STRANGER THINGS REVIEW

IN Review

“The Shining” presents a new spin on horror, unsettling without jumpscares

BY ARIEL MOORE [reporter]

“The Shining” is viewed as one of the greatest horror movies despite not having traditional horror aspects to it. Many horror films use jumpscares and creepy clowns, but “The Shining” doesn’t use those common tropes. It utilizes subtle disturbances in the background, and the verbage to drive discomfort into the soul. The way the colors pop against the stark white background in certain scenes put utter discomfort into my very being and completely unsettled me.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a joyful tale about Linus’s persistent belief in the Great Pumpkin, who gives toys to all the good boys and girls. If you have seen other Peanuts films, you can probably guess how it ends, but that does not take away from the tropes these characters bring to spooky night. As a whole, the show is a classic Peanuts film that shares the youthful reminiscence of Halloween.

“It’s the Great Pumkin, Charlie Brown” shares the childish magic of Halloween

BY JOSHUA HEDGES [editor-in-chief]

“Stranger Things” season 4 accurately depicts ‘80s and ‘90s style

BY LAURYN HOMETORWU [reporter]

“Stranger Things” is a new age spin on the ‘80s, shining light on the highlights and trends. Set in Hawkins, Indiana, it’s a show based upon a group of friends finding a mysterious young girl wandering in the forest. After a series of dangerous and trivial challenges, the group manages to pull through and make it through three more seasons. The group of friends include Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and finally Will (Noah Schnapp).

Throughout the whole show we see accurate depictions for the time period. In the newest season we especially see more pop culture references of the ‘80s – ‘90s including “Running up That Hill” by Kate Bush, “Pass The Dutchie” by Musical Youth, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by Clash, Dungeons and Dragons, Slang and terminology. Technology was also very accurate by including things like walkie-talkies, walkmans and motor vehicles that are time-period specific.

With great shows, comes the controversial topic of age restrictions. “Stranger Things” is rated TV-14 as of now, but opinions differ on what’s appropriate. Some might say that it’s not low enough, but I disagree. “Stranger Things” is highly inappropriate for most younger viewers. They touch on very heavy topics such as drug usage, murder, and inhumane scientific testing.

While the show has great writing, acting, and plot, I feel it might be a little over hyped. With some fans taking their love for the show to the extreme, “Stranger Things” is a very good show that has many episodes you can binge. But what makes it better than every other science fiction horror? Most of what people talk about are the characters and don’t really watch it for the plot. Since season 4 came out May 27, 2022, everything you hear is about Eddie Munson. His character is heavily trending on social media as a bad boy with a soft side who plays the guitar with long, curly brown hair. He was introduced midway through the pilot episode “Chapter One: The Hellfire Club.” Many people only watched it just for him.

Fans are now more anxious about the return of season 5, with season 4 ending on a very exciting cliffhanger. Many questions flow through my mind wondering what will happen next and who will be the next foe. Will they be able to defeat the enemy and save the world? Will their luck finally run out? Only the writers will know till then. We’ll just have to wait.

PLAYING FAVORITES

All Things Fall

From the pumpkin flavored things, to the spices, the apple orchards, sweaters, and colors, I love it all so much. Just being in fall makes me happier. The weather is perfect, and it adds a certain bliss to everything you do.

Books

Books are one of my favorite things ever right now. I love reading, and I feel like it’s such a good way to destress and get immersed in your own little world. I love the concept of being able to fully be involved in a life that is not your own.

WE’RE SO OVER

Cancel Culture

While I understand that it’s sometimes deserved, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and I think they should just keep them to themselves. I feel like it’s wrong and sometimes hurtful to ruin people’s reputations over one thing they’ve done – right or wrong.

Mullets

I’m so over the mullets. They are so unattractive in every aspect. I don’t really understand how or why men continue to get them. They just remind me of a horse. Please, for the sake of us all, do not get one.