By Yena Hong | Staff Writer | The movie "Arrival" was released on Nov.11, providing a futuristic reality with aliens and spacecrafts. This movie is based on Ted Chiang's 1998 short story "Story of Your Life" The director of the film “Arrival” is Denis Villeneuve who also produced the famous movie “Prisoners” and “Sicario” and the film is written by Eric Heisserer. The cast included Amy Adams as Dr. Louise Banks, Forest Whitaker as Colonel Webber, Jeremy Renner as Ian Donnelly, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Agent Halpern. At the beginning of the movie, it shows Louise's personal life. Her daughter Hannah, who also has a considerable part in the movie. The relationship between … [Read more...] about Movie Review: Arrival
drama
#1 New York Times Best-Seller Turned Into Movie Thriller
By Gladys Oliva |Staff Writer| Hollywood got its hands on a best selling novel “The Girl On The Train,” which hit the big screen Oct. 8. The film is focused on the main character named Rachel, an alcoholic who recently divorced her husband due to an affair. As a commuter, she often looks out the window during the train stop and obsesses over the perfectly in love couple she describes as “the kind of love you always want.” She ends the day a drunken mess and the next day she discovers that the woman from the "perfect love couple" has gone missing. Rachel has a gut-wrenching feeling that she's a part of this crime but her blurred memory gets in the way of the truth. The film … [Read more...] about #1 New York Times Best-Seller Turned Into Movie Thriller
Not Your Typical Cancer Movie
By Jamey Johnson | Staff Writer | Catherine Hardwicke, the director of "Twilight" brings a production filled with drama and romance, starring familiar faces we have all grown to know, Drew Barrymore from "50 First Dates" and Toni Collette from "Little Miss Sunshine." Miss You Already, a film about two best friends who have been inseparable since a young age compliment each other well by being polar opposites. With the setting in London, where a lot of rock 'n' roll bands have shows & the nightlife is embedded in their culture, it was the perfect atmosphere because throughout the movie they are partying, drinking, and having fun. While Milly (Toni Collette) is into rock bands, … [Read more...] about Not Your Typical Cancer Movie
True Detective shines as dark, complex crime drama with season two
By Daniel DeMarco |Copy Editor| Recent years have brought us some excellent television series which challenge even the quality of revered products released in theaters. HBO’s “True Detective” is one of those series that seems to often get stepped over in discussion of quality television, but it deserves your attention if it hasn’t gotten it already. In early 2014, the series debuted as a not-so-typical crime drama, starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as two detectives engaged in a sprawling investigation for a serial killer in the deep south of Louisiana. The series was met with widespread critical acclaim, which made a follow-up season inevitable. Season two … [Read more...] about True Detective shines as dark, complex crime drama with season two
Have a problem? Better Call Saul
By Alejandro Cardenas |Staff Writer| “Better Call Saul” is a dark and zany spin-off that has potential to spring out from the massive shadow cast by its predecessor, “Breaking Bad”. The 6.9 million viewers that tuned in to watch Saul’s launch made it the best series premiere in cable television history within the 18-49 year old adult demographic. “At first, I was iffy about yet another television spin-off, but after the first two episodes of “Better Call Saul,” I’ve been hooked”, said CSUSB Junior Dyanna Chavez. With the creator of this show, Vince Gilligan, having created the behemoth that was “Breaking Bad,” pressure has been put on him to bring the viewers a show that is … [Read more...] about Have a problem? Better Call Saul
Jennifer Aniston takes the cake
By Alejandro Cardenas |Staff Writer| Jennifer Aniston’s exceptional performance in “Cake” makes it a must-see for those in the mood for a complex and sentimental drama. The movie presents the story of Claire (Aniston), an angry and pessimistic woman who became transfixed on the suicide of Nina (Anna Kendrick), a woman from her chronic pain support group. Claire embarks on a journey to unravel the details of Nina’s suicide. She develops an emotional relationship with Nina’s husband, all while dealing with her own personal tragedies and a growing addiction to pain medication. The film asks philosophical questions about death and relationships while bringing forth discussion over … [Read more...] about Jennifer Aniston takes the cake
Downey defends his home in “The Judge”
By Nadia Ahmad |Staff Writer| "The Judge," starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall is a beautifully shot film that will charm you without being cheesy. In this legal drama, heart-throb Downey plays the role of Hank Palmer, an incredibly successful lawyer who only returns home to Indiana after receiving news that his mother has passed away. Hank soon finds out that his bitter father, Judge Joseph, played by the great Duvall, is suspected of murder. Hank decided to defend him. The two most memorable and pleasing components of the film were the cinematography and music. Though the story takes place in Indiana, the film included incredibly colorful shots of wide, green … [Read more...] about Downey defends his home in “The Judge”
“The Flash” outruns critics faster than the speed of light
By Cesar Perez |Staff writer| When it comes to superhero speed, no one is faster than “The Flash.” Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment have paired up to bring the story of Barry Allen to life in the new television series “The Flash,” airing on The CW this Fall. The new series is a spin-off from the show “Arrow,” and stars Grant Gustin, Rick Cosnett, and Danielle Panabaker. The first pilot episode premiered on Oct.7 on The CW, and has received generally positive reviews from critics. The series is written and produced by Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg, who were also the co-creators of “Arrow.” The pilot episode focuses on the origin story of Allen (Gustin), and his … [Read more...] about “The Flash” outruns critics faster than the speed of light
Classic cult film makes series to little screen
By Taylor Vermillion |Staff Writer| Popular television network FX premiered its newest original mini-series “Fargo” on Tuesday, April 15 starring Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton and Colin Hanks. FX hosts many popular television series, including “Sons of Anarchy” and “American Horror Story.” It seems that "Fargo" is heading for the same amount of popularity. The series is a screen adaptation of the 1996 cult classic film of the same name, developed by legendary Hollywood directors Joel and Ethan Coen. The Coen brothers have signed on to the series as executive producers, and are also credited as writers. The season’s first episode entitled “The Crocodile’s Dilemma,” … [Read more...] about Classic cult film makes series to little screen
“Gimme Shelter” an empowering film
By Chrisoula Baroudos |Staff Writer| Vanessa Hudgens’ performance in “Gimme Shelter” captured her audience through the realistic role as Agnes “Apple” Bailey. Director Ron Krauss did a great job capturing the spiritual elements of the story based upon actual events about young girls who are pregnant. Krauss is an award winning filmmaker and is best known for his film “Puppies for Sale,” and most recently “Gimme Shelter.” The film is a quick 1 hour and 40 minutes and has a PG-13 rating for a few brutal scenes of abuse, drug talk and some rough, but apropos, language. I recommend this movie for young girls because it teaches them the importance of self-respect and the realism of … [Read more...] about “Gimme Shelter” an empowering film