“Beautiful Creatures’” debut on the big screen served as just another link in the chain of the new age teen paranormal-romance book-to-film adaptations that crowd the bookshelves in Barnes and Noble and rake in the cash at the box office. Characterized by teen angst and sexual frustration in small towns, “Beautiful Creatures” (originally written by Kami Garcia and Margaret...
Movie Reviews
Breaking all of the rules once more, ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ innovates the contemporary American animation scene
Brendan Vo -
When traversing through the world of Disney and Pixar, one can observe the hallmarks and staples of contemporary American animation; a blend of hyperrealism and just enough cartoonish elements to project a three dimensional fantasy. This formula has proven its effectiveness with hits like Disney’s “Frozen 2” and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4.” However, the algorithmic aesthetic of this animation...
Movie Reviews
‘Through My Window: Looking at You’: maybe it’s time to close the window
Spandana Janapati -
*Spoilers*
“Through My Window: Looking at You,” the third and final installment of the “Through My Window” movie trilogy, follows the relationship between Raquel (Clara Galle) and Ares Hidalgo (Julio Peña) as they navigate the aftermath of Yoshi (Guillermo Lasheras), one of Raquel’s best friends’, death. Based on the novel originally published on Wattpad by author Ariana Godoy, this Spanish...
Released on June 1, 2023, “The Boogeyman” follows a grieving family who is targeted by the infamous legend. The family is composed of Sadie (Sophie Thatcher), her younger sister Sawyer (Vivian Lyra) and their father Dr. Will Harper (Chris Messina). Throughout the movie, it’s been made clear that the family is struggling with the loss of their mother figure,...
Sylvester Stallone is back at it with another continuation of an iconic franchise that made him into an action star. Previously, his return to the screen as Rocky Balboa in “Creed” and “Creed 2” were welcomed as the character played a supporting role to a new star and offered audiences an endearing and entertaining new story in the franchise....
The one theme that has persisted over the years of the greatest stories in the literary canon is that of “monsters.” Dracula, Frankenstein and Godzilla are past works that persevere through the ages, finding themselves readapted, revived and rejuvenated to meet today’s social commentary. And the new Netflix original, “Nimona,” finds its place amongst these giants, succeeding in a...
“Wanderlust” is a new comedy film from the makers of “Role Models.” The movie follows married metropolitan couple George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) as they explore a new lifestyle after being forced out of their New York City studio apartment by financial troubles.
The film opens with the couple’s excitement that they will now be able to purchase...
Director Peter Jackson (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy) has brought us yet another epic with J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” Set 60 years before the events of “The Lord of the Rings,” it follows the story of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard...
Movie Reviews
‘Thunderbolts*’ brings Marvel back to its roots with grit, heart and humanity
Lilianna Angel -
On May 2, Marvel Studios released their newest project, “Thunderbolts*” — with it a thunderous reminder that the studio still knows how to make stellar movies. After a streak of mixed reviews and oversaturated multiversal arcs, “Thunderbolts*” marks a pivot back to character-driven storytelling. It’s not just another ensemble movie; this is Marvel’s most emotionally attuned project. It’s reminiscent...
With Black History Month still in full-swing, and with Valentine’s Day having just passed, the film that feels especially relevant is 2023’s “Rye Lane.”
Directed by Raine Allen-Miller, the film follows Dom and Yas -- two people fresh out of a breakup who get to know each other over the course of a day. This plot may sound vague but...