Halftime Leisure

The Voice’s takes on all things media and culture.

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Why Critics Are Wrong About Saltburn

Emerald Fennell’s sophomore feature, Saltburn (2023), has been called “profoundly anti-upward mobility,” and a film with nothing to say beyond shock value. Wesley Morris, critic-at-large for the New York Times,... Read more

By December 29, 2023

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The Killer is a comedy hiding in a hitman disguise

The Killer (2023) is a technical masterwork with hawkeye definition.

By December 7, 2023

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This Christmas season, ring in the holidays with Laufey

With three new releases, it seems that Laufey might just be on her way to being crowned the jazzy new “Queen of Christmas.”

By December 3, 2023

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Forgive my (Northern) Attitude, Noah Kahan’s collaboration with Hozier is not his best

While this project was a bit lackluster, Kahan has not lost his magic, and will hopefully find his footing in future duets

By November 20, 2023

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Season two of Our Flag Means Death brings so much more than death to the table

This season delivered on exactly what the fans wanted and brought massive changes to the scallywag crew of The Revenge, dawning a new era.

By November 20, 2023

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A lion, a sea witch, and their flashy wardrobes: A wicked history of Hollywood’s queer-coded villains

Hollywood’s use of queerness almost exclusively in its villains—as deviations from the norm—has become a lazy and problematic cop-out.

By November 19, 2023

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Cassandro unmasks the world of lucha libre

Although Cassandro's approach prevents it from reaching its full potential, the film redeems itself as a visually appealing underdog story

By and October 31, 2023

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On her latest EP, Jensen McRae solidifies her artistry through live visuals and vocal prowess

McRae holds the audience’s hand as she muscles through multiple forms of heartbreak, ultimately coming out alive on the other side

By October 22, 2023

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A Case for the Classics: The Exorcist

By maintaining a tight narrative scope and crafting a bone-chilling atmosphere free of trite gimmicks, The Exorcist is something spectacular.

By October 20, 2023

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“Bongos” is a vibrant and celebratory farewell to summer

While “Bongos” was a few weeks shy of being the “song of the summer,” there's no doubt that it delivered everything fans hoped for and more.

By October 10, 2023

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A Case for the Classics: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Ferris Bueller's Day Off continues to appeal to viewers with its poignant reflections on living life to the fullest.

By October 10, 2023

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Let Black horror haunt your screens this Halloween

Black horror is booming. Several films released this summer to overwhelmingly positive reviews and streaming success.

By October 7, 2023

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Don’t Choose Love: Choose Peace

Regardless of your decisions, Choose Love presents a lukewarm story, barely one-dimensional characters, and unsatisfying conclusions.

By September 24, 2023

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“Winner” by Conan Gray is a devastating deep dive into familial abandonment

Conan Gray's new single “Winner” takes on the form of a vulnerable declaration—this time revealing the scars dealt by an absent parent. 

By September 22, 2023

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A Case for the Classics: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Nightmare’s prevailing influence in pop culture and commentary on the horror of life in the ’80s is sufficient to justify its classic status.

By September 22, 2023

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Netflix’s One Piece is a treasure trove among a sea of anime adaptations

The live-action One Piece replicates the joy, authenticity and absurdity of its classic source material without falling into common pitfalls.

By September 16, 2023

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Good Omens season two is a tale of queerness and Christianity

Good Omens season two expands upon the queer undertones of its predecessor by exploring queer love, loyalty, and the potential for change.

By September 8, 2023

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Heartstopper season two is tender and unapologetically queer

In Heartstopper season two, high schoolers Nick and Charlie learn to navigate something entirely new: sincere and unapologetic queer love

By September 8, 2023

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What One Piece can teach us about queer identities

Although unintentional, One Piece can teach us lessons on the complexity of trans identity and the position of queer identities in society.

By and August 30, 2023

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Hollywood: the intersection between corporate greed and exploitative labor

In a historic walkout, writers and actors are drawing the picket lines and fighting for higher pay and better protections in Hollywood.

By and August 29, 2023