Leisure

Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

Leisure

One With Eternity Brings Kusama’s Polka-Dotted Vision of “Self-Obliteration” to the Hirshhorn

Kusama imposes a dissolution of the self upon the experiencer through her multidimensional works, as one feels like they are being absorbed and incorporated into the art.

By February 5, 2023

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Turn Every Page documents a legendary literary duo’s fear of legacy, mortality, and… semicolons?

Gottlieb showcases her artistic talent through this emotional journey of their respective lives, legacy, and love

By February 4, 2023

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SZA’s SOS pushes R&B boundaries in her vulnerable exploration of self-worth

SZA’s musical and lyrical brilliance work together to create an album that was well worth the five-year wait.

By January 21, 2023

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Prince Harry’s Spare re-rehashes the past

Spare concludes with another rehashing of the Sussexes’ departure from the royal family while offering little new insight or perspective.

By January 20, 2023

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Bones and All’s writing is just bare bones: This cannibalistic romance lacks real depth

The romance of Bones and All, despite what it lacks in its writing, shines through in its cinematography.

By December 21, 2022

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Armageddon Time: The power of white privilege

In this semi-autobiographical film, Gray attempts to show the power, privilege, and advantages of being white in America. 

By December 15, 2022

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Meghan Trainor’s Takin’ It Back is a little bit of a trainwreck

As could be inferred by its not-so-subtle title, Takin’ it Back tries to take us back to Trainor’s glory days.

By December 13, 2022

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National Gallery Nights conclude with a celebration of America’s rich artistic culture

This final event was Americana themed and celebrated the American cultural experience through art and live performances.

By December 13, 2022

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If Joji’s SMITHEREENS accomplishes anything, it’s making his audience cry

The majority of SMITHEREENS feels reminiscent of (and even indistinguishable from) Joji songs we’ve already heard. 

By and December 12, 2022

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She Said offers an engaging (if imperfect) look at the story behind the #MeToo Movement

Adapted from the 2019 book of the same name, She Said (2022) doesn’t directly grapple with the impacts of the article that started it all.

By and December 12, 2022

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Empire of Light bites off more than it can chew

In this ’80s period film, Colman portrays Hilary, a middle-aged movie theater manager in an English coastal town.

By December 9, 2022

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Legacy honored as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever tenderly chaperones its audience through grief and loss

But the movie is an ode to Boseman. Wakanda Forever is, at its core, a story of grief, resilience, and recovery.

By December 2, 2022

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Smile is an entertaining horror film that squanders its thematic potential

Perhaps this recent shift in consumer interest helps make sense of the seeming contradiction between Smile’s aggressive promotion and thematic scope. 

By December 1, 2022

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Black Adam: A boring attempt

2/10. Less than mid.

By November 29, 2022

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Aftersun is all hazy memories and melancholy

Sunshine, salt air, and sadness color this stunning portrayal of a father-daughter bond.

By November 29, 2022

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Cleanse your palettes: The Menu is a meal you won’t want to miss

Once you’ve peeled back its layers, The Menu proves to be a clever satire on food culture as well.

By November 29, 2022

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Good Night Oppy: a story of human love and innovation

Good Night Oppy (2022) looks at the most human thing we’ve sent to Mars: twin rovers named Spirit and Opportunity.

By November 22, 2022

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The Rubell Museum DC offers an impressive yet incohesive inaugural exhibition

The Rubell Museum DC opened to the public on Oct. 29 with the inaugural exhibitions Sylvia Snowden and What’s Going On. 

By and November 19, 2022

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Growing up, not growing old: Phoenix shimmers on Alpha Zulu

Ultimately, the band maintains their expressive, ambiguous lyricism but showcases it against a glitzier background.

By November 17, 2022

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Cavetown’s worm food is for deteriorating and decomposing—in a (mostly) good way

In general, Cavetown’s music has an almost otherworldly quality, like a reality slightly suspended from this one, and his latest album worm food is no different.

By November 17, 2022