Cinemann Summer Issue by JasonG

CINEMANN THE SUMMER ISSUE

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Contents | February 2014

Kenneth Shinozuka Editor-In-Chief

Spencer Lerner Managing Editor

Maddie Bender Lorenzo Brogi-Skoskiewicz Jasmine Katz Senior Content Editors

Jason Ginsberg Allison Chang Senior Design Editors

Gabe Broshy Dahlia Krutkovich Junior Content Editors

Benjamin Ades Anne Rosenblatt Junior Design Editors

Christina Cho Amika Choudhury Evan Greene Daniel Mindich Staff Writers

Dr. Deborah Kassel Faculty Advisor

Summer Calender By Maggie Brill

FILM

04 Max By Christina Cho

06 Pan By Kaileen Germain

08 Minions By Maggie Brill

09 Short Films By Philip Deutsch

10 Marvel Summer Movies By Kaileen Germain

Contents | February 2014

Leonard Nimoy

34 By Zarina Iman FILM

12 Pitch Perfect 2 By Zarina Iman

14 Kingsman: The Secret Service By Zarina Iman

16 Antâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Man By James Arcieri

17 Frozen Fever By Kaileen Germain

18 Jurassic World By Zarina Iman

20 Ted 2 By Sam Heller

22 It Follows By Matt Parker

24 The Fantastic Four By Kaileen Germain

26 Aloha By Christina Cho

28 Poltergeist By Sophia Schein

29 Spy By Zarina Iman

37 Age of Ultron By William He TELEVISION

40 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ByJasper Cox

42 Bosch By Sam Stephenson

House of Cards By Sam Stephenson

Film | Page 4

Film | Page 5

Max

By Christina Cho

or the last five years, Boaz Yakin has been well

they are, and the average pay for an animal actor is only

known for his thriller/action movies including

a few hundred a day. Even though dogs’ salaries bank

Now You See Me (2013), Safe (2012), and Prince

more than the average person, their salaries are not

of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010). Now, he aspires to

even close to those of their human costars.

wow America with his first family film, Max. Based on a

Third, Yakin makes friends. Right now, the American

true story, the film follows the life of a Belgian Shepard

Humane Association is the film and television industry’s

Malino military dog named Max suffering from the trau-

only officially-sanctioned animal monitoring program.

ma of his handler’s death after returning from active ser-

Though they claim that they keep animals safe with “es-

vice in Afghanistan. Adopted by his handler’s bereaved

tablished filmmaking guidelines, detailed production

family, Max bonds with his handler’s 14-year-old broth-

reviews, certified safety reps and more,” according to

er Hellion, and together, they unify the broken family.

xxxxxx, it is not a secret that they have been not only

Though nobody is absolutely sure if Max will or will not

ineffective in fulfilling those duties in numerous cases,

be a success, Yakin was smart to feature a dog for many

but also dishonest by covering up the injuries and deaths

reasons.

of animals in movies to maintain a positive relationship

First, Yakin is guaranteed viewers. The United States,

with Hollywood. Though they have not been redeemed

the country with the most dogs as pets in the world, has

since their greatest scandals of 2012, when they cov-

always loved dogs, so movies cherishing the relation-

ered up the tiger’s near-drowning during the filming of

ship between man and dog such as Lassie Come Home

Life of Pi and hushed rumors that 27 animals died on the

(1943), the Air Bud series (1997-2003), and the Air

set of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, they will owe

Buddy series (2006-2013) have always been successful.

Yakin if nothing goes wrong on the set of Max, which is

Not to mention, America has been deprived of a good ol’

predicted to be an American favorite.

classic family-friendly dog movie since 2008’s Marley and Me. Second, Yakin saves millions of dollars. Dogs usually get paid by the day or by the week no matter how good

Whether Yakin did or did not realize he would benefit from directing a film including a dog, the film community wishes him the best of luck on his first family film, Max!

Film | Page 6

Film | Page 7

Pan Preview By Kaileen Germain

eter Pan. Otherwise known as the mischievous

In Pan, we get to see a lot of main characters in Peter

boy who never grew up. We mostly know him for

Numbers

Pan before they got to be whom we know them as now.

frolicking with fairies and mermaids, hanging out

Pan hopes to reimagine the original 1902 novel by J.M. Barrie

We experience a brand new Neverland, before Hook is

with his lost boys, dabbling in a romance with Wendy and saving the day from the evil Captain Hook. But director Joe Wright has a different idea in mind for the rascally boy in green. Pan is a darker adaptation of Peter Pan, telling the story of a boy, being left with no parents, and is whisked away to the magical land of Neverland where he eventually uncovers his destiny to become the beloved Peter Pan. This action packed film is an origin story for the boy hero. Every hero needs a backstory, but the real challenge for the writers and directors was putting a new spin on a cherished classic. No matter what, people will almost al-

the main adversary of Peter Pan. Hook, who befriends Peter, works upon Blackbeard’s airborne vessel, in which he aids the infamous captain in stealing orphans while

they slumber, which is how they come across Pan in the

Total number of Peter Pan adapations brought to the screen

first place. We also see Tiger Lily, Mary, Wendy Darling,

$150m

but will instead be a modern attempt at revamping the

Production Budget

Smee and even a mermaid, portrayed by the model Cara Delevigne. This is definitely not the Peter Pan we grew up with, classic tale’s indispensable components. Filled with action, fantasy and adventure, this movie is a must-see as it arrives in theaters July 24, 2015.

ways hold to the original version, being almost stubborn with how they think the characters should be portrayed. For Mr. Wright the best thing to do was create a new beginning for the young orphan, for as he says “every legend needs a beginning.” In the new adaptation, we are introduced to the story of Peter as we’ve never seen before. We start off seeing Peter, played by Levi Miller, as a mischievous 12-yearold boy with an incorrigible rebellious streak, but this time in the austere London orphanage where he has lived his whole life in a place where those qualities are not exactly well-received. Then on one fateful night, Peter is transported away from the orphanage and cast off to an illusory world filled with pirates, warriors and fairies, otherwise known as Neverland. Here, he has his hands full with fantastic adventures and life-or-death battles, all while looking to discover the secret of his mother, who is the one who left him at the orphanage, and is also uncovering his equitable place in the enchanted land. In his exploits, he teams up with the fierce warrior Tiger Lily, played by Rooney Mara, and his new friend James Bartholomew Hook (Garret Hedlund) in order to defeat the callous pirate Blackbeard, enacted by Hugh Jackman, so he can save Neverland and discover his true vocation- become the hero which will inevitably be known as Peter Pan.

Levi Miller as Peter Pan opposite Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard

Film | Page 8

Minions By Maggie Brill

SCARLETT OVERKILL

ou remember the minions from Des-

lain-Con, an evil villain convention, where

or his three daughters, who have offered sev-

picable Me, those yellow creatures

they meet the most evil villain around, Scarlet

eral laughs and storylines in the other films. In

that stole your heart with their ador-

Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock. They must

addition, I think the made-up language of the

able laugh, big eyes, tufts of hair and strange

compete for her employment and work to-

minions could cause a problem, for it creates a

language. We’ve only seen glimpses of these

gether to save the minion race.

language barrier between the characters and

little guys since Despicable Me 2, ranging

The Despicable Me series has been a cash

the audience. The writers will need to create

from AMC policy messages in movie theat-

cow for Universal Studios the past couple of

secondary characters to communicate the

ers to mini-movies in the bonus additions of

years. The first film, Despicable Me (2010),

storyline for the minions, which could become

DVD’s. In Despicable Me and Despicable Me

grossed over $543 million worldwide. It’s

arduous. However, I think this particular sto-

2, they served as Gru’s helpers but quickly

sequel, Despicable Me 2 (2013), was one of

ryline is very creative and has many comedic

stole the spotlight, creating a draw for Uni-

the most profitable films in Universal Studios’

possibilities. Don’t forget, this movie does star

versal Studios’ new movie, Minions, a spinoff

history, grossing over $970 million world-

the much-adored minions and is sure to draw

of Despicable Me.

wide. The third installment of the series is

in their beloved fanbase. As soon as these lit-

in pre-production and set to be released in

tle guys appeared on the big screen in Despic-

2017.

able Me, they stole everybody’s hearts, creat-

The film takes place ‘B.G. (Before Gru)’ as the minions search for the perfect evil villain to lead them. The rebellious teenager, Stuart;

Can this spinoff reach the success of the se-

ing a market for stuffed animals, theme parks,

the little innocent child, Bob; and the brain’s

ries’ other films or are the movies too differ-

and now their own movie. Their laugh alone

behind the operation, Kevin; decide to take

ent to draw in the same demographics? In my

is contagious as well as their immature, child-

matters into their own hands. They travel

opinion, I think Minions will do well in the box

ish behavior. So make sure you find time this

across the world and through time but only

office, but I don’t think it will reach the same

summer to see the minions on the big screen

manage to kill all their evil masters they wish

success as the Despicable Me series for a cou-

in theaters July 10th.

to serve. The minions find themselves at Vil-

ple of reasons. First being, it won’t have Gru

Film | Page 9

Jesse Rutherford and George Clarke-Day in Me & You

Short Films By Philip Deutsch

hort film is not just a watered down, shorter version of its cous-

the big screen, or half hour movies could be created in place of stories

in, the feature, it is something more. Short film is not merely a

that would have to be stretched out to fill in the time gap. Short films

genre of film, but a new art form in and of itself. It establishes a

can also be easier to watch, and there are quite a few short films that

new field of art in multiple ways: first of all, artistic freedom. Indie films

seem to go by in minutes! They can be watched over and over again in

almost never succeed or make it to the spotlight, and why should they?

as long as it would take to watch just one feature.

They’re usually underfunded and underdeveloped, and most inde-

Shorts also lend themselves more to a minimalistic style of filmmak-

pendent directors don’t have the expertise to be able to tell a coherent

ing than features. One of my favorite shorts is called, “me & you,” (dir.

story for a whole two hours. The short film is the perfect escape from

Jack Tew & Sorcha Anglim). It is seven minutes long, and there is not

the bonds of the feature: the writing can be better and not dragged

one single cut or camera movement. It is a beautiful story. Now, can

out, events can happen more quickly with less down-time in between,

you imagine being in a theater and watching the same frame change

and, in the end, there’s usually less money and directing that needs to

slightly for two hours? I can’t.

go into the project to make it seem as polished as a feature. In the vein

Short films are also vastly different in the way they’re distributed:

of special effects: a sci-fi short needs less editing and VFX than does

the Internet, Vimeo.com especially, seems to be the short’s greatest

one that spans hours. The same goes for costumes, crew salaries, set

ally in the modern age. Shorts seem to go viral left and right, boosting

locations, cameras, and everything that a film needs to operate. Short

both their popularity and the relevancy of indie directors, which could

film is also a great creative outlet for small projects. Five-minute-long

even lead to more indie features popping into the mainstream.

shorts can be made about a story that isn’t long enough to make it to

Film | Page 10

Marvel Summer Movies By Kaileen Germain

or those of you who love movies like

mainly the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D., but also

adversary, the hostile artificial intelligence

Captain America or Iron Man, there

brings “Guardians of the Galaxy” into the mix

known as Ultron.

is some good news; in summer 2015,

and also further explains the Infinity Stones’

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, things get hectic

Marvel has a plan to keep you addicted for

origin. In Captain America: The Winter Sol-

as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes find themselves

weeks, making you spend your summer glued

dier, the terrorist group HYDRA is revealed to

in yet another battle in which Earth’s fate

to a movie screen.

have been operating within S.H.I.E.L.D., cor-

hangs in the balance. When Tony Stark brings

Finishing up Phase 2 of its master plan,

rupting the agency, which inevitably leads to

about a program trying to keep the peace after

Marvel’s summer lineup will be out with the

its destruction. Now on their own, the Aveng-

S.H.I.E.L.D.’s demise, things go wrong and the

star- studded Avengers: Age of Ultron fol-

ers have to work solo in order to bring down

Avengers find themselves faced with a terri-

lowed soon by Ant Man. This phase focuses

HYDRA, but unintentionally create their

ble opponent. As the iniquitous Ultron emerg-

on the post-Battle of New York adventures,

worst nightmare, an extremely dangerous

es, it is up to the Avengers to put a stop to his

Film | Page 11

heinous plans. In order to do this, they

hero in him to help his mentor Dr. Hank

are required to work with newcomers

Pym protect the Ant Man suit’s secrets

Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch to battle

from the threat of Yellowjacket, who is

the new antagonist while dealing with

played by Corey Stroll. Lang. With his

inner conflict amongst the team. Heads

new abilities, he must defend the Ant-

will roll, opinions will clash, and tensions

Man technology and plan a heist with

will rise, all while the fate of the Earth

global corollaries.

rests in their hands.

With these two movies in store, not

The final installment to Phase 2, Mar-

to mention the 9 movies that Marvel

vel brings a founding member of The

has planned over the span of 4 years, as

Avengers to the big screen for the first

well as TV series like Agent Carter and

time with Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. that always leave

The new Ant Man, who is played by Paul

us wanting more, it seems like we will be

Rudd, is gifted with the ability to shrink

singing Marvel’s praises for a long time.

in size but increase in strength. A truly

The summer of 2015 suddenly seems a

exceptional thief, Lang has to find the

whole lot cooler.

2008

2011

2012

2015

The Marvel Film Universe Iron Man

The Thor & Captain Avengers America

Avengers: Age of Ultron & Ant–Man

Film | Page 12

Pitch Perfect 2 By Zarina Iman

itch Perfect 2, the sequel of the highly regarded Pitch Perfect, is set to be released on May 15. The film begins three years after the original

film. The Barden University Bellas are dominating their collegiate a cappella competition, but “they are prohibited from ... competing at the collegiate level. So must enter a professional world contest in order to be reinstated,” says Elizabeth Banks, the film’s director. With their status on the line the stakes are higher than ever, resulting in large-scale musical numbers. The Bellas must practice tirelessly if they hope to win a competition never before won by an American group. Pitch Perfect 2 brings back the characters we have come to love, Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick), and even Chloe Beale (Brittany Snow), who purposely failed four years of college to continue singing with the Bellas. Other former Bellas, such as Aubrey Posen (Anna Camp), return to show what lies beyond college. Florentia “Flo” Fuentes (Chrissie Fit), a South American exchange student, and Emily Junk (Hailee Steinfeld), a Bella legacy insecure of her own abilities, are introduced to replace the graduated Bellas. The reoccuring cast from Pitch Perfect has already proved that they are both hilarious and endearing, setting a high bar for the new cast members, who must find their place in the group. Anna Kendrick is also tasked with playing the leader of the Bellas, as opposed to being an underdog. She has to decide if she will be as

Film | Page 13

controlling as Aubrey was, or laid back, letting

“We Are Never Getting Back Together” and

hysterically funny actress made the first film

the Bellas have more freedom. Pitch Perfect 2

Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” are

more interesting, as Wilson was responsible

will explore how the Bellas are handling their

performed. The Green Bay Packers, who are

for most of the jokes. The promise more im-

internal competition with the boy group The

huge fans of the movie, make a cameo singing

prov to come makes the film that much more

Treblemakers, as they left off on a good note

Beyoncé’s “Bootylicious.” Beyoncé’s feminist

anticipated by fans.

with each other in the previous film.

ballad, “Who Run the World”, is later per-

The most exciting part of the new movie is

formed at the Bellas’ final concert.

Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, based off of the non-fiction book Pitch Perfect: The

probably the new Riff-Off. The earlier Riff-

Pitch Perfect 2 must live up to the high

Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, by

Off seen in Pitch Perfect gave the actors a

standards the original set, so the cast will

Mickey Rapkine will be directed by Elizabeth

chance to string together various songs that

need to bring even more energy than before.

Banks. She will also reprise her role as a com-

were not necessarily related, unlike the song

However, the executives of the film acknowl-

petition commentator. Filming for the musical

selection of the musical numbers.The Riff-Off

edged that the film must be equal to or better

comedy began last May at the Baton Rouge

was well orchestrated, intense, and fit differ-

than Pitch perfect. As a result they are using

campus of Louisiana State University. Pitch

ent style songs to form a coherent piece. It

more of what worked in the last film; for ex-

Perfect leaves its sequel with big shoes to

was daring and unusual to blend songs, but

ample, the Riff-Off. The upcoming sequel

fill after grossing $113 million, but hopefully

worked amazingly well. This time instead of

will feature more popular music, which made

with a talented cast and director, Pitch Per-

a deserted pool, the new Riff-Off is hosted

the performances in the Pitch perfect fun

fect 2 will be as successful as the last.

at the mansion of an a cappella expert played

and engaging. In addition, Rebel Wilson will

by David Cross. Renditions of Taylor Swift’s

be improving more. The improv done by the

Features Film | Page | 14 Page 14

Film | Page 15

Kingsman: The Secret Service By Zarina Iman

ingsman: The Secret Service, an adaptation of a comic book by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar, is the latest

creation of Matthew Vaughn. The director brings both extreme violence and humor to this spy tale, constantly testing the limits of acceptability. The Kingsmen, a government independent spy organization based in a British tailor shop, is in need of a new agent. Henry Hart (Colin Firth), codenamed Galahad, nominates Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), a teenage delinquent whose father died for the agency. Hart mentors Eggsy, enabling him to compete against the other elite candidates. The positive transformation of Eggsy, who real-

izes he is equally suitable for the position as his opponents, is intertwined with that of the super villain Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson). Valentine, a lisping narcissist who hates the sight if blood, wishes to end global warming, a pretty good idea. However, his plan requires

past James Bonds. Firth is equally dapper and

same. The most consequential deviation is the

mass homicide, leaving the fate of millions in

lethal, resulting in an admirable hero. Taron

complexity of the action in the film. The action

the hands of the Kingsmen, though their ca-

Egerton’s performance itself is powerful; he is

featured in the comic book is less elaborate,

pability does not expel violence.

able to hold his own against world renown ac-

and understandably so, given that the illustra-

Kingsman’s sequences of extravagant

tors, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong (Merlin),

tors did not have the multitude options that

ultra-violence reflect a new level of CGI

and Michael Caine (Arthur, the leader of the

cameras provide. These alterations may not

graphics that allows violence to somehow

Kingsmen’s round table).

be appreciated by extreme fans of the comic books; however, it is clear these changes were

flow harmoniously. Vaughn transforms the

Like many movies based off written works,

outrageous violence into a thing of beauty

Kingsman does not stay entirely true to the

whether it be an elegantly choreographed

story. The fundamental change from the com-

Kingsman: The Secret Service is amazing,

fight scene with talented dancer Sofia Boute-

ic book is that Henry Hart is in fact related

though its not for those who cannot stomach

lla or a fabulous show of elitist heads literally

to Eggsy and offers him a spot in the agency.

violence and the occasional crude joke. Its plot

exploding, a feat in itself. The film pays hom-

This means that there is no other candidates

does not involve complex political schemes, a

age to older spy movies with suave heroes,

for Eggsy’s position because Hart is simply

theme that is all too common in current spy

ostentatious villain, fancy gadgets (i.e. poi-

creating a new one, resulting in spy training

movies. The film is refreshingly simple and

sonous pens, bulletproof umbrellas, etc.) and

camp playing less of a role in the story. The

bold, turning a blind eye to all that is political-

a simple, yet interesting plot.

Colin

second less significant change is of the villain,

ly correct. Witty characters, daring violence,

Firth’s casting was unexpected and enjoyed;

Valentine. Originally, Valentine was supposed

and frank dialogue, the exact traits that make

his sophistication and reserve, even in the

to be a former agent of the Kingsmen agency;

this movie R-rated also lay the foundation for

most trying situations, resembled that of the

despite this his plan remained basically the

a great time.

made to create a simple, yet engaging plot.

Film | Page 16

Ant–Man

By James Arcieri

oremost among the superheroes of

cessful Guardians of the Galaxy, which did an

series Lost as well as for her work in The Hurt

summer 2015 is the incredible Ant-

effective job of fusing humor with the press-

Locker and The Hobbit film series. Hope is a

Man, a figure in possession of an un-

ing issue of saving the universe.

talented but troubled youth, and both qual-

believable strength as well as the stealthy

Appearing alongside Rudd will be Michael

ities are attributed to her growing up in a

advantage of a diminutive size. Ant-Man, an

Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym. The original Ant-

home with two superheroes, Dr. Pym and his

original member of the Avengers, has been in

Man in the comics and the inventor of the

wife Janet van Dyne (aka the Wasp.)

Marvel Comics since 1962 and will appear in

suit’s technology, Dr. Pym hopes to pass on

In the core plot of the movie, thief extraor-

theatres for the first time in July. Playing the

his suit as well as its responsibilities to a new

dinaire, Scott Lang, in becoming Ant-Man,

role of Marvel’s next on screen, Earth-saving

owner. He chooses an unlikely candidate in

needs to do everything in his power to protect

champion, is the marvel-ous Paul Rudd who

professional thief, Scott Lang (Rudd). Corey

the secret of his extraordinarily powerful suit.

is known for his comedic roles in Anchorman,

Stoll, best known for his role as U.S. Repre-

Knowing this and knowing that his dedication

The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Knocked Up.

sentative Peter Russo in the Netflix series

must know no boundaries, Lang must reach

On entering the realm of superherodom,

House of Cards, will play Darren Cross (aka

into his inner reserves of strength with his

Rudd will use his gift of laughs as, according

Yellowjacket). Cross is the villain of the film

mentor, Dr. Pym, to attempt an extraordinary

to fellow actor Bobby Cannavale, who will

who threatens to use a version of the Ant-

theft that will save all humanity.

play Ant-Man’s friend, Paxton, Ant-Man will

Man suit for evil purposes. Fellow conspira-

Look for Ant-Man in theatres on July 17th

be a lighter, less dramatic film than the recent

tor Hope Van Dyne, who also happens to be

for what promises to be a stimulating experi-

Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Instead

Dr. Pym’s daughter, will be played by Evange-

ence and thrilling adventure.

it will be more comparable to the widely suc-

line Lilly, known best for her role in the ABC

Film | Page 17

Frozen Fever By Kaileen Germain

f you can’t seem to “Let It Go,” fear not, for Anna, Elsa, and the rest of the Frozen gang are back in another adventure. Frozen Fever, an animat-

ed short, made its way to theaters to accompany Cinderella in a short film based on the Oscar-winning blockbuster, Frozen. This seven-minute short, although unfortunately lacking in running time, makes up for its brevity in charm, giving Frozen fans what they loved about the original film. The short takes place on Anna’s birthday as her sister Elsa tries to make her day great by throwing her the perfect party. However, Elsa learns that “perfect” is not necessarily a realistic goal as her efforts are complicated by a number of obstacles, including her own ice powers as she unwillingly sneezes snowmen into existence. The short film possesses all of the components as the original, maintaining the same cast, directors, and songwriters. We welcome back Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff as the main cast but also greet key supporting characters as well, such as the loyal reindeer Sven, the good-natured yet sassy store owner Oaken, Marshmallow the snow beast, and a certain reprehensible prince. We are also greeted with a new musical number, jauntily labeled “Making Today a Perfect Day.” The song is gratifyingly consistent in spirit and heart with the original movie and has the same sweetness, silliness, and tunefulness in this new story, giving a chance for the two sisters to make perfect music again, and also realizing that even the ice queen can get a cold. With everything that made fans fall in love with Frozen, this short sequel gives fans a chance to reunite with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and the rest of the Arendelle gang, watching them go to great lengths to give a special girl the best day ever with magic, cake, and tiny little snowmen.

Film | Page 18

Film | Page 19

Jurassic World Preview By Zarina Iman

fter nearly a 14 year hiatus that left us with Jurassic Park being abandoned, the world of the Jurassic Park trilogy is finally returning to the

McGrath, Judy Greer, Lauren Lapkus Jake Johnson, Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins, and Vincent D’Onofrio.

big screen. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, Jurassic World,

There are rumors that Jurassic World is the first part

the newest addition to the series, will be released on

in a trilogy centered around Chris Pratt’s and Omar Sy’s

June 12. Stephen Spielberg returns as an executive pro-

characters, who both work with velociraptors. However,

ducer of the film.

this has not been officially confirmed, giving fans one

22 years after the events of the original Jurassic Park,

more reason to wait until June 12.

Masrani Global Corporation has successfully created

Jurassic World may not be the best idea for the Ju-

a dinosaur theme park, located on Isla Nublar, off the

rassic Park franchise. The new film must account for all

west coast of Central America. Much to the company’s

the events following Jurassic Park 3, when the park’s is-

despair, attendance at the park has been declining. Des-

lands were finally deserted. This might pressure Jurassic

perate, the company instructs the dinosaur geneticists

World to become weighed down with lengthy explana-

to create a new attraction, resulting in the creation of

tions, hindering the actual plot. However, re-creating the

Indominus Rex. The new dinosaur is ferocious and soon

world of dinosaurs with modern affects will enhance the

breaks free, rampaging through the park. It becomes the

viewing experience and possibly popularize the Jurassic

responsibility of Owen Grady, a velociraptors trainer

Park franchise among children, who are accustomed to

played by Chris Pratt, to stop Indominus Rex.

better graphics that are lacking in the older movies. Ei-

Owen is aided by adventurous park manger, Claire

ther way, Jurassic World promises a new cast of charac-

Dearing, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, who joins the

ters and plot that will change the franchise permanently,

star-studded cast. Other members include Omar Sy,

for better or worse.

Irrfan Khan, Jurassic Park’s scientist BD Wong, Katie

Film | Page 20

Ted 2 Preview By Sam Heller

In 2012, Seth MacFarlane made his leap from the silver screen to film with the hit movie Ted. Carrying over the same sort of grotesque humor seen in many of his other successful projects, such as Family Guy and American Dad, Ted was a box office hit, generating over half a billion dollars to become the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all-time. With that, MacFarlane is directing, writing, and starring in the creatively named upcoming sequel, Ted 2. Set to hit theaters on June 26th, if you were not a fan of or were on the fence about the original, then the sequel is most likely not for you. The movie could end up just being more of the same raunchy humor that was the spine of the original one. If you enjoy that kind of thing, than you will very much enjoy the sequel. While no official synopsis has been released yet, two trailers have confirmed an original story not unlike the first one. Ted, a sentient stuffed bear must prove that he is human in a court of law in order to raise a child with his wife Tammy-Lynn. With trailers showing jokes similar to those in the original, if you enjoyed Ted and found yourself laugh-

Numbers

these films. Nobody was asking for this film

$550m Worldwide Gross of Ted

ing at every moment, then Ted 2 will most likely have you in stitches the entire time. The jokes seem similar to those made in the original movie, but MacFarlane could run into

100min Runtime

the problem of his films being possibly be too similar. One of the main problems with sequels to comedies is the trouble they have with keeping material original. Running the same tired gags over and over again, comedies

dies face is lack of demand nobody asked for and nobody feels they need it. A bad sequel could ruin the memory of the previous film for other people, and could potentially ruin Seth MacFarlaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career movie. While it may seem idiotic to make a movie that is such a big risk, it will make money no matter what. Even though the original movie only received 62%

June 26 Release Date.

on Metacritic, it did very well in the box office and was well received by fans of shows such as Family Guy. This means that the sequel

such as The Hangover III and Horrible Bosses 2 have failed

should do as well as the other one in the box

miserably, and Ted 2 could easily regress into a rehash of

office, but may make less money. To Macfar-

the first film. Seeing that, another issue follow-up come-

len, it is always better to play it safe with an

Film | Page 21

already established and well liked character

plot points of Ted, no matter how infrequent

tha, which further supports the theory he

than to try something new.

they were, and in their stead leave the se-

divorced Mila Kunis’ character. Though the

The singular and yet the most destructive

quel without any substance, only keeping

roles of Neeson and Morgan are unknown,

major change between the two films is Mila

the pot-smoking teddy bear and his burnout

they are both very serious actors and usually

Kunis’ absence. Because Kunis was preg-

owner/ friend, John.

do not act in comedies. They are both very

nant during the time the movie was filmed,

However, in order to make up for the loss

well received actors though, and will bring a

she could not reprise her role. Ted 2 could

of Kunis, new additions have been made to

level of good acting into this film that is not

deal with her absence many ways, but the

the cast. Stars such as Morgan Freedman,

usually very common to see in comedies.

most obvious would be Mark Wahlberg’s

Amanda Seyfried, and Liam Neeson have

Ted 2 has a lot working against it, but giv-

character, John Bennet’s divorcing her. Co-

all signed on for the sequel. Seyfried will

ing it the benefit of the doubt could mean

incidentally, this is also the most frustrating

probably take over the female lead’s role,

that it could outshine predecessor. If you

scenario, as the main plot of Ted revolved

playing Ted’s lawyer, Samantha L. Jackson.

enjoy any of MacFarlane’s previous work,

around their relationship. Their divorce

In the new movie’s trailer, there are hints at

you will most likely enjoy this film barring a

would essentially throw away all the serious

possible romance between John and Saman-

complete disaster.

Film | Page 22

It Follows By Matt Parker

hat’s scarier, a quick movement

The film is set in suburban Detroit, a pris-

house at one point, puzzling over what could

and a sound that lasts for a sec-

tine landscape on the brink of a city that has

have scared his daughter so much as the

ond, or a lingering feeling of

recently fallen into almost apocalyptic sham-

neighbors look on. We can’t see what is scar-

dread? David Robert Mitchell, the director

bles. Mitchell sets up the mood from the very

ing her, but her distress permeates through

of It Follows, opts for the latter in his new, ex-

first scene of the film. He faces the camera

the screen.

citing horror movie. The film is presented as

down a pleasant tree-lined street, and begins

After an unsettling end to the prologue,

a sort of urban legend and retains a timeless

to pan left. As the camera begins its 360 de-

we meet our main character, Jay. Jay is first

quality throughout. The premise of the film is

gree turn, a distressed young woman stands

seen relaxing in her pool, and the gorgeous

relatively simple, an entity that can take the

in her lawn, facing down the street, before

cinematography is in its full effect. Jay is be-

shape of any person follows you, slowly but

tearing off and running the same way the

ing watched by a few neighborhood kids, and,

surely, until it catches you or you get rid of it.

camera pans. As the camera circles back to

unlike the monster, we clearly see them right

The only way to pass it on to someone or to

her lawn, we see her run back into her house

behind the fence. Jay goes back inside and we

receive it from someone is through sex. This

and out again with her purse and car keys. The

meet the rest of the protagonists: Jay’s sister

may seem like a classic “beware of STDs” mor-

camera ends facing down the same street as

Kelly, her sister’s friend Yara, and Paul, who

al, but it is more complicated than that. The

the woman drives away. The scene is beauti-

clearly has a thing for Jay. Jay is concerned

moral is not abstinence, as you need to have

fully shot, and it already creates a foreboding

about her upcoming date with Hugh, and she

sex to save yourself. It has more to do with

sense of mystery. The horror is there, but we

and her sister talk about whether or not Jay

growing up than anything else.

can’t see it. The woman’s dad runs out of the

will finally have sex that night.

Film | Page 23

Numbers

$2.0m Budget

$14.4m Box Office Gross

96%

Rotten Tomatoes score out of 160 reviews.

The time period of the film is purposely left

rush in, we seem a family across the way com-

ambiguous. Yara reads from a seashell with a

menting on how messed up Jay’s family seems

built in Kindle screen, while Hugh and Jay go

to be.

next iteration of this monster. The idea of a slowly approaching monster evokes many different metaphors. It could

to what looks like a silent movie theater. The

The film is gorgeous, and much more de-

be death, old age, or other possibilities. The

story could easily be from the 1800’s or the

liberate than the current horror movie fare.

added quality that the creature is only visible

2000’s, all that changes are the characters.

Mitchell doesn’t rely on gimmicks to get his

by those it is coming for is also unsettling. It

Perhaps it has been around for hundreds of

scare, with his wide panning, 360 turns, and

makes us and the characters question what is

years, but the timelessness of a classic leg-

the premise of something always following,

real and what isn’t. One thing that the film is

end remains. The key plot point comes when

always in the background, giving more than

not is boring or inconsequential. It has a last-

Hugh and Jay have sex in his car. Afterwards,

enough ammo for a good scare. He leaves the

ing impact on the viewer and can’t be lumped

he drugs her and ties her up to show her what

viewer searching through crowds, looking

into the current collection of Horror Movie 3

she now has to deal with.

for the odd person on their own, or someone

that are common in cinemas today. Mitchell

Hugh explains that this creature that takes

walking deliberately towards the camera. His

smartly defies current horror conventions,

the shape of anyone it wants will follow her

strategy is very effective, and although some-

and he leaves the viewers unnerved as they

until she has sex with someone else, and he

times we can’t see the creature, we are always

leave the theater. The film is a beautiful trib-

waits until It gets almost close enough to

looking for it. This gives us tension through-

ute to the emotions that a good horror mov-

touch before running with Jay back to the car.

out the entire film. At no points does the view-

ie can evoke and hopefully sets the trend for

He drops her off, crying and barely clothed, in

er feel safe, as we are always on the edge of

prettier and more intellectual horror movies

front of her house. As police and ambulances

their seats, looking for the next attack or the

in the years to come.

Film | Page 24

The Fantastic Four

By Kaileen Germain

hronicle director Josh Trank is at it again with another action

ia. He will still probably be born there

film, one that is not unfamiliar to viewers. Trank is working

but instead, he is a programmer and

with Fox in order to reboot the Fantastic Four comic book

blogger. Although it is not what many

movie franchise. But unlike the 2005 version, Trank has decided to go in a different direction, drawing his inspiration solely from The Ultimate Fantastic Four comics. Being Marvel’s original and longest running superhero team, Trank is under a lot of pressure to make this movie great, and judging from the trailer, which alludes danger, drama and intrigue, he did not disappoint. The action film introduces four young outsiders, Reed Richards, played by Miles Teller, Ben Grimm, played by Jamie Bell, Susan Storm, played by Kate Mara and Johnny Storm, played by Michael B. Jordan, that achieve superhuman abilities through a teleportation experiment leading them to an alternate dimension, altering their physical form in astounding ways. Faced with learning how to control these new abilities and their lives turned upside down, these four strangers must now use their newfound powers to save the world from a good friend turned bad. Like the Ultimate comics, the film features the super- powered group as young adults, clearly showing Trank’s influence from the comic books. But upon watching the trailer, many diehard F4 fans are shocked with the view that Trank is deciding to take for a number of reasons, since it is so different from what fans are familiar with. To start off, the main antagonist, Doctor Doom, being played by Toby Kebbell, gets a new name and origin. For starters, his name isn’t even

know Victor to be, it does fit with the

Numbers

modernized adaptation of the story. It

The Fantastic Four remake plans to find success where the 2005 version did not.

also goes along with rumors started

$122m

the good news is that Domashev will

Production Budget

$330m Worldwide Gross of the 2005 version

August 7 Release Date

by ScreenRant, stating that there will be drones known as Doombots, which Victor can control telekinetically. But be caught in the same accident that gave the Fantastic Four their powers, which is similar to the 2005 movie. Also controversial, but most certainly acceptable by my standards, is the casting of Michael B. Jordan as The Human Torch. The film has faced a lot of disapproval in the casting of a black actor in an originally white role.

Victor Von Doom because it was presumably thought to be a tad goofy

Facing criticism, Jordan respectfully

to fit into Trank’s vision. His name is now Victor Domashev, which

and diplomatically addressed the crit-

caused a bit of an uproar. And, he is no longer the monarch of Latver-

ics, proclaiming his love for Johnny

Film | Page 25

Storm and just wanting to be the best he can

animation, the Fantastic Four is going to take

a younger generation. The basic resemblanc-

for the role, which more or less calmed the

on a much cooler look. Tons of explosions, a

es still remain, but other than that, it seems

fans down.

man turning to flames, and a woman turning

Trank is wiping the slate clean and creating

I, for one, look forward to seeing how the

invisible. And let’s not forget the sneak peak

a whole new look for the classic superheroes

actors will be able to adopt the characters

we got of The Thing in the trailer quite frankly

we know and love.

that we know and love into their own. Wheth-

being birthed from a rock. I can’t wait to see

The super hero team we once knew has

er you’re a diehard fan because of the comic

how the directors found a way to make The

changed. It has been modernized, telling a

books or the movie adaptations, there will be

Thing and the rest of the Fantastic Four’s abil-

generational story with just the right amount

some kind of idea as to what one might think

ities come to life on the silver screen.

of drama, and adventure. Intending to more

the characters should be like coming into

A lot of things are going to be different with

emphatically show what Trank calls “the sci-

theaters. But I’m willing to bet that we will be

2015 remake. My opinion is that in hopes of

ence in science fiction,” the film uses an in-

(hopefully) pleasantly surprised with whatev-

modernizing the franchise, a lot of the compo-

ter-dimensional origin story to keep its unusu-

er the actors and directors will throw at us. I

nents of the 2005 version won’t make it in the

al elements and settings grounded by science.

personally look forward to it. After all, there

contemporary adaptation. For instance, as

And although there is a lot of controversy sur-

have already been so many things that seem

previously stated, instead of being based on

rounding the new take on the classic, the film

to change the Fantastic Four for the better,

the classic Fantastic Four comic books like the

does have a lot going for it, its contemporary

keeping up with the rapid changes being made

2005 version, Trank is basing his movie off the

approach working in its favor. This explorato-

in the movie industries. With the cinematic in-

Ultimate Fantastic Four comics. This means a

ry film flies into theaters August 7, 2015.

dustry’s new stellar special effects and CGI

different origin story, different costumes and

Film | Page 26

Film | Page 27

Aloha

By Christina Cho

ameron Crowe was once quite notable for his popular and award-winning films Almost Famous and Jerry Maguire, but his fame has faded over the past 15 years.

This summer, he attempts to make a comeback with Aloha, based on his own script and produced with Scott Rudin. He has worked industriously for absolute perfection, recasting the main roles from Ben Stiller and Reese Witherspoon to Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone, renaming the film three times from Deep Tiki to Volcano Romance to Aloha, and launching the trailer precisely during Oscar season when Bradley Cooper was nominated Best Actor for American Sniper and Emma Stone was nominated Best Supporting Actress for Birdman. The trailer opens with the phrase, “Sometimes you have to say goodbye before you can say hello.” In Hawaii, aloha means both. After screwing up his assignment as a military contractor, Bradley Cooper’s character returns to his hometown in Honolulu to work at a U.S. space program. There, he simultaneously reconnects with his former lover (Rachel McAdams) and falls in love with an air force liaison (Emma Stone). To complicate matters further, John Krasinski acts as the non-communicative new boyfriend of McAdams’ character and Bill Murray acts as a shady billionaire who launches a complex satellite system. Recently, the film has suffered from studio boss Amy Pascal’s open criticism for the film’s cheesy plotline, from Sony’s leaked files circulating information concerning the film’s inability to spark viewers’ interest during screenings, and from the public’s thoughts of the film’s similarity to Crowe’s previous failure Elizabethtown, in which the protagonist botches a big product launch and returns home to pick up the pieces of his broken life, where the love of a good woman redeems him. Nevertheless, the film that had been fought over by five studios in a bidding war promises to be not just another feel-good movie of drama, comedy, and romance. Unlike the thousands of tear-jerking heartbreak movies, it aims to offer an authentic Hawaiian experience with Polynesian magic and mysticism and shots of Oahu’s locals-only attractions. All in all, Cameron Crowe movies set on charming tropical islands don’t premier very often, so don’t forget to say hello to the start of your summer break in a few weeks with Aloha!

Film | Page 28

Poltergeist by Sophia Schein

oltergeist, the remake of the 1982

er generation that the remakes are intended

shown. In the original, the story followed

horror movie, is coming out this sum-

for. Another issue is generally poor acting in

the mother, but a recent interview with one

mer on July 24th. The movie follows

the remakes. I think a prime example of this is

of the movie’s stars, Sam Rockwell, revealed

the common scary movie plot of a family mov-

the main actress’ performance in the recent

that this film will be shown in the perspective

ing into a new home only to realize they are

remake of When A Stranger Calls(2006). It

of the 10 year old son. In the same interview,

not alone. In this particular thriller, the house

comes off incredibly cheesy, which definitely

Rockwell stated that since this is from the

is occupied by a poltergeist whose distur-

decreases the fear factor of the movie. While

perspective of a child, perhaps it won’t be as

bances quickly escalate from simple scares to

we haven’t yet seen the acting performance

terrifying as the original, however, he may not

the kidnapping of the family’s young daughter

in this film, I think Poltergeist may manage to

have seen the final product. While this change

(as seen in the trailer).

overcome the other remake flaw where the

will definitely offer new insight into the way

It’s the latest in a trend of horror movie re-

scary parts of the movie seem outdated and

the haunting happened to the children, I

makes, like Carrie (2013) and Nightmare on

dull. The trailer included elements of a ghost

would have been even more interested in see-

Elm Street (2010). These remakes have got-

haunting that are sure to frighten viewers.

ing the story from the kidnapped daughter’s

ten a very bad reputation because of their fail-

From the material released about the re-

ure to live up to original. While the plots them-

make, it seems that it will follow very closely

selves may be similar, the ideas that terrified

to the original. One major difference is the

original viewers often fail to scare the young-

perspective through which the story will be

perspective. So, if you’re looking for a summer scare mark your calendar for July 24th.

Film | Page 29

Spy

by Zarina Iman

omedian Melissa McCarthy and di-

earpiece. She is partnered with Bradley Fine

all the while guided by her best friend, Nancy

rector Paul Feig have maintained

(Jude Law), a James Bond type, who views her

(Miranda Hart). Disguised as a frumpy Mid-

their successful partnership with

as an overweight outsider. However, when

western tourist, Susan travels from Paris to

Bridesmaids and The Heat. Their newest film

Fine is assassinated by Rayna Boyanov (Rose

Rome and eventually Budapest.

Spy promises to be as hilarious as the rest.

Byrne), a Bulgarian arms dealer, who is able

In spite of the comedy and violence, Spy ,is

Though films in action comedy genre have

to identify all of the CIA’s top agents, Susan

the story an unhappy woman searching for

usually failed to deliver all that their title en-

becomes determined to avenge her partner’s

fulfillment. Susan Cooper is an average wom-

tails, Spy is committed to balancing the two

untimely death. Though it would be her first

an who is loyal, loving, brave and all the while

genres, using jokes to enhance the action.

time in the field, Susan argues that she is the

unaware of her own worth.

The movie centers around Susan Coop-

only one who will not be recognized by Rayna.

Spy premiers in the U.S. on June 5. Running

er (Melissa McCarthy), an analyst stuck in

The Agency’s chief (Allison Janney) agrees,

about 115 minutes long, it is the perfect way

a desk job in the basement of the CIA head-

despite vehement protest from Richard Ford

to begin summer vacation.

quarters. Susan helps field agents overcome

(Jason Statham), a brusque agent. Susan is

obstacles by communicating with them via

sent to Paris simply to gather information,

Spy promises to be as hilarious as the rest... using jokes to enhance the action.

Film | Page 30

Summer Calender By Maggie Brill JUNE JURASSIC WORLD June 12, 2015 From executive producer, Steven Speilberg and director, Colin Trevorrow comes the much-anticipated blockbuster film, Jurassic World. This film will be the fourth installment in the Jurassic Park series, starring an entirely new cast. This movie, like the first one, takes place on Isla Nublar, the remote island full of prehistoric creatures that now serves as a fully functioning theme park. In order to gather new interest, the theme park genetically creates a new dinosaur but when their new attraction escapes, the characters must race to contain the beast and stay alive. This film provides an interesting perspective on the dangers of modern technology in a thrilling and visually breathtaking way. Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Onofrio, and Jake Johnson

INSIDE OUT June 19, 2015 Disney Pixar has managed to personify emotions into little characters inside the head of a little girl, Riley Anderson, who just moved to a new town. This movie takes hearing voices in your head to a whole new and comedic level. Joy (Amy Poehler), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader), Sadness (Phyllis Smith) and Anger (Lewis Black) are the voices inside her head that compete for control of her mind. Just like the all-star team of actors who voice them, each emotion has a big personality and sometimes has trouble working together to lead Riley through her life. Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling

Film | Page 31

PAPER TOWNS June 19, 2015 The lovable best friend from the Fault in Our Stars, Isaac played by Nat Wolff, has returned to star in John Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new movie, Paper Towns. This adaptation of John Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-selling novel is written and produced by the same people who created TFIOS, a huge box office success. The main character, Quentin (Nat Wolff), is reunited with is now-distant childhood crush, Margo (Cara Delevigne) when troubles arise in her life. When Margo suddenly disappears, she leaves a series of clues, sending Quentin and his new friends on scavenger hunt to find her. Will Quentin finally confess his love for Margo or will finding her prove to difficult? Starring: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne

TED 2 June 26, 2015 Ted (voiced by Seth Macfarlane) returns as the foul-mouthed teddy bear in a whole new adventure with his lifelong friend John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg). Ted and his girlfriend from the first movie, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth) are now married and looking to become parents. But in order to do so, Ted must prove he is a person in court with the help of his lawyer, Samantha Jackson (Amanda Seyfried). Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried

Film | Page 32

JULY TERMINATOR GENISYS July 3, 2015 As promised, Arnold Schwarzenegger is ‘back’ as the Terminator in the fifth installment of the Terminator series. John Conner (Jason Clarke), leader of the Resistance, sends Kyle Resse (Jai Courtney) to help his mother, Sarah Conner (Emilia Clarke) and the Terminator prevent the dreaded “Judgement Day”. However, Sarah Conner is no longer confused and afraid, but instead she is ready to defend mankind with the help of the Terminator. Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, and Jai Courtney

MINIONS July 10, 2015 From the same people who made Despicable Me, comes the new spinoff, Minions. Starring the adorable yellow creatures with their own language and tufts of hair. This 3-D adventure takes place ‘Before Gru (B.G.), the minions desperately search of the most despicable master. Kevin, Stuart, and Bob find themselves at Villain-Con, where they begin to compete for the employment of Scarlet Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock. Starring: Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm

ANT–MAN July 17, 2015 Based on the comic book character, comes Marvel’s new summer blockbuster, Ant-Man. Paul Rudd stars as the conman, Scott Lang who must assume the title of Ant-Man in order to help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Together they build a suit that allows Lang to shrink in size and increase in strength. By combing this powerful ability and his previous skillset as a thief, Scott Lang must plan a heist to save the world. Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly

Film | Page 33

POLTERGEIST June 26, 2015 This haunting remake of the 1982 film modernizes the same story of evil spirits that invade a suburban home in a small town. When the spirits abduct the youngest daughter, the family must work together against these spirits to rescue her or else... Starring: Sam Rockwell, Jared Harris

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION July 31, 2015 Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt in this fifth installment in the Mission Impossible series. This former IMF agent must secretly assemble a team of skilled agents to defeat the Syndicate, a super-secret organization of unpredictable and dangerous assassins.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg

AUGUST FANTASTIC FOUR August 7, 2015 This reboot of the 2005 film stars Miles Teller as the intellectual Mister Fantastic, Kate Mara as the independent Invisible Woman, Michael B. Jordan as the arrogant Human Torch and Jamie Bell as the sensitive, but strong The Thing. These four young scientists gained super abilities after teleporting to an alternate universe. They must use these abilities and each other to save the world from a former friend turned enemy, Victor Domashev/Doom (Toby Kebbell). Starring: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell

Film | Page 34

Film | Page 35

Leonard Nimoy By Zarina Iman

eonard Nimoy died this February at the age of 83 fol-

high school. After attending a summer course at Boston

lowing a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary

College, Nimoy traveled to Hollywood in 1949 where he

disease. His portrayal of Spock, the logical half-hu-

applied to the Pasadena Playhouse and was accepted. He

man first officer of the Starship Enterprise, endeared him

found the work “disappointing” and was cast in small roles

to millions. Nimoy’s versatile career spanned more than

for the movies Queen for a Day and Rhubarb. In between

six decades. He was a stage actor, guest star, show regular

roles Nimoy served in the military for two years, rising to

and even director, directing the 1987 hit comedy Three

the level of sergeant. He spent 18 months at for McPher-

Men and a Baby. Nimoy maintained other interests as well;

son in Georgia, directing shows for the Army Special Ser-

he made albums of pop songs and ones based off Star Trek

vices. He left the army in 1955 and returned to California

and was a published poet and a skilled photographer. How-

where he worked numerous jobs. In the early 1960s Ni-

ever, Spock is truly what made Nimoy a star.

moy began to receive roles with wide visibility. It was due

He felt a close connection to the character. In his first

to an appearance In the 1964 television show, The Lieu-

autobiography I Am Not Spock, he wrote, “In Spock, I fi-

tenant, that Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, became

nally found the best of both worlds: to be widely accept-

interested in Nimoy. Roddenberry initially wanted to cast

ed in public approval and yet be able to continue to play

Nimoy as an alien science officer with red skin.

the insulated alien through the Vulcan character.” Later he

Star Trek finally premiered on NBC on September 8,

told Starlog magazine, “Spock is definitely one of my best

1966, launching Nimoy into stardom. Spock was not a

friends. When I put on those ears, it’s not like just another

favorite of the network executives, who at first believed

day. When I become Spock, that day becomes something

Spock was too dry and his pointed ears made him look

special.” 20 years after his first autobiography that was

satanic. But Nimoy brought humor and feeling to the

meant describe the typecasting faced subsequent to his

character with subtle actions, like raising his eyebrows or

performance as Spock, Nimoy published his second auto-

whispering “fascinating.” Though the show was cancelled 3

biography, I Am Spock, in 1995. The contradictory titles of

a mere three seasons after it began the cult-like following

the two books reflect Nimoy’s mixed feelings of constantly

kept the franchise alive; and when J.J. Abrams began to di-

being associated with Spock. He related to and enjoyed

rect the Star Trek reboot, Nimoy gladly accepted a cameo

playing the character, yet he wanted to explore other roles.

part. In his autobiography, Nimoy wrote,”I am not Spock.

Leonard Simon Nimoy was born in Boston on March

But given the choice, if I had to be someone else, I would be

26, 1931 to Ukrainian immigrants Max and Dora Nimoy.

Spock. If someone said, ‘You can have the choice of being

He was the second son in their Orthodox Jewish family.

any other TV character ever played,’ I would choose Spock.

Nimoy integrated his religion into Star Trek using Spock’s

I like him. I admire him. I respect him.”

famous Vulcan hand motion and the phrase “Live long and

Following Star Trek, Nimoy joined the cast of Mission:

prosper,” adapted from a blessing given by the kohanim,

Impossible, made a few other movies, and gave several

or priestly class, of the Jewish faith. From the age of 8

guest appearances mostly for Star Trek. He returned to

onwards Nimoy acted in local productions, landing parts

college and earned a masters in Spanish from Antioch Uni-

at a community college where he preformed through

versity Austin in 1978, later being awarded an honorary

Film | Page 36

Leonard Nimoy as Spock in the original Star Trek television series and in a cameo role in the 2009 film.

doctorate. Nimoy then directed Star Trek III:

ary Quinto, who was among the many that

Art. Nimoy was also a talented poet, publish-

The Search for Spock (1984) and Star Trek IV:

mourned Nimoy’s death on twitter and tweet-

ing numerous books of poetry that were ac-

The Voyage Home (1986), which he helped

ed, “My heart is broken.”

companied by his own photography. A multi-

write. He received an Emmy nomination for

Nimoy was a supporter of the arts. He do-

talented writer, Nimoy developed the comic

the TV movie A Woman Called Golda, where

nated to the Thalia, a movie theater that is

book series Primortals in 1995 with Teckno

he appeared alongside Ingrid Bergman. From

now a multi-use hall, on the Upper West Side

Comics. The series ran for two years and was

1977 to 1982 Nimoy hosted the shows In

of Manhattan. In 2002, the theater was re-

later turned into a novel.

Search Of..., which explored paranormal mys-

named the Leonard Nimoy Thalia. In the late

Leonard Nimoy has left a lasting impression

teries. He narrated documentaries, video

1960s Nimoy partnered with Dot Records

in all areas of art. He legacy, not only as Spock,

games, animated movies, and shows. In 1991

to release five albums. Though the first two

but as a thoughtful writer, poet, photogra-

Nimoy was able to co-produce and star in

were closely science fiction and Star Trek re-

pher, and musicians remains for generations

the film Never Forget, in which an Auschwitz

lated, the last three albums featured popular

to appreciate. Nimoy is survived by his wife,

survivor sues organizations of Holocaust de-

music of the time, including “Proud Mary” and

two children, six grandchildren, one great

niers. Creating the film gave him a “sense of

“I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. During the

grandchild, and his older brother. George

fulfillment.” Nimoy was a part of one of the

1970s, he studied photography at UCLA. He

Takei phrased it best, writing, “We return you

greatest Simpsons episodes, “Marge and

thought about changing careers to follow his

now to the stars, Leonard. You taught us to

the Monorail,” in 1993. He also appeared in

passion for photography. Nimoy’s work was

‘Live Long And Prosper,’ and you indeed did,

commercials with his Star Trek co-star, Wil-

exhibited at various museums, such as the

friend.”

liam Shatner, and his Spock successor, Zach-

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary

Film | Page 37

Avengers: Age of Ultron Review By William He

e’ve waited, we’ve been under a

we’re introduced to Dr. Helen Cho, who,

Ultron in favor of giving us time for the fights,

lot of hype. We’ve seen a bunch

apart from being a leading genetics scientist

the Vision, and the twins.

of movies go by, and the culmi-

and medic for the Avengers, also plays an in-

The twins aren’t equally represented, and

nation of 9 movies worth of lore, action, and

tegral part in the creation of the Vision, the

an aspect that should have felt much more

heroes come together.

Avengers newest addition. Ultron’s origin

powerful to the viewers isn’t as powerful as it

With the lore part, I hope you can keep rela-

also begins in Tony Stark’s lab, and we get the

ended up being. However, in the limited time

tively obscure Marvel geekness in your head;

party scene, Thor’s hammer-lifting competi-

frame that they are spotlighted, they shine

Joss Whedon doesn’t have time to reiterate

tion, and Ultron’s party raid.

in their performance and bring their A game

every character’s origin or teach you about

This movie honestly moved quite quick-

to this movie, improving the movie by a lot,

the literal lore of the MCU. You’re expected

ly; considering the fact that the original cut

especially when we see Scarlet Witch be the

to watch every movie, or get anywhere from

was over three hours long, which would have

WMD she was meant to be.

mildly to wildly confused. I’m going to take the

provided more screen time for each Aveng-

The Vision is probably one of the greatest

same approach and be nerd-friendly.

er along with more elaboration, the current

points of this movie. While the Vision was

The movie opens with a fight scene. By

movie is a wonderful movie as is. There’s plen-

brought out a little too close to the end in my

opens, I mean the first line is the HDYRA in-

ty of action, there’s enough exposition for the

opinion, the Vision still shines in his even more

tercom system announcing an attack from the

next plot point to make sense, and Ultron’s

limited timeframe, instantaneously being one

Avengers. No more “Where are the Aveng-

motives are pretty clear cut.

of the Avenger’s greatest members in combat

ers?” intro scenes. We know who they are,

Most things that were hyped on in media

while also giving off a “wisdom” vibe. Watch-

and they’re always sticking together. We then

were brought out very well. Subplots, fights,

ing Paul Bettany make the transition from

get what will be the best action scene filmed

creation stories, everything was just awe-

JARVIS to the Vision is a great scene, which

in movie history until the end of this movie,

some, but not without flaws.

ultimately makes this movie worth watching

when Marvel breaks my own personal record for awesomeness.

The Hulkbuster fight felt too early, but

even more.

moving beyond that, it does make sense in the

The subplots had to be shortened some-

By the time the Avengers finish their

time frame and is overly one of the best fights

what, but we still get the essential parts of

HDYRA raid, we’ve learned a lot more about

ever fought, albeit involving some serious col-

Black Widow’s history, both through Scarlett

the heroes, Tony Stark in particular, as well

lateral damage.

Johansson explaining on screen and a Scar-

as being introduced to Quicksilver and Scar-

James Spader puts on a wonderful per-

let-Witch induced vision. Nick Fury is brought

let Witch, twins who survived HYDRA leader

formance voicing Ultron, and the CGI artists

back for two purposes; give a pep talk and

Baro von Strucker’s human experimentation,

have done a wonderful job animating Ultron

do some awesome stuff near the endgame.

which gave them super-speed and telekine-

and his robot army to complement Spader’s

Hawkeye’s absence during the The Winter

sis/other mind powers, respectively. They will

voice performance. The flawless mix of the

Soldier is also explained, and Hawkeye, along

be a problem for the Avengers, and then a

two make Ultron feel real, although the intent

with Black Widow, become more prominent

problem for Ultron towards the end.

to make Ultron a legitimate scary villain that

in the story in general, getting their justice

Immediately after the Avenger’s return to

would have given AoU a unique feel is some-

from being sidelined in 2012’s The Avengers.

the Avengers Tower in Midtown New York,

what lost, due to screen time sort of sidelining

Television | Page 38

House of Cards By Sam Stephenson

fter an exciting first season and a less gripping second one,

plot concerning Doug Stampe. In this subplot, Stamper recruits hacker

House of Cards continues with season three, possibly the

Gavin Orsay to track down Rachel. This uncompelling plot has no rela-

best addition to the series so far. The season begins with

tion to the main storyline. Moreover, Gavin uses extremely unrealistic

Doug Stamper being rushed to the hospital after being brained by Ra-

methods to find Rachel.

chel. The show then moves ahead several months to when Doug awak-

Though season two lacked characters that the viewer could relate

ens from a coma. Meanwhile, Frank has had a disastrous presidency.

to after the deaths of Zoe Barnes and Peter Russo, season three does

By pardoning Garrett Walker and Raymond Tusk and causing stagna-

not suffer from this issue. In the face of failure, Frank grows enraged,

tion in Congress by vetoing a large amount of bills, Frank’s approval

lashing out at his subordinates and friends with whom he would not

ratings have dropped below those of even President Walker’s before

previously fight. Season three examines Frank’s increasingly volatile

his impeachment. At the beginning of the season, Frank explains his

relationships with Claire and some of his subordinates. At the begin-

idea for the presidency, America Works or AmWorks. Frank designed

ning of the season, Claire asks Frank to become the U.S. ambassador

AmWorks as a law to restrict or end all welfare programs, such as

to the United Nations. Frank must then struggle with accusations of

medicare or social security, and then to use the money to employ

nepotism while Claire grows increasingly upset with him, believing

every single American who wants a job. While trying to pass AmWorks

that she is always playing second fiddle to Frank. Furthermore, Frank

through Congress, Frank must also worry about winning the upcom-

grows increasingly ruthless and hostile not only to his friends but also

ing election, despite his disapproval from the American people and his

to his allies. In season three, many of Frank’s seemingly heartless al-

fellow Democrats, preparing for a looming hurricane, and negotiating

lies begin to take moral stands against Frank. Creating many intriguing

with the Russian dictator Viktor Petrov to mobilize troops in the valley

character conflicts between Frank, Claire, and his underlings.

to stabilize the Middle East.

On the whole, season three was an excellent addition to House of

Despite its ambitious plot, season three is streamlined and cogent.

Cards. Its exciting and streamlined plot captivated the viewer. It also

The different tangents and aspects of the plot all tie in together. Very

featured a host of complicated character relationships between Frank

little happens for no reason. The only major flaw in the plot is a sub-

and his allies and enemies.

Television Television | Page | Page 39 39 From Left to Right: Lars Mikkelsen as Victor Petrov and Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood

Television | Page 40

Out of the Bunker, Into the Spolight… Of Netflix, that is By Jasper Cox

n Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, the eponymous heroine lives by the motto, “Take life 10 seconds at a time.” The takeaway is that if one is in an unpleasant situation,

he or she will be all right if they start living life in 10-second increments. And soon he or she will be able to get through whatever troubling predicament that he or she was suffering. That was just one of the many lessons I took from this well-made comedy that has surprising emotional depth in between its hilarious one-liners and plots. The show sees 30 Rock co-creators Tina Fey and Robert Farlock join forces once again for another comedy centered around New York City life. The show was originally supposed to air on NBC, however the network found its treatment of race too offensive for their taste. I find this quite ridiculous, because this same network allowed Seinfeld to air an episode focused entirely on masturbation, but they would not allow this show to tell a joke about black people not eating salad that often. So NBC sold it off to Netflix, which allowed the occasionally crude yet always hilarious jokes to air untouched. The show does make multiple jokes centered around racial stereotypes, but the satire is definitely thought provoking and it brings multiple issues about race to the forefront for all to see. The premise of this show alone sets it apart from any other program on TV right now. Kimmy, played by a topof-her-game Ellie Kemper and three other women, Cindy, Gretchen, and Donna Maria, have been living in an underground bunker for 15 years and have been convinced by Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, played by Jon Hamm, that the world has ended. But they are freed by armed forces and are released onto the world. After completing their interview with The Today Show host Matt Lauer, Kimmy decides that she is going to try to live her life in New York City. She quickly becomes roommates with Titus Andromedon, a black, gay, larger-than-life aspiring Broadway performer, played by Tituss Burgess. Kimmy also becomes close friends with her and Titus’s landlady, Lillian Kaushtupper, played by Carol Kane. Kimmy is able

Numbers

to earn a job as the nanny for the children of upper class

Tina Fey’s newest show hopes to find success using the Netflix platform

Manhattan and secret Native American Jacqueline Voor-

30 min

Runtime of each episode

94%

hees, played by Fey’s 30 Rock co-star Jane Krakowski. Kimmy also has a fierce rivalry with Jacqueline’s stepdaughter Xanthippe, who is an unruly teenager and practically runs the house. Dylan Gelula plays her. The chemistry between the two actresses in excellent, and Xan proves to be a great foil for Kimmy. The first season focuses on different characters’ attempting to achieve their dreams. Kimmy is trying to have a nor-

Rotten Tomatoes rating

mal life, and wants to accomplish her dreams without using

er she wants. Kimmy is a great protagonist; she’s extremely

Episodes in the first season

her “Mole Woman” past to take shortcuts to obtain whatevlikable and eternally positive, and she takes every challenge that life throws at her head-on. The fact that she’s okay with living life like everybody else makes her even more endearing for the audience. But she’s not the only one who is trying to achieve goals. Titus, after meeting Kimmy, obtains the inspiration that he needs to quit his job as a Times Square personality in a red robot suit and pursue his dream of becoming a star on Broadway. Titus’s talent is impossible for the viewer to ignore, but Burgess seems to be tailor-made for this role, and he nails it. Titus is extremely funny, and he is willing to use anything that works to his advantage to

Television | Page 41

further himself. Jacqueline, however, is one of

African-Americans are perceived differently

While this is an excellent show, I do feel

the most interesting characters in the show.

by others, specifically officers of the law. An-

that some of the characters were slightly

She is a Native American of South Dakota

other moment where I felt like the racial com-

underdeveloped. Buckley, Jacqueline’s son,

who left her hometown to become something

mentary was not entirely truthful was when

appeared in very few episodes, and I wished

greater. In the beginning, she seems to have

Jacqueline was living in South Dakota. In or-

that they had used his character a bit more,

no problem with coat-tailing on her husband’s

der to supposedly blend in with white culture,

or just cut him out entirely. He was a funny

seemingly endless wealth, but overtime, she

Krakowski’s character bleached her hair and

character, but the fact that he was missing for

slowly becomes the independent and strong

wore blue contact lenses. Some people could

the most part of the season made me feel as if

woman that her parents wanted her to be.

be put off by the way that the show perpet-

he were somewhat unnecessary for the story.

This transformation made Jacqueline one of

uates the idea that some minorities feel the

Also, the Mole Women group that went back

my favorite characters.

need to “act white” but it was not hard for me

to Indiana was also not mentioned too much.

As I mentioned before, the writing holds a

to see why the show’s writers wrote this in.

The show never explained how Gretchen was

lot of interesting commentary about modern

The Indian Country Today Media Network

brainwashed by the Reverend, and it also

day racial issues. For example, in one episode,

discussed how some people feel the need to

didn’t talk about Donna Maria that much. I

Titus realizes that he is treated better when

act “less Native in order to be successful in the

would’ve liked to see a bit more of them

he is dressed up as a werewolf than as a nor-

mainstream world” and they understood why

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is one of the

mal black man. This is obviously an over exag-

Jacqueline behaved the way she did. While I

best new shows on television. It boasts an

geration, especially when his makeup wears

don’t necessarily think that people need to

extremely likable cast and hilarious dialogue,

off and a white pedestrian yells, “That were-

completely change who they are as people,

along with some inspiring themes of perse-

wolf transformed into Samuel L. Jackson!” I

as everyone should feel comfortable in their

vering in the fact of impossible odds. Some

wasn’t a huge fan of this storyline because I

own skin, I understand that the show is trying

of the racial stereotypes can be interpreted

felt like the way that Titus discussed his treat-

to say that some people think that they have

in the wrong way, and some of the secondary

ment as a black man was slightly over-the-top,

to adapt to other people’s culture in order to

characters are somewhat underdeveloped,

but this does raise a good point as to how

be successful.

but this is definitely a binge-worthy show.

Television | Page 42

Bosch

By Sam Stephenson

mazon follows in Netflix’s footsteps

Bosch catches up to the suspect and orders

killer and claims knowledge about the dead

with Bosch, a crime drama based on

him to freeze. The suspect, however, disobeys

boy.

the novels of Michael Connelly that

Bosch’s orders and tries to pull a gun. Seeing

When away from his job, Bosch enters an

can be viewed only on Amazon Prime. Bosch

this, Bosch shoots the suspect. The plot skips

unstable relationship with an ambitious and

is an exciting, plot-driven cop show, follow-

ahead two years to when the family of the

reckless police officer, Julia Brasher. Bosch

ing Harry Bosch, an LAPD detective. Despite

dead suspect sues Bosch for his death.

also has a daughter whom he rarely sees. His

the captivating plot, Bosch lacks in character

While not in the courtroom, Bosch con-

ex-wife, a former FBI profiler, helps out with

depth and development. The characters ap-

tinues to work cases, during one of which he

his cases from time to time. Bosch’s complex

pear simplistic, not changing over time and

discovers that a doctor’s dog has uncovered

and multi-layered plot keeps the viewer inter-

having uncomplicated motives.

a human bone. He investigates this event,

ested throughout the entire show.

Bosch relies upon its thrilling but slightly

finding the burial site for a child who had been

Though it deals with a dark subject matter,

unrealistic and glossy plot to entertain view-

beaten all his life and then killed by having his

Bosch is far from gritty. The outlandish plot

ers. Set in Hollywood, Bosch begins with De-

head bashed in. While attempting to identify

is outlandish diminishes from the sincerity of

tective Bosch chasing a suspect on foot while

the dead boy and find his murderer, another

the show. The show’s plot is impressively in-

his partner circles around to head the suspect

dead body is found in a man called Reynard

tricate, with elaborate mysteries behind each

off in a car, a maneuver against LAPD policy.

Waits’s car. Waits is discovered to be a serial

murder. Furthermore, the large amount of se-

Television | Page 43

rial killers and their complicated methods and

portant role in the plot. Though a parent, his

motives for murder contribute to this feeling.

relationship with his daughter also does not

The serial killer Reynard Waits is the most

Each minor part of the story opens up an elab-

have an obvious impact on his role as a detec-

interesting and complex character. He is un-

orate story full of drama and action. Every ac-

tive. Bosch’s

predictable with both his actions and his mo-

ambition.

tion of Waits drips with some sort of symbol-

The other characters also have simple per-

tives. However, these attributes are mostly

ism or elaborate motive. The plot is too action

sonalities and motives. Although his girlfriend

caused by his insanity. Waits is driven by his

packed. Every aspect of the case opens up

acts recklessly enough to be a bad police-

arrogance. He enjoys contacting the police to

another section of the plot. There are no dead

woman, she is very ambitious and has fervent

brag despite the danger to him. He also enjoys

ends that don’t create a subplot. Bosch’s plot

beliefs that she is a good policewomanis char-

toying with the police or expressing himself

appears surreal, with no room for any mun-

acterized by ambition and confidence that

through the use of elaborate symbols. Howev-

dane events Bosch appears slightly surreal.

she is a good policewoman. Her mentality is

er, this practice of linking the plot to symbols

Aside from its plot, Bosch features sim-

contrasted by the reality that she is a reck-

has become a cliché in many stories. He also

plistic characters with clear-cut personalities

less and ineffective policewoman. She pushes

appears interested by unusual aspects of oth-

and transparent motivesBosch’s elaborate

to prematurely advance from patrol into the

er people. For instance, he appears to develop

plot takes away from the complexity of the

ranks of the detectives. However, when she

an affinity for Bosch, constantly comparing

characters, in their motives, interactions, and

is criticized for poor and reckless tactics, she

the policeman to him himself. His reactions

developement. Bosch never acts based on ul-

invents unnecessarily elaborate explanations

are unpredictable and violent. Waits keeps

terior motives, only following his explicit mor-

for her failures and lashes out at any who crit-

the viewer interested with his unpredictable

als while policing. He is an insubordinate yet

icize her tactics.

reactions, helping to drive the plot forward.

extremely effective policeman, a character

The other policemen in Bosch’s depart-

The first season of Bosch is a plot heavy

type fairly commonplace in the media, often

ment lack fleshed out personalities; they only

crime drama that entertains but lacks sub-

bending the rules to capture a suspect. The

function as Bosch’s companions, or as superi-

stance. Bosch’s immense plot drives takes

son of a prostitute, Bosch decided to become

ors enraged with Bosch because of his diso-

precedent over the other elements of the

a policeman when a serial killer got away with

bedience. The only other officer with any sort

show. Based on three of the eighteen books in

murdering his mother. When living in an or-

of story independent of Bosch is the deputy

Michael Connelly’s Bosch series the show will

phanage, Bosch was beaten and harshly pun-

police chief who manipulates and conspires

most likely continue, drawing its plot from the

ished. This dark past does not appear to figure

with several politicians to become the next

remaining books.

into his character, but it instead plays an im-

chief. However, the deputy’s only motive is his

From Left to Right: Titus Welliver as Det. Harry Bosch and Jamie Hector as Det. Jerry Edgar

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