action Ahsoka Tano Shines in Otherwise Mediocre Episode – “The Jedi” Review
by Hunter Johnson
[Editor’s Note: The following contains minor spoilers for “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 5]
When it comes to “Star Wars,” hype can be a strange thing. Whether it’s the films, novels or TV shows, fans of a galaxy far, far away build up expectations in their minds only to find ways to be disappointed by the end result.
With the thirteenth chapter of “The Mandalorian,” showrunner Jon Favreau risks potentially disappointing fans’ expectations. After ...
