The Making of a Franchise: Why Some Succeed Where Others Fail
by Janie Walenda
It feels like everything is a franchise nowadays. Every movie sets up a sequel, and more often than not, it gets one. Few franchises, however, are truly successful. Most fizzle out thanks to underwhelming sequels that drag on far beyond where they should.
What about those few franchises that are both long-lasting and successful overall? What makes them succeed where so many fail?
First and foremost, the movies are usually connected. Though seemingly obvious, ...
Matt Papa: Artists-in-Residence Uses His Talents to Pour into Cedarville Students
by Kathryn McDonald
On July 13, 2021, Cedarville University was excited to announce that Matt Papa will serve as the Artist-In-Residence for the coming school year. Cedarville students had the opportunity to hear him speak and sing in chapel, teach in certain classes and even interact with him personally.
Papa is a two-time Dove-award nominated Christian music artist and songwriter. He is best known for his recent songs “His Mercy is More,” “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” and ...
Just Sayin’: On New, Nomadic Roots
It started because of COVID, for me. The polite kick-out we received in March 2020 sent everyone into a frenzy as we tried to figure out plane tickets and carpooling partners. Where would we go? For how long? What was happening?
I answered these questions from my then-boyfriend’s basement in Cincinnati, a suitcase of clothes and textbooks (and a cardboard box of my plants) the only company I could bring from my dorm.
Four days later, I continued answering those questions from my ...
The Spike of COVID-19
By Anna Harman
Since March 2020 with COVID-19, Cedarville students were ready to get back to normal on campus this semester.
For the first week on campus, all students attended chapel and classes without COVID-19 protocols set in place. Then on August 24th, 2021, Cedarville announced that masks were once again strongly encouraged in all indoor public spaces. Chapel would not meet, students who tested positive for COVID-19 would have to isolate themselves at home and outdoor activities ...
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 ...
What the Implications of Working With Food Service are on Cedarville University’s Campus
by Anna Harman
Everybody has received the numerous emails that are sent out frequently by Tossed/Chick-Fil-A, The Dining Hall, and Stingers. They always say things like “Weekend Plea” or “Open Shifts.” Why is there such a shortage of student workers on campus who are willing to help at the various food service locations on campus?
Tossed manager Daley Fogle said, “Though we try to work with the students' schedules as best we can, it still is difficult. It is also hard at the ...
Aaron Cook’s ministry generates “multiplying multipliers”
by Kathyrn McDonald
Cedarville University is unique because of the people who are most involved in the community. Many people work behind-the-scenes to create a vibrant, Christ-centered community. Invariably the behind-the-scenes moments go unnoticed yet are the lifeblood of this ministry.
Aaron Cook is one of the biggest players in these behind-the-scenes moments. In his role as Director of Discipleship, Cook is responsible for managing Discipleship Groups, Fit to be Tied—a premari...
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 ...
Rumors Run Rampant Following the Astroworld Tragedy
By Sam Acosta
On Friday, November 5, tragedy struck the Astroworld music festival in NRG Park in Houston. The festival brought tens of thousands of people together to hear famous musical artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire and 21 Savage, amongst others. On Friday night, the first of the two-night event, headliner Travis Scott took to the stage.
As his performance began, the riled-up crowd surged forward to get closer. With too many people in too small of a space, many were trampled and ...
