Leisure

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

Leisure

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

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Get out your wallet, it’s time for Nomadic Theatre’s RENT!

The diverse cast invites even the most off-the-beaten-path audience member to sit down at the RENT table and feel at home. 

By November 14, 2022

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With a stellar cast and hilarious post-apocalyptic antics, Dog Act is a triumph

Running in the Davis Performing Arts Center’s Devine Theatre from Nov. 2 to Nov. 12, this play is a must-see on-campus student theater event this fall.

By November 12, 2022

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My Policeman is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful portrait of forbidden love and its consequences

My Policeman ensures that despite their relationship’s foretold end, viewers will experience the heartbreak alongside the characters as they attempt to navigate the ramifications of the 1950s’ restrictive social culture.

By and November 10, 2022

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Noah Kahan’s Stick Season dives headfirst into who we are and where we come from

Despite his rising popularity, Kahan’s latest album is undeniably authentic in its depiction of coming of age in small-town New England.

By November 9, 2022

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Inside the maniacal menagerie that is Alaska Thunderfuck 5000’s Red 4 Filth Tour

As the lights went out and the onstage screen lit up, it became clear that this was more than just an exhibition of music—it was an immersive drag experience.

By November 3, 2022