Movies – The University News

The Joker: Not Your Average Comic Book Film

Lexi Kayser, Staff Writer

October 30, 2019

Few movies this year have gotten as much buzz as Warner Bros.’ and D.C.’s “Joker.” The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, follows the unknown backstory of the well-known comic book villain, the Joker. The movie is undeniably dark and graphic, showing multiple gory murders, dangerou...

6 Cult Classic Horror Films to Stream This Fall

Tomi Delp, Contributor

October 30, 2019

As the air gets colder and the sun sets earlier in the evenings, the opportunities to stay indoors (as well as to see lurking shadows around corners) become more recognizable. For some, this time of year allows us to be our spookiest selves for the sake of fun, whether that be dressing in Halloween c...

Joker challenges viewers. But how much?

Mikhail Faulconer, Staff Writer

October 18, 2019

Director Todd Phillip’s new “Joker,” released on Oct. 4, takes a fresh, dark look at the titular DC Comics character. Whereas previous incarnations of the devilish clown portrayed him as the twisted yet funny ultimate foil to Batman, Phillip’s and Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is given a more complex t...

Downton Abbey: Delightful or Dated?

Grace Rakestraw, Contributor

October 3, 2019

When I first watched the new Downton Abbey movie, I was enthralled. The period dresses, the polished silver, even the richly-orchestrated title theme seemed grander in the theatre. My interest was immediately drawn into the cinematic experience. However, an hour after leaving the theater, I had enti...

“Detective Pikachu” is super effective!

Leianna Tanedo, Staff Writer

May 15, 2019

I’ve been a Pokémon fan since I watched “Pokémon 3: The Movie” at a birthday party when I was in kindergarten. Instead of being fascinated by sticky blue icing and squeaky balloons, I was enraptured by a colorful television screen as my friend explained what Charizard was doing with Entei. It seemed...

“Avengers: Endgame” Ended the Game

Chandana Kamaraj and Mariah Weston

May 1, 2019

“Avengers: Endgame” marks the 22nd movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU if you’re a fan. The film was released exactly a year after the release of the last Avengers film “Avengers: Infinity War” where we saw many of the characters disintegrate due to Thanos’ six infinity stones f...

Jordan Peele’s “Us” Brings Chills

Mikhail Faulconer, Staff Writer

April 10, 2019

Fans of Jordan Peele’s strong directorial debut, 2017’s “Get Out.” will not be disappointed by his new film “Us,” which came out on March 22. Continuing to mix horror and comedy, Peele’s new film takes a more patient approach and gradual reveal of the significance of various shots and objects th...

Long Shot Review

Chandana Kamaraj, Arts Editor

March 21, 2019

The screening of “Long Shot” marked the return of a premiere of both Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron after “The Disaster Artist” and “Atomic Blonde,” respectively, both of which scored well two years ago as a comedy and action flick. The screening opening with the cast and crew...

Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” soars to success on multiple fronts

Carter Chapley, Staff Writer

March 7, 2019

Captain Marvel is a near perfect introduction to one of the MCU’s most powerful and respected hero’s…oh and also a total win for women in film….4/5 The success of Marvel Studios is unprecedented—21 films over 10 years without a glaring failure. A studio that sought out to create a massi...

“How to Train Your Dragon” is a Hidden Gem

Leianna Tanedo, Staff Writer

February 27, 2019

DreamWorks Animation is known for its comedic animated movies, producing both the “Shrek” and “Kung Fu Panda” series. Now, DreamWorks wraps up the “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy with “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” directed and written by Dean DeBlois. The film conta...

“Fighting With Your Family” – Not Your Typical Sports Movie

Mikhail Faulconer, Contributor

February 27, 2019

What is Dwayne Johnson cooking up in “Fighting with My Family”? Probably his strongest entry as a producer to date. The film is based on the true story of Saraya-Jade Bevis, or “Paige,” played by rising-star Florence Pugh, and her journey to become the youngest WWE Divas Champion ever. ...

The message of ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ clicks

Chandana Kamaraj, Arts Editor

November 30, 2018

“Ralph Breaks the Internet,” the long-awaited sequel to Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” crashed into theatres on Nov. 21. Hype for the film built through teaser trailers, primarily featuring familiar interfaces like iPad apps, social media sites, and of course, Disney princesses. “Ralph Breaks...