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Sidney Poitier won an Oscar for Best Actor for “Lilies of the Field” (Photo courtesy of IMDB).

Sidney Poitier and the power of perseverance

By Lysa Legros | Jan. 29, 2022

Sidney Poitier was a distinguished actor, director, diplomat and author. He was the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Actor (“Lilies of the Field”) and was an actor who redefined what the Black male lead could look like. Poitier’s characters, much like the man himself, were dignified, honorable and courageous. They were meaningful because they showed that the elevated male lead was not an archetype that only white men could play. Yet, as awe-inspiring as Poitier’s characters were, they pale in comparison to the integrity, determination and bravery of the man himself.  Poitier, 94, passed away in his home in Los Angeles on Jan. 6. However, his legacy lives on. 

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(Photo courtesy of IMDB)

‘Nightmare Alley’ review: Guillermo del Toro’s newest thriller shouldn’t be overlooked

By Nick Delvescovo | Jan. 29, 2022

“Nightmare Alley” wasn’t a film that I was heavily anticipating, but was pleasantly surprised by how interesting and captivating the story and world created was. The film was released on Dec. 17 and was directed by Oscar winning director Guilermo del Toro. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Willem Dafoe. Cooper plays a man who is down on his luck and is trying to earn a living in the early 1940s. He starts his work as a carny in a traveling carnival show when he learns the art, or act, of mind reading. As he fraudulently schemes his way to the top, his lies and deceitfulness begin to catch up with him.

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(Photo courtesy of Kirsty Griffin/Netflix)

‘The Royal Treatment’ is a royal mess

By Shivani Srivastava | Jan. 26, 2022

“The Royal Treatment” taught me that if I want to get a man, a prince even, all I have to do is give them attitude and a haircut, because apparently that worked wonders for our main character, Isabella.  At this point, I believe the concept of building chemistry between leads, or having an engaging, non-generic plot is lost on Netflix. 

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(Photo courtesy of Memento Films & Amazon Studios)

‘A Hero’ review: A heartbreaking movie that explores morality

By Jack Deegan | Jan. 24, 2022

After much anticipation, two-time Academy Award-winning director Asghar Farhadi’s newest movie, “A Hero” has finally been released on Amazon Prime Video for all to watch. Gaining lots of traction last year while traveling the film festival scene, “A Hero” won several awards including the Grand Prix at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival as well as many foreign language film awards. 

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(Photo courtesy of IMDb)

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ review: An incredibly well crafted take on a classic Shakespeare tragedy

By Nick Delvescovo | Jan. 18, 2022

“The Tragedy of Macbeth,” released on Dec. 25, is Director Joel Coen’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic story. The film’s stellar cast includes Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand and Corey Hawkins among others. Just like the play, this A24-produced-film shows us the repercussions of greed when Macbeth, a Scottish general, is approached by three witches that tell him he will be the new king of Scotland. With influence from his wife, he kills the king and takes the throne for himself. We follow his rise to power and madness as he tries to deal with the guilt of the king’s blood on his hands. 

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(Photo courtesy of Quantrell D. Colbert/ Netflix)

‘Archive 81’ review: A fantastic horror-thriller gone off the rails

By Jordan Galan | Jan. 18, 2022

Netflix recently released its newest original series, “Archive 81,” on Friday, Jan. 14. The show, directed by Rebecca Thomas, stars Dina Shihabi (Melody Pendras), an emotionally damaged undergrad student seeking answers to who she is, and Mamoudou Athie (Dan Turner), a mentally perturbed film restoration expert who receives an unexpected job offer. This horror-based thriller is as riveting as it is grotesque but sadly seems to unravel as the show progresses. 

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(Photo courtesy of Andrew Cislak/The College of New Jersey)

Latest Tuesday Recital features largest bassoon ensemble ever at the College

By Julia Duggan | Jan. 16, 2022

Students, faculty — including President Kathryn Foster — and families all gathered in the Mayo concert hall to see the second-to-last Tuesday Recital of the semester. This recital, which took place on Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m., was different from the others because it primarily featured small chamber ensembles including one of the largest bassoon ensembles the College has ever had.

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(Photo courtesy of Netflix/ Niko Tavernise)

‘Don’t Look Up’ review: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence star in a bleak, end-of-the-world film

By Lea Pichardo | Jan. 2, 2022

In the film, two astronomers discover the comet, Michigan State Ph.D. candidate Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio). They do everything they can to educate the public about the impending strike, the resulting consequences and implications....However, the astronomers are ridiculed, silenced and ignored. In the end, none of their efforts are enough.

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(Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios)

‘Hawkeye’ hits the mark: season 1 review

By Jack Deegan | Jan. 2, 2022

Marvel Studios’ newest show “Hawkeye” has come to a close with the season finale, which aired on Dec. 23. The series centers around the titular Hawkeye aka Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), who is drawn out of retirement and therefore must go away from his family during Christmas. Clint is forced to partner with his biggest fan, Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), after she is caught in a criminal conspiracy regarding his dark past as the assassin Ronin. There’s also a dog that eats pizza, and what more could you want?

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(Photo courtesy of Imdb)

‘Encanto’ review: Latest Disney film teaches us to live authentically

By Lea Pichardo | Dec. 22, 2021

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ released its newest animated feature “Encanto” in theaters on Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day. The movie lived up to every expectation I had. “Encanto” is refreshingly comedic while also powerful, serving as a reminder that the act of storytelling is intrinsic to living a good life because stories can remind us of what is truly important.

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(Photo Courtesy of Kingrichardfilm.com)

‘King Richard’ review: Will Smith delivers as the passionate father of Venus and Serena Williams

By Nick Delvescovo | Dec. 22, 2021

“King Richard” was released in theaters on Nov. 19 as well as on HBO Max the same day. It was directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, the unconventional but determined coach and father of the legendary tennis sister duo, Venus and Serena Willams, played by Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, respectively. The film additionally features Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal and Tony Goldwyn. “King Richard” is a delightful movie that follows Richard Williams and his ultimate plan of making his daughters into “the next two Michael Jordans.”

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(Photo courtesy of Apple Music)

‘Music of the Spheres’ review: Coldplay’s stellar new album will take you into space

By Stephanie Afemeku | Dec. 22, 2021

Coldplay did it again with their new album called “Music of the Spheres,” a space-themed pop record filled with songs about their fictional system called the Spheres. Released on Oct. 15, the album was inspired by the “Star Wars” movies, according to lead singer Chris Martin. Space music is one of the best types of music to listen to when you want to de-stress and have fun. Each of their songs has a meaning to it that makes up a part of the Spheres.

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(Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures)

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is Marvel’s Multiversal Masterpiece

By Jack Deegan | Dec. 21, 2021

After years of buildup, the final movie in Marvel Studios’ first Spider-Man trilogy is here with “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” This movie takes place immediately after the previous film, and follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as his identity is revealed to the whole world. In an attempt to fix this problem, Peter goes to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for help, but after a botched spell, things only get worse as villains from throughout the multiverse threaten their reality.

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(Photo courtesy of A24 Film)

‘C’mon C’mon’ Review: One of the Best Films of 2021

By Nick Delvescovo | Dec. 15, 2021

“C’mon C’mon,” released on Nov. 19th, is the newest A24 film directed by Mike Mills. It stars Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann and Woody Norman. “C’mon C’mon” follows Phoenix's character Johnny, a radio host who interviews children across the country on their views of the future. When Johnny’s sister has to take care of her ex-husband, who is dealing with mental health issues, she appoints Johnny to watch Jesse, her 9 year old son. This film tackles loss, complex family relationships, and gives an insightful view of how kids view the world and how hard it can be to feel misunderstood.

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(Photo courtesy of Wandally Vargas)

I just wanna go back to 1999: CUB’s Nineteen Ninety Nooner

By Madison Fahmy | Dec. 5, 2021

A Dance Dance Revolution machine, a CD painting station, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air playing on a projector and sheets upon sheets of Lisa Frank stickers. Piles of face gems with a mirror right next to them, buckets of thread and beads for friendship bracelets, and “Wonderwall” by Oasis blasting from the speakers. While this sounds like a scene straight out of the 90s, it was what one was met with once stepping into room 225 of the Brower Student Center Friday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. for CUB’s Nineteen Ninety Nooner. 

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The Trentones are one of the a cappella groups that performed at Acapalooza (Photo courtesy of Kieran Chol, instagram- @kieranchoi3)

200 listeners, 4 a cappella groups, one Acapalooza

By Joschua Greiten | Dec. 3, 2021

On Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m., Kendall Hall was bathed in pleasant dark blue light. Many came out on this chilly fall Sunday to hear and see the College’s annual Acapalooza with music from Måneskin to One Direction. Kendall Hall was well attended with just under 200 people in the audience.

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