On November 13, the Center for Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (CIMES) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) hosted a special screening of the award-winning animated film, The Tower, along with a question and answer period with its Norwegian director, Mats Grorud. This event was originally scheduled for October 31 including a live Q&A session with the director, but due to the power outage was canceled. The CIMES director, Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb, also a professor of communications studies at CSUSB, found a way to make this screening and Q&A happen via Zoom, since Grorud had gone back to his home in Norway. Grorud's mother grew up in Lebanon, so as a small … [Read more...] about Bringing a Palestinian refugee camp reality to CSUSB
movies
Send in the clowns: a Joker Review
Joker is the tale of the titular comic book villain of the same name, and is directed by Todd Philips, director of The Hangover trilogy, and stars Joaquin Phoenix of Her fame. It is not your standard comic book movie as it takes on a more gritty, urban tone similar to Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. The story follows Arthur Fleck, a middle-aged, mentally ill man who has a disorder that causes him to laugh uncontrollably even when he doesn’t feel like laughing, which leads to awkward or uncomfortable situations. It’s an uncomfortable affliction for Arthur, and you see on his face just how torturous it can be for him. Arthur works as a clown who aspires to be a comedian, but he has the … [Read more...] about Send in the clowns: a Joker Review
Review: A Breaking Bad Movie is a triumph for Netflix
At 5 p.m. on Monday, police sirens blasted throughout the surrounding streets of Westwood in front of the Fox Village Theater. Helicopters flew overhead and heads turned every which way. A black 1978 Chevrolet El Camino with red stripes came racing in front of the famed movie theater, known for hosting premieres of tent pole films going back as far as the 1930s. Following close behind the vintage car were three law enforcement vehicles labeled “DEA” and cheers from dozens of fans that rivaled the volume of the sirens. Stepping out of the vehicle and onto the red carpet, was the star of El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Aaron Paul. Paul plays Jesse Bruce Pinkman, a co-founder of … [Read more...] about Review: A Breaking Bad Movie is a triumph for Netflix
5 Films to See this Fall
With major blockbuster movies being released at the end of the year such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Thor: Ragnarok, it might be harder for lesser-known films to find an audience. Some people can also become fatigued by the countless sequels and movies based on comic books, and they may just want to see something more original or different. Here are five films to check out this fall if you're looking to expand your cinematic palette and explore worlds beyond the typical movie screen. The Killing of a Scared Deer (November 3) If you're a fan of dark, twisted comedies and have yet to see anything by director Yorgos Lanthimos, I suggest you immediately watch his films, Dogtooth and … [Read more...] about 5 Films to See this Fall
Summer Destinations
By Monica Rosales |Staff Writer| Summer is right around the corner and the time to start planning vacations is now—California is ideal for the summer weather and students share their favorite destinations for vacation time. “Palm Springs has a lazy river that's fun and relaxing to hang around," said student Alexandria Ornelas. "It is the perfect local getaway.” A city located in the middle of the desert may not sound attractive unless you find out about their hot springs, hotels, golf courses and countless spas for a relaxing getaway. On the other hand, the beaches of California tend to be the first on the list of many options people pick. “Laying on the beach is so relaxing … [Read more...] about Summer Destinations
Old VHS curse goes viral
By Robert Klimper |Student Writer| Moviegoers will once again fear the ring of a phone with the third new movie "Rings", now playing in theaters. The newest addition to "The Ring" series of movies, despite being apart of the franchise one does not need to worry about seeing the previous films to understand the premise. "Rings" does have aspects of the story from the previous two movies, but explains it well enough for new audience. According to the storyline, after one watches a cursed VHS tape, they have seven days left to live until the ghost girl Samara comes and takes their life. The only way to avoid the fate of the seven day time limit is to make a copy of the film and … [Read more...] about Old VHS curse goes viral
Poppin Briefs
By GLADYS OLIVA |staff writer| Rick Ross reveals new album (Nov. 19) During the American Music Awards, Rick Ross revealed that he will be releasing his ninth album, “Rather You Than Me.” Recently Ross came out with his new single “Buy Back The Block,” featuring 2 Chainz and Gucci Mane. Only 3 days later, it hit 300,000 plays on Spotify. Ross has experienced great success in the past. This upcoming album will be his first since parting ways with Def Jam and fans have the same high expectations. Future dropped new tracks (Nov.19) Future celebrated his 33rd birthday early and decided to release two new songs called “Ain’t Tryin” and “Poppin’ Tags” which was first played on OVO Sound … [Read more...] about Poppin Briefs
#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
Money Monster – Movie Review
By Rebekah Deponte |Staff Writer| "Money Monster" is categorized as a thriller, however, there is not much thrill to it. There was some suspense, humor, romance, action and shock. As well as a lot of aspects of different genres scattered throughout the film, but there was not enough of one single thing to make it a hit. The film was released May 13 and finished its opening weekend at No. 3 in the box office behind, "Captain America: Civil War" and "The Jungle Book" respectively. The movie was directed by actress and veteran director Jodie Foster and featured box office heavy hitters. George Clooney who played financial talk show, host Lee Gates and Julia Roberts a … [Read more...] about Money Monster – Movie Review
Comic culture
By Jaeyeon Kim |Staff Writer| Comic books have been produced by lots of comic book companies, such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, as well as many others. Comics have affected cultures in many ways for a long time. One of the affected cultures is the movie industry. Many movies have been produced based on comic books, such as Batman and Superman. “Batman and Superman have infiltrated every major form of entertainment in America, except for the music industry,” according to Teen Ink. Like Batman and Superman, America has many superhero movies, such as those featuring Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Avengers. As these superhero comic books and movies have become … [Read more...] about Comic culture