Cinemann 2014-2015 issue 1 first draft by JasonG

CINEMANN SPRING 2014

is undergoing some renovations

S T A N D A R D

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CINEMANN

Our final issue of 2014 contains an incredibly di-

to this day, netizens attempt to discover more hidden

verse collection of articles that cannot be easily cate-

meanings behind Kubrick’s The Shining, a film known

gorized. Our board struggled to find a common theme

for its obscure symbolism and complex imagery.

Kenneth Shinozuka Editor-In-Chief

that linked, for example, Philip Deutsch’s commentary

The enthusiasm of the online movie community in-

on the use of music in movies (see page 4) and Jas-

dicates that we are wrong when we assert that films no

mine Katz’ analysis of the representation of women

longer make us think. The declining quality of cinema

in Marvel films (see page 6). Noting the level of insight

will not alter our tendency to examine movies with a

Maddie Bender

with which these and other writers examined current

critical eye. You don’t have to be an erudite critic to

Lorenzo Brogi-Skoskiewicz

trends in Hollywood, I realized something: cinema still

count the number of inconsistencies in the plot of the

Jasmine Katz

has the power to provoke deep contemplation and in-

latest Transformers debacle, argue with your friends

Senior Content Editors

tense discussion, especially among youths.

that The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I was better

Spencer Lerner Managing Editor

In fact, the increasing popularity of social media,

than all the previous installments in the tetralogy, or

while credited with perpetuating cultural ignorance

insist that Kristen Stewart can’t act for her life. While

Jason Ginsberg Allison Chang

among its users, has actually facilitated discussion

not everyone keeps a collection of DVDs from Crite-

Senior Design Editors

about movies. On the “Movies” sub-reddit on Reddit,

rion (a company that distributes “important classic

you can find heated debates about the ambiguous end-

and contemporary films”), our appreciation of classic

ing of Birdman, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s intriguing

cinema continues to deepen, especially as new web-

Gabe Broshy Dahlia Krutkovich

new film; references to the Kushelov Effect, an editing

sites like Taste of Cinema enable users to access lists of

Junior Content Editors

technique employed by director Stanley Kubrick in his

great films that might otherwise have been forgotten

masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey; and a seemingly

in dusty archives.

facetious but actually quite sophisticated thread about

I hope that this issue will serve as an example of the

the appearance of the F-word in film. On movieforums.

thoughtful reflection that the movies inspire in us. Let

com, a 20-something by the username of “Brodinski”

it encourage you to express your own opinions about

juxtaposed the superhero flick “Thor” with Jean Re-

films and to keep the discourse alive. As long as you

noir’s 1937 film “La Grande Illusion” on her list of movies

continue to think about what you watch, you can pre-

that she planned on watching, demonstrating that old

vent films from fading into insignificance.

classics remain relevant for modern audiences despite their seemingly outdated themes. Fans have contributed over 670 posts to a general forum about Interstel-

See you at the theaters, Kenneth Shinozuka Editor-in-Chief

lar on nolanfans.com, illustrating the sheer excitement

Benjamin Ades Anne Rosenblatt Junior Design Editors

Christina Cho Amika Choudhury Evan Greene Daniel Mindich Staff Writers

Dr. Deborah Kassel Faculty Advisor

that Nolan’s films can enkindle among audiences. Even

Contents | November 2014 36 THE HATEFUL 8

34 SEVEN SAMURAI

18 CULT CLASSICS

By Sam Heller

The cinematic masterpiece turns 60

By Neal Tolunsky

By Ethan Parisier

Featured 04 LEGACY OF LYRICISTS By Philip Deutsch

06 THE GENDER GAP IN MARVEL SUPERHERO FILMS By Jasmine Katz

27 JOHN GREEN’S NOVELS LEAP FROM THE PAGE TO THE BIG SCREEN By Maggie Brill

29 IN THE FLESH A Review of The Skeleton Twins By Jasper Cox

09 CHANGING THEMES IN DISNEY MOVIES

31 BOYHOOD

By Kaileen Germain

2014’s Biggest Surprise

10 THE UTILITY OF THE BECHDEL TEST

By Evan Greene

By Dahlia Krutkovich

33 WORDS AND PICTURES

12 SHAKY CAM

By Sofia Gonzalez

Annoying Trend of Effective Technique

Television

By Jasmine Katz

14 AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY

38 THE LONG ANTICIPATED CROSSOVER

DIFFERENT

By Gabe Broshy

The return of Monty Python By Eric Ross Blum

40 ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

15 CHINA’S FILMAKING INDUSTRY

By Lisa Shi

They’ve made a huge mistake

By Christina Cho

16 POLTICAL SATIRE

42 LACK OF RACIAL MINORITIES ON SNL By Maggie Brill

And the controversy over The Interview By Benjamin Ades

Profile 30 JOHN OLIVER By Daniel Mindich

21 DON PARDO By Maddie Bender

Film 22 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY By John Abreu

24 PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE By Ethan Gelfer

26 CAMP X-RAY By Christina Cho

43 BOJACK HORSEMAN By Sam Stephenson

44 ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK Netflix’s continuing hit By Zarina Imam

45 AKIRA’S BACK! Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods and More By Vivaan Dave and Aisha Iftikhar

46 YAHOO! Community’s New Life Online By Matt Parker

48 THE DOCTOR’S NEW FACE By Eric Ross Blum

50 GAME OF THRONES SEASON 5 What’s Coming? By Vivaan Dave

Features | Page 4

Legacy of the Lyricists

From Left: Cat Stevens, Jason Schwartzman in Rushmore, which featured the music of Cat Stevens

by Philip Deutsch

any of you have flipped to this page assuming some in-depth analysis of the music used in Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by

James Gunn, and you’re right, but you’re also wrong. Gunn’s Guardians merely brought oldies (but goodies) back to the forefront of the pop-culture scene, somewhat overshadowing other moviemakers who accomplished similar goals in some of their works. Let’s start off with Wes Anderson. The critically acclaimed filmmaker’s movies are so deeply embedded with the ‘right’ music that a viewer almost definitely won’t get the intended meaning out of a scene with its score removed. While many directors set out to find current music for their scores (e.g., Kodaline’s “All I Want,” appearing in the adaptation of John Green’s novel, The Fault in our Stars), Anderson looked backwards in time, searching for hidden gems of the 60’s and 70’s to accomplish musical goals in his film. Through his scores, he fills the theater with a shared nostalgia for music long gone from the public eye. Take the example of an excellent Anderson film: Rushmore. A song by British invasion band The Creation, “Making Time” gained new popularity as it was heard in the movie. In some instances, old music not only gains popularity, but also can be viewed in a different light due to the power of the scene in which it is played. Still looking at Rushmore, the song “Here Comes my Baby,” by Cat Stevens, took on a new meaning as it was played in a scene with context that never surrounded the track beforehand. In Rushmore, the song is played in the background while three characters unlikely to have a relationship spend time together, turning the song from one of longing into one of togetherness. Hearing an old, familiar ditty in new films can also help

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Features | Page 5

the movies themselves become more enjoy-

soundtrack from Guardians has now become

more relatable. The Guardians soundtrack is

able; as the audience hears a song they’re

the only movie soundtrack comprised of com-

on iTunes for $9, and for any looking to delve

familiar with, they’ll connect the scene it’s in

pletely re-used songs to top Billboard charts,

into the realm of 80’s oldies, it’s a great place

with fond memories of the tune. Some note-

surely great news for the songs’ creators, who

to start.

worthy directors who use this technique in-

hadn’t seen much revenue from their tracks

clude John Hughes (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off),

after both their own and their songwriters’

who took the extra step in his film. Hughes

popularity began to fade before the turn of

used an oldie in order to make it easier for

the century.

older viewers to relate to the younger char-

There is a dual meaning to take away from

acter Ferris Bueller. By inserting a song from

the use of music in Guardians, and it’s rather

viewers’ childhoods into the film, Hughes en-

cyclical: firstly, the use of music in a scene can

abled audiences to become more immersed

make it more relatable and enjoyable for the

in the film. Other honorable mentions of this

audience, and secondly, the employment of

technique include: Paul Feig (Bridesmaids),

music in a good or great movie can make the

Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin), and, of

music more popular, thereby increasing the

course, James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy).

impact that the music has in the movie – feed-

Now that you’re all pros at analyzing the

ing back into the first effect of making a scene

meaning of old music in new film (right?), let’s talk Guardians. [Some spoilers ahead] The movie employed the use of a mix tape of 80’s oldies as its soundtrack with the purpose of signifying its protagonist, Peter Quill, and his removal from popular culture after his abduction in 1986. The device of the mix tape itself was a clever idea: it tied Quill back to Earth’s culture and showed his care for his mother, who made the mix for him, all in one fell swoop. The mix contains songs from the late 70’s and 80’s that were famous but never made the top of the charts, at least not for long. All of these tunes are somewhat familiar to the audience, which helps the moviegoer relate to Quill and his taste in music. The

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Features | Page 6

The Gender Gap in Marvel’s Superheroes by Jasmine Katz

s one of the largest superhero movie studios in the world, Marvel holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. It delivers consistently entertaining films with the perfect blend of comedy and drama. However, there is one thing that Marvel has not yet

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mastered: gender equality. In its 21 years of production, Marvel Studios has not produced a single film or television series with a female as its main character, although Marvel comic books do include female characters. As such a prominent source of entertainment and such a prolific creator of supposed role models, Marvel holds a responsibility to represent females as well as males in a positive light. When asked about the possibility of a Marvel movie with a female lead, president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige stated in an interview with Comic Book Resources, “I think it comes down to timing, which is what I’ve sort of always said, and it comes down to us being able to tell the right story. I very much believe in doing it…It can certainly be done.” When superhero movies do incorporate women, they are primarily the love interests of the male superheroes. Peggy Carter was the love interest of Captain America, Pepper Potts was the love interest of Iron Man, and Jane Foster was the love interest of Thor. It is problematic to portray

females in an exclusively romantic way because females are individuals whose existences are not defined solely by their relationships to males.

CINEMANN | 8

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Features | Page 7

32 Million

12.4%

Representation of women in Marvel films

Roughly one third of female speaking characters are shown in sexually revealing attire or are partially naked

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31.2% Representation of women in all films

Women purchase half of the movie tickets sold in the U.S.

Even when Marvel movies include females who are not roman-

of a group of six. In Guardians of the Galaxy, Gamora is the only fe-

tically connected to males, the movies often follow the Smurfette

male out of the five members of the team, which includes a techsav-

Principle. The Smurfette Principle is the tendency for works of fic-

vy raccoon and a sensitive yet heroic tree. Considering the lack of

tion to have an ensemble of male main characters accompanied by

gender diversity in Marvel’s characters, the lack of gender diversity

only one female. Some older examples include Kanga, the only fe-

in Marvel’s staff is not surprising. Thirty-three-year-old Nicole Per-

male character to ever appear in Winnie the Pooh; the lone female

lman, who wrote the screenplay for Guardians of the Galaxy, is the

out of all of the main Transformers, Arcee, who only appears in one

first woman to have ever been credited as a writer for a Marvel film.

of the three Transformers movies; and, of course, the sole female

Perlman has been pitching scripts since college, but companies of-

in Smurf Village, Smurfette. This sparse representation of women

ten discouraged her because of her gender. “They kept saying, ‘This

not only is blatantly disproportionate, but also perpetuates the

is a guy’s movie, you know, it’s really a guy’s movie,’” Perlman said in

idea that women are incapable of having a positive impact on so-

an interview with Time magazine. “What is a guy’s movie anyway? If

ciety. Female protagonists should not have to be represented only

you’re making a movie that’s just for one gender, what’s the point?”

in the context of a larger, predominantly male, group. The Avengers

Perlman says she looks forward to a time when people view female

received praise for featuring a strong, resourceful, female main

science-fiction writers as writers who happen to be women, as op-

character, but the Black Widow was the only female Avenger out

posed to women who happen to be writers. While Marvel hedges

Features | Page 8

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around the idea of a female-led superhero movie, its competitors are

pared to Marvel and DC, Sony has considerably fewer female super-

taking small but noticeable steps. Warner Brothers, which owns DC

heroes to choose from. Second, the timing of the announcement was

Comics, has announced the release of a Wonder Woman film in July

suspicious. Deadline.com received the news the same weekend that

of 2017, starring Gal Gadot. If the film succeeds, it will be one of the

Guardians of the Galaxy, garnering a record-breaking $94 million, was

first successful attempts to portray the iconic hero. The first attempt

released, prompting some to believe that the leak was timed to direct

occurred in 1967, when producer William Dozier filmed a five-minute

attention away from Marvel and toward Sony. If this suspicion holds

short called Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Afraid of Diana Prince? in hopes of getting approval

true, it means that Sonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intentions were not to portray the genders

from Warner Brothers to create a series based off of Wonder Woman.

more equally, but to divert money from its competitor. Regardless of

However, the attempt failed and the pilot episode of the series never

the way in which Sony delivered the announcement, though, the ac-

aired. In 1974, Cathy Lee Crosby starred in a 75-minute long Wonder

tions of Sony and Warner Brothers may influence Marvel; hopefully,

Woman film, intended as a pilot for ABC. The film was criticized for its

this gradual progression is a muchneeded step toward gender equality

poor direction and for the fact that it did not even remotely resemble

rather than a trendy marketing technique.

the Wonder Woman depicted in the comics; therefore, ABC did not pick it up. In 2011, David E. Kelley produced a short pilot for NBC starring Adrianne Palicki as Wonder Woman, but NBC did not approve it for production. The 2017 film will presumably feature Wonder Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backstory as a demigod, the daughter of Zeus. Sony Pictures, which owns the Spider-Man franchise, has announced the release of its own female-led film, also set for 2017. Although this declaration may seem promising, there are a few pitfalls upon closer inspection. First, the female superhero in question has not been identified yet, and com-

Features | Page 9

Changing Themes in Disney Movies by Kaileen Germain

lot of people, including me, have grown up watching Disney films. They were our inspirations, the foundations for our morals and inspi-

rational messages. Time after time, however we seemed to find that the female protagonists had a similar physical image and recurring stereotypical concerns. But lately, Disney has decided to change the way they create their movies, and we’ve definitely taken notice. Disney is well-known amongst children of all ages for their animated movies. And as you break each movie down to some of its fundamentals, you can see that the creators of each film had very derivative ideas until recently. You end up learning two things from the old type of Disney movies. One: if you want a guy to like you, it’s okay to change everything about yourself. And two: you can never be happy alone, because finding true love will always lead to happiness. Cinderella had to go from rags to riches to impress the man she loved. Ariel radically changed her own personality and bet her soul on the chance that her prince might fall in love with her.

ie, we see a strong, independent girl who

damsels in distress and love at first sight

All of the princesses believed that there was only one

is capable of finding her own happiness

to the importance of friendship and fam-

perfect person for them. None of them even attempted

without the support of her mother or

ily and the love you have, not only the

to date around. They likely would have found someone

a Prince Charming. And together, they

people closest to you, but the love you

more compatible than a prince they had just met. All the

form a bond that only family can have

have for yourself. Whether the company

princesses seemed like they were living horrible, emp-

with each other, embodying the feeling

keeps this theme going or not, one thing

ty lives with no purpose, wanting something more. And

that when all else fails, you will always

is for sure; Disney films are definitely

when you meet your Eugene Fitzherbert or your Prince

find love with your family. And Frozen,

changing. The only thing that Disney can

Naveen, your entire world seems to fill with meaning.

Disney’s newest princess movie is all

do now is keep the ball rolling.

Long story short, a man equals happiness.

about how the bond between sisters

And then came Brave and Frozen. Brave and Frozen

trumps all else. Frozen taught us, that

were the turning points for Disney movies. Not only did

it’s okay to be unapologetically you and

they prove that it’s okay to be edgy and individual, the

it’s not healthy to bottle your emotions,

films also proved that happiness does in fact come from

along with the fact sisters are notorious

love, but not necessarily the love of a man or material

for having tempestuous relationships,

possessions. It comes from the love you have from fam-

but in the end they are one of the very

ily, and it comes from self-value. Both movies focus on

few that will be able to perfectly empa-

family relationships and discovering who you are. Brave

thize and sympathize with what you feel

was based on classic teenage rebellion and the fight be-

and make it all okay.

tween a mother and her daughter. Throughout the mov-

Disney is shifting from portraying

Features | Page 10

The Utility of the Bechdel Test by Dahlia Krutkovich

irst introduced in the 1985 edition of her comic, Dykes to Watch

Such as the highest grossing films of any given year, the nominees for

Out For, Alison Bechdelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feminist screen test, the Bechdel test,

Best Picture, the Golden Globes, etc. to find trends or patterns. The

has become the most prominent of its kind. A metric by which to

test exemplifies the basic, bare-bones standard for any sort of fair gen-

measure the nature of basic gender bias in any given work, the work

der diversity, and yet not even 60 percent of films produced in 2013

must fulfill three criteria: two female characters must talk to each

pass it, even on a questionable basis. While no longer can anyone claim

other about something other than a man. Thus, it outlines the lowest

there to be an utter dearth of female representation in mainstream

standard for female representation in media.

film, meaningful and three-dimensional representation itself is hard

While the test is insufficient and inherently flawed on a case-by-case

to come by. On average, only around 30 percent of speaking roles in

basis and cannot determine whether a single film is feminist or not, it is

movies are women, yet 57 percent of teenage girls are sexualized, ac-

most effectively implemented to examine a group of works as a whole.

cording to a study the Annenberg School of Communication executed

Features | Page 11

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11.3

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100 Bitatint

160 Bitatint ilit aut Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque earlier this year. Despite the evident lack of substantive female representation, women comprise of

cially considering that on average, films that

narratives with the same substantive plot

pass the Bechdel test tend to have a higher

lines should also be present in the industry. As

margin of profit.

aforementioned, more often than not, films

more than half 52 of moviegoers in the US,

In Hollywood, the gendered job disparity

with female protagonists or a mainly female

so should the media they consume not re-

is appalling: for every one woman involved in

cast, both of which are fairly unusual, resolve

flect that? The common, overused rebuttal is

the production of a movie, be it in writing, pro-

their conflict or story with the conclusion of

that men cannot relate to female narratives.

ducing, or directing, there are five men. Only

the romantic arc of the leading woman, thus

As evidenced, women can relate to male nar-

three women have been nominated for Best

completing or fulfilling her lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s narrative or

ratives, stories, and the general lens through

Director in the entire 86-year history of the

purpose. Insultingly, these correlating trends

which men view the world, so why is it that

Oscars, and only one has won the award.

illustrate men as innately independent beings,

men cannot relate to female stories or nar-

In lieu of Bechdel test-passing films being

ratives? More often than not, movies with

more economically and critically successful

women as the dominant presence on screen

on average than their failing counter parts,

More widely failed than the Bechdel test

are empty, vapid vessels through which their

only 24 of the top 100 grossing films of 2013,

is its racial equivalent in which two people of

audience can live vicariously, pandering to

32 of the 100 American Film Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top

color must have a conversation about some-

insecurities and petty fantasies as opposed

Films of All Time, and four of the nine films

thing other than a white person. Not even

to engaging the audience on a deeper level.

nominated for Best Picture this past year

movies such as The Help or The Butler, where

There is nothing wrong with movies of this

passed the test. Usually offered as a counter

the narrative follows racial and gender barri-

sort, in fact movies and entertainment in gen-

argument, many claim some films fail the test

ers, pass the test easily. These tests are pow-

eral serves to provide a sense of escapism, but

due to the fact that they serve to portray sole-

erful in shining some light on the biases with

there is a problem with the sheer domination

ly male narratives, which take place in envi-

which Hollywood presents the public, but are

these types of movies have in production. It

ronments where women would not exist, such

not the only litmus tests with which diversity

would be doing men a disservice to say that

as Captain Phillips, or Full Metal Jacket, or

should be measured. More in-depth analy-

they cannot empathize with anyone outside

A Clockwork Orange. Yes, it would be unfair

sis of racial, gendered, or even sexual biases

of themselves- that they are emotionally inca-

to hold films such as these to the standard of

needs exposure and examination before any

pable of it; and it would be an incredible dis-

the Bechdel test, as they portray all-male in-

truly meaningful change will be implemented.

service to rob women of meaningful presence

teraction, and are intended to do so, but the

These tests should serve to start a conversa-

in media in fear of not appealing to men. Espe-

an equal number of singularly driven female

tion, not to be the conversation.

capable of surviving without women, while women cannot survive without men.

Features | Page 12

Shaky C Shaky Cam am Annoying Trend or Effective Technique by Jasmine Katz

The History of Shaky Cam

1 1960s reserum conectam voluptaeseque

f all the annoying movie tropes, few can

the visual content of the scene, making it hard to

claim to be literally nauseating. This

comprehend the plot, and can, in extreme cases,

is where the shaky camera, otherwise

cause motion sickness. When the 2008 science fic-

known as “shaky cam,” comes in. Directors who use

tion horror film Cloverfield was released, theaters

shaky cam intentionally avoid image stabilization,

such as AMC Theatres and Pacific Theatres began

often in an effort to feign spontaneity and move-

posting written and verbal warnings, cautioning

ment. The dynamics and instability imposed by the

viewers about the risk of motion sickness and nau-

technique are supposed to appeal to action fans.

sea. The recent trend towards shaky cam has even

The technique is executed by a hand-held camera

prompted an entire website, aptly named Movie-

or a camera that appears to be hand-held.

Hurl.com, to inform viewers about how much shaky

Shaky cam first became popular in the 1960s,

cam is in a movie. Members rate films from one to

when avant-garde filmmakers such as Jonas Mekas

four based on how much nausea they induced, with

viewed it as an economical means of artistic expres-

one being “no motion sickness” and four being “prac-

sion. During the filming of The Evil Dead in 1981,

tically or actually vomited.”

directed by Sam Raimi, the cameraman filmed some

The first Hunger Games film and the second and

scenes while sitting on a blanket, which would be

third films of the Bourne series, The Bourne Suprem-

carried by its four corners, in order to achieve the

acy and The Bourne Ultimatum, are more recent ex-

shaky cam effect. However, what began as a creative

amples of movies criticized for their excessive use of

invention has over time become worn out through

shaky cam. Audiences find that the overuse of cam-

overuse.

era motion makes it difficult for them to completely

Criticism for the technique stems from several

immerse themselves in the film, as the shaky cam is

arguments. Some viewers feel cheated by what

a constant reminder of the presence of the camera.

they consider to be a lazy approach to filming. They

If the filming obstructs the movie’s visuals and caus-

believe that instead of choreographing polished

es motion sickness, the viewer becomes distracted

shots, the cameraman slacks off by allowing the

from the film itself and preoccupied with the frus-

camera total freedom of movement, resulting in

trating experience of watching the movie.

amateur cinematography. Furthermore, the unsteady camera can obscure

Despite the drawbacks of shaky cam, directors often utilize this technique to achieve a specific kind

1981 reserum conectam voluptaeseque

3 2008 reserum conectam voluptaeseque

4 2010s reserum conectam voluptaeseque

Features | Page 13

of approach. For example, Cloverfield, a found footage film, is presented as if it were filmed by eyewitnesses, who are characters in the movie itself. The goal of

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before editors fact-check the submissions, they are marked as “not verified.” This new means of sharing news resembles the docu-

this approach is to make the movie seem more realis-

mentary-esque result that shaky cam movies

tic; if the movie is completely self-contained, the plot

attempt to achieve.

becomes more believable. The documentary-esque

Whether a shaky camera is careless,

style of found footage is also employed by the 1999

methodical, or inescapable, moderation is

horror film The Blair Witch Project, the popular su-

key. Movies try to offer the viewer an escape

pernatural horror series Paranormal Activity, and the

from reality, however temporary. Filmmakers

2014 kids’ sci-fi movie Earth to Echo.

should aim to employ whatever cinematography best achieves this goal, provided that the

While filming The Hunger Games, director Gary Ross’ choice to incorporate shaky cam stemmed from

experience feels more like watching a movie

his interpretation of the book’s tone. “I wanted to take

than riding a rollercoaster.

you through the world using this kind of serpentine tunnel vision that Katniss has,” Ross said in an interview with Vulture.com. “I want to destabilize you the way Suzanne Collins [the author] has.” The trend of shaky cam has also permeated other media. In television shows like the medical drama ER and the reality legal program Cops, an unstable camera serves to heighten intensity in an already dramatic situation. In a possible parallel to the found-footage aspect of shaky cam, public journalism initiatives such as CNN iReport encourage citizens to submit photographs, videos, and articles relating to anything they deem newsworthy. Contributors can post their eyewitness accounts directly onto the website, and

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Features | Page 14 Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

And Now for Something Completely Different The Return of Monty Python by Eric Ross Blum

onty Python’s Flying Circus was the

transitions, and frightening on-camera anger.

epitome of British comedy in the

Physical comedy was also quite prevalent,

the group introduced to television another

1970s and 80s. Often described

such as in the “Minister of Silly Walks” sketch,

integral part of their show: animation. Terry

as the Beatles of comedy, they have influ-

where Cleese led the Ministry of Silly Walks,

Gilliam’s animations, which used paper

enced all comedy since their first appearance

a department that managed and regulated all

cutouts, were very different from previous

in 1969. Their combination of ridiculous

proposed silly walks.

animations that were done with sketches. In

In addition to the new style of acting,

premises, incredible rudeness, and offbeat

Monty Python and the Holy Grail was the

addition, the contrast of the childish nature

animation was different from anything seen

group’s first “real” movie. They had previous-

of cartoons to the crude animation was the

before. Their various sketches have penetrat-

ly made a film titled And Now for Something

first step towards “adult cartoons,” such as

ed everyone’s lives; even Margaret Thatcher

Completely Different, one of the many catch-

The Simpsons or Family Guy.

once quoted their Dead Parrot Sketch during

phrases in Flying Circus; however, it was just a

After 30 years of inactivity, the group

a Parliament meeting. They are possibly most

compilation of sketches from the show, rath-

reunited over the previous summer and

well known for their largest movie, Monty

er than new content. Holy Grail is a parody of

performed 10 shows in London. The tickets

Python and the Holy Grail, and their Broadway

King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail, but

for the first show sold out in 43 seconds.

musical Spamalot.

it takes a very different look on it than other

Their brash style of comedy is shown even in

films. One of the most iconic moments in it is

the title of the shows: One Down, Five to Go,

Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin,

The group consisted of John Cleese, Terry

when “the Knights who Say Ni” tell the main

referencing the death of one of the members

and Graham Chapman (deceased). John

characters to “cut down the largest tree in

of the group, Graham Chapman. After the

Cleese and Terry Gilliam were probably the

the forest with a red herring.” It ridicules the

show, there were rumors that the troupe was

most famous of the group, for Cleese’s acting

traditional way that questing epics are told,

going to continue their reunion in New York

and the Gilliam’s animations. John Cleese

and proposes a more amusing, if not realistic,

sometime in the next few years. We can only

was famous for his sardonic humor, quick

take on these famous stories.

hope that these rumors are true.

Features | Page 15

China’s Filmmaking Industry by Christina Cho

ust last year, China surpassed Japan to

Desen International Media received a bonus

times when you receive the order [from the

become the second-largest film market

of $3 million for a film that promoted filial pi-

censors], it’s so ridiculous that you don’t know

after America with box-office profits of

ety. Realistically, according to the Economist,

whether to laugh or cry, especially when you

17 billion yuan, or $2.8 billion dollars. With an

“success comes from predicting what censors

know something is good and you are forced

average of nine new screens opening every

will object to, and writing scripts in such a way

to change it into something bad.” Not only

day, China’s film business is growing at a rate

that they do not.”

are Chinese films regulated, but governmen-

that could top the U.S. film market by 2020.

Especially in the last several months, sev-

tal measures also make it extremely difficult

Despite the large revenue that the industry

eral Chinese people have publicly challenged

for foreign films to be shown in the nation.

is generating and its popularity among the

this status quo and voiced their opinions,

In 2011, the cap was 20 foreign films a year

general public, certain individuals aren’t sat-

saying that federal control over the private

and now, the cap is 34 films a year. Even the

isfied with the new movies because the Chi-

film industry is corrupt and that the govern-

release dates of foreign films are carefully

nese government has been controlling the

ment is manipulating the powerful medium

controlled by the state-run China Film Group.

release and content of these films since 2010.

of film in our modern society. One individual

Soon, the national censorship board will

Filmmakers are required to submit the script

who stands out is Xie, a professor at the pres-

be replaced by censorship committees in the

before shooting scenes and the final, fully-ed-

tigious Beijing Film Academy and a director

provinces where the production companies

ited film to the State Administration of Press,

whose films have won the Berlin Film Festi-

are based. Chinese directors are still not sat-

Publication, Radio, Film and Television before

val’s Golden Bear prize in 1993. He complains

isfied with the newly proposed system. In-

releasing their hard work. Objecting to vio-

that there are no specific laws censoring

stead, they propose a rating system allowing

lence, sex, drugs, and overt political commen-

movies; he decries the fact that films must

a “self-governed and self-disciplined film in-

tary and rewarding independent producers

be deemed suitable for all audiences because

dustry, bound by restrictions and administra-

for making films with “influential themes,” the

China doesn’t have a film rating system, that

tive supervision.” The government would only

board holds a tight grip on the film industry.

the current review system is “not a rule by

ease restrictions if the economic output of the

The board wields an even stronger control

law, but the rule by man,” and that censoring

box office diminished substantially. However,

over the financing of Chinese movies; every

certain topics limits artistic expression and

with the incredible emergence of the Chinese

year, the film fund allocates $16 million for

creativity. Feng, a prominent Chinese direc-

film industry, change in the censorship pro-

the making of five to 10 films. Already, the

tor, can attest to this; she argues that “a lot of

cess seems unattainable.

Features | Page 16

Political Satire and Controversy Over The Interview by Benjamin Ades

aking a movie based on the assassination of Kim Jong-un, the all powerful dictator of North Korea,

probably wasn’t co-creators Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen’s brightest idea, or safest for that matter. Back on June 26, 2014, a day after it promised violent retaliation against the release of the American comedy The In-

Nam, as spokesman for North Korea warns

Jong-il by depicting him as a bitter old man

terview, North Korea fired three short-range

that the “United States authorities should

with a speech impediment. 2002’s Die An-

missiles off its eastern coast. Analysts say that

take immediate and appropriate actions to

other Day, which featured Pierce Brosnan

North Korea usually fires missiles during mil-

ban the production and distribution of the

in his final appearance as James Bond, also

itary exercises or when it wants to raise ten-

aforementioned film. Otherwise, they will be

featured a plot about North Korean villains,

sions. However, the threat did not slow down

fully responsible for encouraging and spon-

which the country’s authorities described as

the film’s co-creators, who continued with

soring terrorism.”

dirty and cursed.

their plans to release the film.

Due to all the controversy, the release of

From Charles Chaplin’s 1940 The Great

The Interview revolves around talk show

the film, which had originally been planned for

Dictator to 2012 Sacha Baron Cohen’s The

host Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his

October, has now been postponed to late De-

Dictator, movies making fun of dictatorial

producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) who

cember during Christmas. As the release gets

leaders are nothing new. Another example of

run the popular television show “Skylark To-

closer, Sony, which owns Columbia Pictures,

a film that has angered countries before and

night.” They find out that the dictator of North

seems to be yielding more and more to Kim

after its release is Borat. In fact, when it was

Korea, Kim Jong-un, is a big fan of their show,

Jong-un’s demands. Various sources say that

first released, Russia banned it in cinemas

and in an attempt to further their careers as

Sony is digitally altering thousands of buttons

across the country because it ridiculed Ka-

journalists, successfully land an interview

worn by characters in the film because the

zakhstan, a republic of the former Soviet Un-

with him. However, everything changes when

buttons bear striking resemblance to the ac-

ion. Kazakhstan also banned the film for the

they are contacted by the CIA and assigned

tual medals worn by the military to honor Kim

dark light it shed on its country.

the job of assassinating the North Korean

Jong-un and his deceased father. Sony is also

The power of film, especially of the political

leader.

said to be removing a gruesome scene, which

satire genre, is undeniable. Through the use

In July of 2014, the North Korean ambas-

I do not want to reveal for fear of spoilers. So-

of humor, political satire makes politics more

sador to the U.N., Ja Song Nam, in a letter to

ny’s attempt to conform to some of North Ko-

accessible. It brings issues to light that might

the U.N. Secretary-General, filed a complaint

rea’s demands shows that it is serious about

otherwise not have been under people’s ra-

about the film; he argued that making a mov-

releasing the film, albeit with some edits.

dars. Cinema not only raises important topics

ie about the assassination of a country lead-

This isn’t the first time that North Korea

that need to be discussed, but also can cause

er was disrespectful and declared that the

has been ridiculed. In 2004, “South Park” cre-

a big change or even a revolution. Propagan-

movie was an “act of war.” The North Korean

ators Trey Parker and Matt Stone took on

da films have been around since nearly the

government threatened merciless retaliation

Kim’s father, Kim Jong-il, in the movie Team

inception of film. Some of the earliest known

against America if the film is released. Ja Song

America: World Police, where they mocked

examples of propaganda films were a series

Features | Page 17

of short silent films during the Span-

Still, in spite of the controversy,

ish American War in 1898 created

and judging by its trailers and in-

by Vitagraph Studios. Even before

formation made public so far, it is

Chaplin made The Great Dictator,

hard to imagine that the movie’s

he funded his own propaganda film

release will have any international

The Bond to help sell U.S. Liberty

consequences other than bringing

bonds during World War I. These

more viewers to cinemas to follow

funny, politically infused satire films,

Skylark and Rapoport in their many

like The Interview and Team America:

silly adventures. In any case, the

World Police, use the power of com-

creators are not pleased with the

edy to disguise ideas as funny jokes.

threat of retaliation. When North

Behind all the humor, The Interview is

Korea declared the movie to be an

inherently political, as is most cine-

“act of war” that would draw a “reso-

ma. As French film theorists Comolli

lute and merciless response”, Rogen

and Narboni claimed in the 1960’s,

responded on Twitter: “People don’t

all films are political since they are

usually wanna kill me for one of my

the product of the culture and the

movies until after they’ve paid 12

ideology that produced them.

bucks for it.”

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

Features | Page 18

Cult Classics by Neal Tolunsky

any movies have become so pop-

were B-class, low-budget cult films shown

mainstream audience. For example, there are

ular or controversial at some

late at night. Two examples of this type of cin-

“geeky movies” such as Star Wars and 2001 A

point in the 20th or 21st centu-

ema are The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The

Space Odyssey. “They’re so bad they’re good”

ry that they have acquired a “cult” following

Freaks. Today, the group of films known as cult

is a common description of movies such as

and have been considered classics for many

classics has evolved to include a wide array of

The Room and Plan 9 from Outer Space. French

years. These movies often have a massive,

animations and Japanese anime, such as Fan-

passionate fan base, a participating audience

tastic Planet and Ghost in the Shell, are also

that views the film repeatedly, quotes the di-

popular among many.

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseq

alogue, and references iconic scenes. Many such movies were so polemical that they were shunned by the average viewer. You may be thinking of Star Wars and trying to understand how anyone could reject the great classic,

There are hundreds of movies that might be considered cult classics. Below is an unrealistically concise list of the top nine cult classics. This list is neither exhaustive nor accurate, as there is no such thing in a world of

but based on the definition that was intend-

thousands of movies, many of which may be

ed when used in the 1970s, Star Wars would

considered more than qualified when they

not have been considered a cult film. Back

mostly older films.

then, the term referred to a subculture of un-

Cult films can be divided into a number of

derground films and midnight movies, which

categories based on their appeal to a not-so

make it to the final cut.

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

Star Wars

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

So much has been said about the undoubt-

In short, the film takes the legend of

The classic “spaghetti western” by Ser-

edly great American sci-fi epic and it is rare to

King Arthur and his knights’ quest to

gio Leone is an exciting but drawn-out ad-

meet a person who hasn’t seen one of the Star

find the Holy Grail and turns it into an

venture of three ruthless bounty hunters

Wars movies. The intense action and heroic light

absurd and hilarious story. According

searching for treasure in a remote cem-

saber fights are part of the great battle against

to peasants from Monte Python, one can

etery. With theme music you’ll be whis-

the evil empire of Darth Vader. Characters such

prove that if a woman floats, she must be

tling months after watching and standoff

as Darth Vader, Yoda, and Luke Skywalker, the

equal in weight to a duck. If she is equal in

scenes you’ll be recounting in your dreams,

inventions of George Lucas, will live on forever

weight to a duck, then she must be made

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is certainly

in the minds of millions of enthusiastic view-

of wood. If she is made of wood, she must

among the most memorable movies you’ve

ers. Kids on the street duel with light sabers;

be a witch, so she must be executed at

seen.

birthday parties are Star Wars themed; even in-

once. Simple logic. The movie’s almost

vitations are written in Yoda’s peculiar way of

nonsensical humor appeals to many, ex-

speaking.

plaining its status as a cult classic.

Features | Page 19

No. 4 Night of the Living Dead

No. 5

No. 6

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Fight Club

The ultimate cult classic horror movie

This cult film is a dark musical come-

An insomniac office worker and a shady

created by George A. Romero in the six-

dy in which a loving couple has a mental

soap salesman form an underground fight

ties—what could be better than a group

breakdown in an isolated area and has to

club where they can channel their anger in a

of people hiding in a farmhouse from

pay a call to the great castle of Dr. Frank-

cathartic way. The new concept catches on

bloodthirsty zombies?

N-Furter, a mad scientist. They meet

rapidly and “fight clubs” start sprouting up in

aliens, monsters, talking beefcakes and

many towns, but it soon gets out of control.

more until they realize that their host

Fight Club has a large group of devotees, many

may have malicious intentions. A major

of whom are considered cinephiles (movie afi-

element of the movie’s cult following

cionados who often have a deep appreciation

is the audience interaction; fans often

for unconventional films). Fight Club has gen-

dress up as their favorite characters

erated quite a lot of controversy; while some

when watching the film.

consider it a great classic, others see it as just another movie in which Bruce Lee-esque characters do nothing more than fight each other.

No. 7

No. 8

No. 9

Titanic

The Big Lebowski

Harold and Maude

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate

This Coen Brothers’ comedy involves

A teenage boy who is obsessed with

Winslet, James Cameron’s blockbuster film

a pothead bowler who is mistaken for a

death falls in love with a 79-year-old

is the ultimate tragic romance. An aristo-

guilty philanthropist and who, with the

woman before she commits suicide.

cratic young girl falls in love with a poor art-

help of his friends, seeks the restitution

Harold and Maude is universally ac-

ist on a luxurious ship to America destined

money he deserves. The Big Lebowski is

cepted as an alternative, cult classic

to sink in its first and only journey across

a very entertaining and fun movie that

to such an extent that it is almost the

the Atlantic. The movie has been referred

makes little sense, in which one of the la-

definition of quirky.

to as a cult film due to its following, which

ziest men in LA has the most interesting

is made up of mostly girls who engage in re-

and nonsensical adventures.

peated viewing.

Profile | Page 20

John Oliver by Daniel Mindich

ne of the newest satirical news shows stars the hilarious John Oliver, an England-born comedi-

an who just started his new show on HBO, Last Week Tonight. John Oliver is a comedian widely known for his work on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He also played Duncan on Community, and he is all around a wonderful and hilarious British man, who has affected the world with his sense of humor and takes on the world. John Oliver was born in 1977, attended Cambridge University, and worked on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Now, he hosts a satirical news program on HBO called Last Week Tonight, which is “just like the nightly news—only weeklier.” His show has been noteworthy for bringing lesser-known stories to light and revealing interesting secrets about the pasts of celebrities and other pow-

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

erful people.

the FCC servers crashed because they had

Oliver reported the story, Russia lost com-

One of his most influential segments was his

much more traffic than usual. Hopefully these

munications with a satellite that was carry-

segment on “Net Neutrality.” Oliver showed

comments will have a sway over a topic that

ing four of these geckos, so Oliver started a

his audience the link to the FCC comments

affects people’s lives on a daily basis. A par-

social media campaign to raise awareness for

page where people could express their opin-

ticularly animated metaphor that stuck in the

the animals called #GoGetThoseGeckos. The

ions about the recent vote on Net Neutrality,

minds of Oliver’s viewers was his description

story gained popularity on Twitter, Facebook,

the principle that Internet service providers

of the Chairman of the FCC, Tom Wheeler, as

and other social media websites. The Russians

should enable access to all content and appli-

“the equivalent of needing a babysitter and

eventually did get the Geckos back, although it

cations regardless of the source, and without

hiring a dingo.” He chose this description of

is unclear whether Oliver’s campaign had an-

favoring or blocking particular products or

Chairman Wheeler because Wheeler used

ything to do with it. Unfortunately, during the

websites. Big telecommunication companies

to be a Managing Director at a Telecommu-

time when the Russians lost communications

have an incentive to eliminate Net Neutrality

nication company, lobbying for the industry

with the satellite, the Geckos froze to death.

so that they can give the data of Google and

he now oversees. Later, Wheeler responded

Oliver then invited the pop duo A Great Big

Netflix a higher priority and enable them to

to this claim with a comment that wasn’t very

World to sing their hit single “Say Something”

load faster. As a tradeoff, smaller websites

well thought-out, which Oliver mentioned in

with some lyrics replaced to match the topic

would take much more time to be displayed

his show. Wheeler said point blank, that he is

of the Geckos.

on the screen, attracting fewer visitors

“not a dingo.”

John Oliver executes an interesting show

While threads about other topics on the

Towards the end of many of his episodes, he

that is not only entertaining but also audi-

FCC’s page had between 8,000 and 11,000

discusses lesser-known yet important issues

ence-friendly in its use of social media cam-

filings in the last 30 days, the thread on net

and then utilizes his fan base to accomplish

paigns. His large fan base makes him a prom-

neutrality had over 861,569 filings, thanks to

certain goals. For example, the show recent-

inent public figure that has the potential to

Oliver’s promotion. Many of the comments on

ly featured a segment on geckos that Russian

change the views of the many people who

this page were long and thoughtful, written by

scientists sent up to space in order to observe

watch his show. Hopefully, Oliver will contin-

people who were influenced by Oliver’s seg-

their mating habits in zero gravity (yes, this

ue making people laugh in this show and in

ment. His campaign was so successful that

actually happened). Sometime in July before

other endeavors.

Profile | Page 21

The Life of Don Pardo SNL Announcer by Maddie Bender

s I sat with my sister watching the premiere of SNL (which warrants its own article), we yelled the familiar words at the television screen- “And live from

New York it’s Saturday night!!!” What came next, however, shocked us. Instead of the familiar and soothing cadences of the old-man voice that announced “It’s Saturday Night Liiiive!” we heard a young, sprightly one. This revelation prompted extensive Googling that ultimately led to my discovery that Don Pardo, the legendary voice of SNL for 38 years, had passed away this past August at the age of 96. Darrell Hammond, a former SNL cast member, replaced him for SNL’s 40th season. Pardo, born Dominick George Pardo in Westfield, Massachusetts, began his announcing career in 1938, working in a variety of small gigs and troupes before being signed by NBC. He soon began announcing some of the first televised baseball games on NBC, but his incessant banter proved irksome for some viewers. Spectators preferred to focus on the game astoundingly depicted in their own living rooms and disdained Pardo’s play-by-play commentary. Ultimately, his critics did not prevail, but Pardo soon switched to radio and television announcing. In 1956 Pardo began announcing for the original “The Price Is Right,” a job that garnered him acclaim and his unique delivery style. This consists of Pardo’s deep baritone elongating vowels and consonants, slowly and captivatingly. His unaccented yet distinctly American voice enthralled viewers and critics alike, earning him various gigs on behalf of NBC. As as

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

NBC staff announcer in 1963, Pardo was among the first to recount to listeners that former President John F. Kennedy

the show, which he happily did even

had been shot.

after his 2004 “retirement” from ra-

A true legend, Pardo is survived

Having maintained his allegiance with NBC, Pardo began

dio and television. Lorne Michaels,

by three daughters, two sons, five

announcing for the new 1964 show “Jeopardy!” (The original

the creator of SNL, once said that Par-

grandchildren, three great-grandchil-

show, created and hosted by NBC, ran until 1975 and was lat-

do’s “radio-age,” conservative voice

dren, and the nostalgic memories of

er picked up and re-vamped by ABC with host Alex Trebek.)

offered a comical contradiction to the

the SNL viewership. He will be missed

wackiness of the show.

greatly.

Pardo’s career culminated in 1975, the year a quirky comedy upstart called “Saturday Night Live” began. Already an

Former friends and SNL cast mem-

established announcer and recipient of a lifetime contract

bers, including “Weird Al” Yankovic

(which only one other person, Bob Hope, has ever been of-

and Seth Myers, expressed their con-

fered) with NBC, Pardo was asked personally to announce

dolences via social media and in audio

segments.

Film | Page 22

Guardians of the Galaxy By John Abreu

uardians of The Galaxy. Star Lord. Groot! These are anything but household names. In fact, one could say that these are relatively unknown

or obscure comic book characters; nonetheless, they spawned the most critically and financially successful movie of the summer. How could this unknown comic series be such a box-office hit? The secret is spoton casting, fast-paced story telling, and a nostalgic soundtrack. Many believed that Marvel Studios was taking a huge risk with this film; however, the studio has proven that it can make even the most unpopular comic book into a critically acclaimed flick. Guardians of the Galaxy tells the story of Earthling, Peter Quill, being abducted from Earth at a young age after a pivotal point in his life. The movie then skips to an adult Peter Quill who goes by the name “Star Lord” who is a rebellious, womanizing treasure hunter finding valuable knick-knacks throughout the galaxy. Quill finds himself at odds with one of the most ruthless forces in the cosmos, a religious fanatic who goes by the name “Ronan the Accuser,” after Quill steals a small silver orb that everyone seems to want to get their hands on. This infamy leads to the Guardians clashing over this orb and being imprisoned together. Then, the Guardians bond and the story unfolds with the Guardians attempting to find out what the orb is and keeping it from the forces of evil. As the characters work together, they engage in a dynamic interplay that infuses the film’s dialogue with humor and energy. The beauty of this film lies in the spot-on casting of Chris Pratt as Star Lord. Pratt perfectly embodies the thief, playboy, and hero, three key aspects of Star Lord. Pratt comfortably performs flirtatious one-liners and later seamlessly gives a courageous monologue. Pratt’s lead performance was complemented with spectacular casting, bringing characters to life like Robert Downey Jr. had done with Iron Man. Zoe Saldana’s performance as Gemora, right-hand woman to the main antagonist gone rogue, was good enough but many times lacked emotional depth, partially due

Film | Page 23

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque to the lack of backstory. It would have been

Groot,” exclusively in that order, which many

his fast paced action sequences and lingering

great to delve deeper into Gemora’s past as it

actors would have seen as one of the easier

cuts for more emotional scenes helped Guard-

was briefly touched upon but left the viewers

roles in their career as they would not have

ians greatly. Also, Gunn’s use of slow motion

wanting more. To many critics’ surprise, Dave

had to do motion capture themselves, simply

was especially notable and created some un-

Bautista’s performance as Drax the Destroy-

having to recite those 3 words in different

forgettable shots.

er, a completely literal alien with a death wish,

tones/emotions. However, Diesel goes the

In terms of soundtrack, Guardians goes

was one of the most entertaining aspects of

extra mile and recorded his monologue in var-

above and beyond through its blend of 80’s

the movie. Although Hollywood has a bad

ious different languages for the international

rock and pop with the usual epic orchestral

streak of WWE actors, wrestlers like Dwayne

release of the film, meaning that wherever

pieces. This use of primarily 80’s music makes

Johnson and Dave Bautista raise the bar and

you watch Guardians of The Galaxy, you’ll be

perfect sense given the premise of the film.

set a standard for future wrestlers turned

hearing Vin Diesel.

Star Lord carries a Walkman with old music,

Hollywood. Bradley Cooper’s role as Rocket

The cinematography in this film is just as if

Raccoon is easily a fan favorite and Cooper is

not more spectacular than those you would

almost unrecognizable in his performance. He

see in other Marvel Studio productions.

Guardians of The Galaxy is a spectacular

captures the underlying pain of being alone

(The Avengers, Iron Man, etc.) Furthermore,

summer blockbuster with instantly likeable

while also masking it with take-none-from-

the film’s cosmic premise gives room for the

performances, absolutely gorgeous cine-

no-one attitude, which many found relatable.

team at Marvel to create truly remarkable set

matography, a nostalgic soundtrack, and a

Vin Diesel plays the final Guardian, Groot,

pieces. Interestingly, James Gunn, a relative-

rocket toting raccoon. This is a must-watch

and although it is not his most intensive sup-

ly unknown director with small films such as

for anyone, from die-hard comic book readers

porting role, Diesel succeeds in captivating

Scooby Doo (the Live Action rendition) under

to the casual moviegoer.

audiences with both ferocity and gusto. Groot

his belt, was chosen to direct Guardians of The

as a character is limited to 3 words, “I am

Galaxy. This was a phenomenal decision as

which entices younger audiences while also producing nostalgia for older viewers.

Film | Page 24

Plan 9 From Outer Space by Ethan Gelfer

he unequivocal title for worst movie ever made is an elusive

up continuity errors; sometimes it’s day, other times it’s night, and the

one, since there are many metrics to determine what makes

film waffles between both. Finally, during an awkwardly placed human

a ‘bad’ movie. Some consider the worst movies to include The

retaliation at the alien ships, the footage used is stock Korean War

Room, Birdemic: Shock and Terror, and Gigli. Horace Mann’s Mr. Timkó

footage (evidenced by the huts and jungle in the background) and shots

is steadfast in his assertion that the worst movie ever to be created is

of the commander have a white sheet as the background. Even putting

Duffy’s Tavern, which somehow managed to be terrible despite having a

up the sheet proved to be an issue, as the folds in the sheet are clearly

cast of 34 A-list stars. But Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space takes the

visible in the final cut.

proverbial cake in my opinion for the worst movie ever created, but in

The inside of the alien ship does not reflect the outside, nor do the

doing so, creates a classic comedy. This wannabe thriller/horror mov-

aliens look any different from humans who speak stiffly. The filmmak-

ie takes us on a journey describing the events of a day when mankind

ers used hubcaps for the ships, so on the outside they are circular, but

came in contact with alien life.

on the inside, they look like rectangular rooms inside a building, com-

The film opens with a monologue. The audience stares into the face

plete with corners and a steel ladder. Furthermore, when the ships are

of a radio announcer whose blonde hair curls at the top. He speaks of

shown flying, the string attached to them is clearly visible. The only rea-

the impending doom that has befallen the an old man, his wife, a police

son the movie is still being watched is so that people can make fun of it

department, and an airline pilot. The speech lasts over three minutes,

or tell others what not to do when making a movie.

and it sounds like he says it all in one sentence. From the outset, it is

The costumes for the film are no better than the set. For the alien

clear that this film should never have been released- the narrator put

dress, the filmmakers borrowed costumes that had just been used for a

no more work into it than reading off the script.

movie on the Middle Ages, so the aliens with absolutely no connection

The set is also abysmal. During one scene two men are ostensibly sitting in the cockpit of an airplane, but what the audience sees is two

to Earth are seen in the movie wearing vests with axes on them and helmets with armor. They are as distracting as the set.

men sitting in a large cardboard cutout with a sheet attached to seem

Perhaps the most egregious issues in the film come from the dialogue,

like there is an entrance and exit. Most of the film is shot on an extreme-

even though it is difficult to compete with such terrible set pieces and

ly small graveyard set. Sometimes Wood doesn’t even go as far as to

ridiculous costumes. Starting from the preposterous monologue that

actually film people and just re-uses the same shots of people running

puts the audience to sleep before the action even begins (perhaps this

through the cemetery. Establishing shots of police cars are used over

is for the best), it sometimes sounds like the characters are not reading

and over, but it’s always the same shot. The use of identical shots sets

from a script but from a piece of prose. The actors say what they’re go-

Film | Page 25

ing to do to advance the plot instead of actually doing it. The delivery of the words does the film no good either. In fact, the dialogue was so horrific that one

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

of the most famous actors in the film, Vampira (Maila

had convinced the pastor that the film would raise

be “undead” by walking around stiffly, arms hanging in

enough money that the church could then use to pro-

front of her and eyes bulging.

duce religious films. Needless to say, the pastor was

One of the most comical issues with the film does

unsatisfied with the result, both because the movie

not involve typical problems. The script called for an

was of such awful quality and because he made virtu-

old man who would die in the film and rise from the

ally no money off the film.

dead to terrorize the living. Bela Lugosi was mildly

Plan 9 may not be the worst movie of all time, but it

famous for his various roles playing Dracula. He had

cally, Lugosi died in the middle of filming. Because the moiee was filmed on such a low budget, rather than re-shooting Lugosi’s scenes with a different actor, Wood hired his wife’s chiropractor, Tom Mason, to take the part of the old man. Several issues related to that change are visible in the film. First, Mason is much taller than Lugosi, so it would be very difficult to double him from the start, but more significantly, Mason looked nothing like Lugosi, and was several decades his younger. Wood, in his directorial genius,

Funding for this film further heightens the comechurch largely funded Plan 9 From Outer Space. Wood

reduced to the point where all she does is pretend to

with his vampire cape draped around his back. Tragi-

covering his face with a cape. dy surrounding the issues it had. A Southern Baptist

Nurmi), refused to read them. Her part in the movie is

become so obsessed with the role that he was buried

solved the problem by having Mason play the part by

‘‘ Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseq

is certainly a contender. The only reason it hasn’t completely slipped into the unknown is because of the review by film critic Michael Medved that turned it into a cult classic and Tim Burton’s film Ed Wood, which popularized the director’s failed efforts to make Plan 9 a success. People now watch the film purely for its comedic genius. Plan 9 is a prime example of a “so bad it’s good” movie that started out as a serious or horror-themed sci-fi movie but is now considered nothing more than a comedy. Trying to appreciate Plan 9 as anything else is as futile as looking for aliens.

From Left: > The Room > Birdemic: Shock & Terror > Gigli > Duffy’s Tavern > Plan 9 from Outer Space

Film | Page 26

Camp X-Ray By Christina Cho

amp X-Ray, Peter Sattler’s first feature film, is based on the real

ongoing debate over the ethics of Guantanamo Bay. At the Sundance

Camp X-Ray, a temporary detention facility at the Guantan-

Film Festival in January, Stewart told On the Red Carpet the meaning

amo Bay camp at the U.S. Naval Base in Cuba that was open

of the movie. “When you have really steadfast ideas of what is right

for a few months in 2002. The drama starts with TV news photos of

and what is wrong, and then you involve people from very different

the fallen Twin Towers in 2001 and three Middle Eastern men. One of

backgrounds and differences of opinions, there’s something there that

the men is Ali, played by Payman Maadi, who is brought to the camp to

never goes away, that you’re both human and ... even though you may

serve time. Private Amy Cole, played by Kristen Stewart, serves as a

be in a position where you’re like pitted against each other, you still

guard at the facility. Over time, Cole learns that her duty isn’t “as black

love each other.”

and white as they said it was going to be.” Against orders from the higher officers, she forms an atypical bond with Ali.

Not only is this film worth watching for introducing different perspectives to the ethics situation at hand, but it also depicts the U.S.

Finally back on camera after the long-admired Twilight series,

military from a female’s point of view. Also starring Lane Garrison

24-year-old Kristen Stewart is again put to the test to prove her ability

and John Carroll Lynch, this 117-minute movie will be interesting to

to bring out one of the great virtues of film - empathy. This time, her

all moviegoers; its thrilling action will appeal to danger seekers and its

performance helps to convey the film’s message about the real and

heart-wrenching pathos will entice drama lovers.

Film | Page 27

John Green’s Novels The leap from the page to the big screen by Maggie Brill

J Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseq

ohn Green, an Internet legend to

out the movie, and it is an underlying concern

his “Nerdfighters” following and an

between her parents as well.

award-winning author, is finally making

Augustus is relentless, refusing to let cancer

his big break. His popularity has increased

get in the way of his feelings for Hazel. He en-

since the major success of his novel, The Fault

gages her in small romantic diversions, leading

in Our Stars. Recently adapted into a film, this

up to the trip to Amsterdam where Hazel final-

tearjearker about two cancerous teens in

ly gives in. The story is not depressing despite

love received a great response from its young

the inevitable ending. It’s uplifting, giving its

adult fan base. Due to the book’s success, the

readers a glimpse of love.

screenplay had very little variation from it, al-

Green writes about characters that are

most as if the actors and director were afraid

independent and strong, yet lovable. These

to make the slightest changes, fearing a back-

qualities enabled The Fault in Our Stars to

lash from its loyal fans.

smoothly transition from novel to cinematic

John Green mainly writes about teenage

foil. It is heartbreaking, but that label doesn’t

love stories, but there is always a catch. In

define it; you are swept up into the lives of

The Fault in Our Stars, Augustus and Hazel are

these teenagers you share nothing in common

doomed from the start, both struggling with

with and start to empathize with them. John

serious cancers. Hazel fears love at first, dis-

Green doesn’t diminish Hazel and Augustus’

tancing herself from those she loves to min-

love due to their age. On the contrary, he rare-

imize their pain during her roller coaster of

ly acknowledges their “young love” except to

chemo treatments. We see this fear through-

remind you of their few semi-normal teenage

Film | Page 28 Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

problems. They are in their own world. Their love isn’t confined to

lovers” connects Paper Towns to The Fault in Our Stars but instead of a

a high school setting, enabling the movie adaptation to appeal to not

fatal cancer, high school social hierarchy separates Quentin and Mar-

only young readers but also adults.

go.

This movie also contributed to the success of its breakout stars. An-

The majority of Looking for Alaska takes place at the main characters’

sel Elgort, also appearing in a minor role in Divergent, became the new

boarding school. Looking for Alaska is written in a way that makes the

teen heartthrob, taking home several Teen Choice Awards this fall. The

reader unravel the story along with the characters. Because it places a

Fault in Our Stars features another lovable character that, despite his

greater focus on the struggle of fitting in in high school, it differs sharp-

small role, brought tears to our eyes. Nat Wolff played Isaac, Augus-

ly from a “star-crossed” love story. All of Green’s adaptations have tak-

tus Waters’ best friend who also suffered cancer and heartbreak. He

en place in a high school setting, which might cause adults to shy away

received such a good response for this role that he will star in John

from another “teenage movie” and limit their demographic.

Green’s new movie, Paper Towns set to release in 2015.

Although these movies may not be relatable to all ages, The Fault in

Due to The Fault in Our Stars’ success in June 2014 (it grossed $48.2

Our Stars appealed to both adults and adolescents, which was a large

billion during its first weekend), more of John Green’s books will be

factor in its success. Hazel and Augustus fell in love very early on in

adapted into movies. Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, who

the story, enabling their relationship to develop for most of the movie.

also wrote for TFIOS, will write Paper Towns’ screenplay, and Green

This has more of a powerful effect on the viewer than waiting for two

will be the film’s executive producer. Green has also announced that

characters to finally fall in love at the end of a movie. This sequencing

his novel, Looking for Alaska will be adapted for the screen and directed

of events might explain why other young adult romance films cannot

by Sarah Polley.

enjoy the same success as TFIOS. Even if Paper Towns and Looking for

Paper Towns is about two childhood friends, Quentin and Margo, that

Alaska do not become hits like TFIOS, John Green’s loyal fans will still

grow apart until high school drama brings them together. When Margo

continue to read his novels and share their love for the film adapta-

disappears, he must search for her along with a series of friends. John

tions.

Green has the ability to create very unique minor characters that leave a strong impact on the reader. The recurring theme of “star-crossed

2009

2014 2015

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Film | Page 29

In The Flesh A review of

English teacher with whom Milo had had a sexual relationship. The unmasking of this affair by Maggie got Rich fired from

The Skeleton Twins

his school and ruined his career. Joanna Gleason also makes

by Jasper Cox

is a bit of a free spirit, but the film implies that she was a poor

suicide, Judy lost all motivation to care for her children, even

he Skeleton Twins is a tragicomedy starting recent SNL dropouts Bill

a quick appearance as Maggie and Milo’s mother Judy. Judy mother to the children, and that after their father committed going so far as to not attend Maggie’s wedding.

Hader and Kristen Wiig, along with Owen Wilson’s brother Luke and

The film’s strength hails from the performance of the cast,

Modern Family star Ty Burrell. Written and directed by the relatively

specifically that of Hader and Wiig, who deliver both hilarious

unknown Craig Johnson, this is one of the most realistic, unique, and won-

and heartbreaking portrayals and maintain a palpable chem-

derful films of the year. With The Skeleton Twins, Johnson has succeeded in

istry. The complexity of their characters only makes their

writing a screenplay that deftly balances comedy with melodrama, and he

depictions that much more impressive. Milo can at times be

easily integrates the movie’s themes of human imperfection and the drive to

self-centered, and he consistently puts Maggie in the position

better oneself.

of telling him off and articulating to him exactly what he did

The story focuses on Milo and Maggie Dean, played by Hader and Wiig,

wrong. At the same time, Maggie does not exactly demon-

respectively, two estranged twins who have not spoken to each other for 10

strate admirable morals either, as she is guilty of having affairs

years. Their paths cross again when they both survive suicide attempts. Milo

with three different men during her marriage with Lance. She

meets Maggie’s husband Lance, played by Wilson, who is so excessively nice

also takes birth control pills in an effort to both hide the affairs

that it becomes irritating. Milo also inadvertently ends up reconnecting with

and prevent herself from becoming a mother, even though

Rich, played by Burrell, a librarian who the audience later finds out is a former

Lance informs Milo that he and Maggie have been trying to

Film | Page 30

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

get pregnant for quite some time. Speaking

better about this movie, it would without a

of Lance, Wilson is equally impressive playing

doubt be the runtime. Clocking in at just 93

Overall, The Skeleton Twins is an excellent

the character that you want to like but end up

minutes, the movie leaves multiple subplots

film. The performances are natural and the

hating to some extent. The role seems to be

unsolved and many questions unanswered.

characters believable. The screenplay is able

natural for Wilson, almost as if he is not play-

Even if the movie were trying to make a point

to include both witty one-liners and moving

ing a character at all. Lance is a bit of a lapdog

with its abrupt ending, or if it were trying

monologues, and the director does a great

to Maggie, as he loves her unconditionally,

to create a cliffhanger in preparation for a

job of presenting the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s themes in a subtle

even though Maggie at times is uncomfort-

sequel, it could have been executed better.

yet effective manner. It could have benefitted

able around him. Burrell also delivers some

Had the film been a bit longer, it could have

from a longer runtime, but that is the movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

strong acting as a man who is caught between

expanded on some of the unclear aspects of

only blemish. If it is playing in a theater near

having feelings of love for a woman and feel-

its storyline. For example, Judy was present

you, you should definitely check it out.

ings of lust for a man.

for one scene that raised questions about her

If there is one thing that could have been

relationship with the children and then disap-

peared for the rest of the movie.

Film | Page 31

Boyhood 2014’s biggest surprise by Evan Greene

here is a great deal of talk about the new movie, Boyhood, as it

did looks into the trials and successes of

seems to be one of the surprise blockbusters of the year. Di-

a creative young man’s journey through

rected by Richard Linklater, the movie follows the life of a young

life’s many crucial milestones. In fact, each

boy, Mason Evans (Ellar Coltrane), as he grows up in real time from the

situation in the movie shows real life ex-

age of six. Released at the end of the summer, many fans and critics are

amples of how Mason grows up and faces

claiming that it is the best picture of the year. Boyhood has quietly be-

adversity. We watch as he sees his mother

come the movie that people should not miss. Boyhood was filmed over a twelve-year span and captures the growth of a boy Mason Evans, played by Ellar Coltrane, as he faces life’s problems. The boy’s life is craftily documented as he matures into a freshman going off to college. The plot authentically traces the path of Ma-

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseq

struggle to provide for the family and go back to school to get an education. We see him deal with an intriguing girlfriend who at times drives him crazy. Moviegoers are left sitting in their seats wondering how

son’s adolescence with his single mother Olivia, (Patricia Arquette) and

they might personally handle many of the

his sister Samantha (Laura Linklater). Boyhood does a gut-wrenching

same issues that the boy faces. Because of

job of depicting Mason’s growth as he struggles in school in conjunction

Ellar Coltrane’s brilliant performance, au-

with his father’s inconsistent parenting and his mother’s constant per-

dience members really feel like they can

sonal catastrophes. There is a vivid scene where father and son take a

relate to Mason.

camping trip and divulge moving secrets and advice on how to handle

Mason’s life is shaped by his struggles

their relationships with others. Many parts of the movie provide can-

to maintain a healthy relationship with

Film | Page 32

“Venihic te parchitis im esed utae labo. Nam dusdani digenis ut planda iam volestrum inverup taectot atecea si occum volorpor reperferitio id.”

his family. Mason’s father, performed by Ethan Hawke, battles to try

ing by Patricia Arquette and Lorelei Linklater, who jive perfectly with

to stay in touch with his estranged son, as he moves from city to city.

Ellar Coltrane, capture a unique and special chemistry of a family gone

Finally, when his mother dates and remarries, Mason has to deal with

adrift. The movie traces the family from Mason’s elementary school

an entirely new family and the trials of getting along with a completely

years to his journey to college, with the characters adding humor to

foreign parenting style. His stepfather becomes a violent drunk and is

life’s constant aggravations. The audience finds itself saying, “Wow this

excessively brutal to the children in many graphic scenes.

boy is really resilient,” or, “I wouldn’t have done that!”

Indeed, many of the most emotional moments in Boyhood occur

Finally, besides the fact that the viewers can relate to the idea that

during the tear-jerking scenes shared between Mason and his fam-

family comes first, the plot’s overarching message and movie’s tone

ily. Camping with his father, and the precious moments he has with

make you feel lucky about your own life and happy to face everyday

his sister and mother strike a chord of realism. Every day is a fight to

obstacles. And although they are divorced, we realize that fathers who

deal with life’s obstacles and unrelenting problems. The fact that the

may not get to live with their children everyday can be just as close, as

movie was filmed intermittently for 12 years makes it seem real, as if

exemplified in the snapshots of Mason Jr. and his father enjoying ado-

the characters truly grow up in front of your eyes. We watch Mason

lescent road trips, dinners, birthdays, holiday celebrations and gradu-

come into his own, figuring out that being a parent is not an easy job.

ations. By the end of the movie, the viewer feels like he or she knows

He also begins to share adult responsibility for his family, taking care of

that although life may be hard, there is so much to enjoy and cherish.

his mother and sister during their hard times. Each character is able to claim a space for himself and evoke the viewer’s own childhood memories. What I enjoyed the most was the way the boy takes emotional and financial care of his sister and his mother even at the cost of shelving his own priorities. The talented act-

Film | Page 33

Words and Pictures by Sofia Gonzalez

he film Words and Pictures is a romantic comedy starring Juliette Binoche and Clive Owen. Released in 2013, the film was directed by Fred Schepsi and filmed in Vancou-

ver, although it is set in Maine. The movie is about two sparring teachers who try to find balance between words and pictures and battle to determine which is more powerful. Mr. Marc is an unorthodox teacher. His methods are a bit unordinary, but his students seem to care about him and enjoy the class. He is more loose and easy-going, but it also seems like he is sometimes lazy. On the other hand, Ms. Delsanto is very strong-minded and hardworking, though she seemed stoical when we first met her. Though she struggles to pursue her artwork, she is determined to help her students achieve their full potential, regardless if they resent her for it. The contrast between the characters prepares the audience for their disagreement over the relevance of text and art. Words and Pictures is primarily based around the question of which is more impactful – the word, or the picture? The debate quickly escalates into a school-wide ‘war.’ Mr. Marc’s Honors class creates an installation that attempts to prove how much more meaningful words are, and Ms. Delsanto’s class decides to do the same. All of this goes on for more than half the movie, and around

definitely watch it again. The acting

that every other scene was tense and

that point it starts to pick up speed. Perhaps because the ac-

was very good, even though no one

gripping, while every other featured

tors lacked chemistry, the inevitable relationship between the

quite famous was in the movie. I also

more humor.

main characters seemed to be very abrupt; nonetheless, after

loved the sub-plot between two stu-

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the

they form a romantic connection, the plot advances much more

dents that were in both of the teach-

movie and I believe it was very well-

quickly. One night, Mr. Marc gets very drunk and accidentally

ers’ honors classes. It showed the

made, I found that it spent too much

falls into Ms. Delsanto’s unfinished, and still wet, painting. The

differences and similarities between

time building up to one point. The

very next day, he reaches out to a colleague for help. He comes

two relationships: one between stu-

cinematography was very creative

clean and makes a big reveal, which leads to his resignation.

dents and the other between two

in some parts, but ordinary in oth-

After he cleans up, he finishes out the year alongside Ms. Del-

much older, but not necessarily wiser

ers. Nevertheless, I would definitely

santo, ending with an assembly to finally determine the verdict

people. However, I think that the mix

recommend Words and Pictures, es-

– words or pictures? Despite the decision, everyone is still hap-

of drama and comedy was very ex-

pecially to people who enjoy the arts

py, and the film finishes with a classic rom-com ending.

treme. The screenwriters switched

or writing.

I thought that this movie was really compelling, and I would

between the genres in a pattern such

Film | Page 34

Seven Samurai the cinematic masterpiece turns sixty by Ethan Pairisier

n the history of cinema, there have only been a handful of movies

tial release in 1954.

remarkable enough to be regarded as genre-defining films. One of

The mere size of the undertaking was the film’s first feat; Seven Sam-

these films is the three-and-a-half-hour-long epic Seven Samurai, by

urai was the largest project ever done by a Japanese filmmaker at the

the prolific Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, creator of other classics

time. When the project first began, Kurosawa wanted to make a film

such as Rashomon, The Hidden Fortress, and Yojimbo. This action-drama

about a day in the life of a samurai. But as he delved deeper into his re-

initiated many paradigms for the action-adventure genre that are still

search, he found stories of samurai that were hired to defend farming

frequently seen in films today. It also has won a multitude of accolades

villages, and Seven Samurai was born. Despite the film’s huge $500,000

throughout the years, such as the Venice Film Festival Silver Lion, and

budget, it soon became the highest grossing Japanese film of its day.

was voted one of the top three films of all time in Sight & Sound maga-

After receiving heavy praise from both American and European view-

zine. This year marks Seven Samurai’s sixtieth anniversary since its ini-

ers, Kurosawa’s movie created new possibilities for the rather unde-

Film | Page 35

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque veloped Japanese film industry, bringing Jap-

of his masterful cinematography is at the be-

raphy and story-structure, along with its

anese films to theaters in America and other

ginning of the film when viewers watch as the

memorable and relatable host of characters.

cinema venues around the globe. The success

bandits approach on horseback over a hilltop.

Who knows what its great legacy will bring forth in the coming decades?

of Seven Samurai opened up new markets for

The perspective enables viewers to share the

Japanese films and substantially facilitated

terror with the farmers as the armed maraud-

the spread of Japanese filmmaking through-

ers gradually advance over the hilltop and

out the world.

towards the village. This shot has gained pop-

The film not only helped shed light on the

ularity, especially among western films, and

young Japanese film industry, but also creat-

has been used in movies like Indiana Jones: The

ed some of the more common motifs that are

Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kurosawa’s directing of

found in many action and drama movies today.

the scenes in the battle between the

The plot of the movie is quite simple: a group

samurai and the bandits truly capture

of bandits is harassing a feudal Japanese

the chaos of war, with the clomping of

farming village, and the farmers decide to hire

horses’ hooves intermingling with the

a group of samurai to protect its town and end

screaming of the farmers, samurai,

the bandit threat for good. The film was one of

and bandits alike. His camera follows

the first instances in which a team of heroes is

the horse-riding bandits as they are

assembled by people in need, a theme which is

trapped one by one and killed by the

used frequently in later movies like The Road

skilled samurai and their farmer com-

Warrior, The Magnificent Seven, A Bug’s Life, and

rades. In the final battle scene, he uses

most recently Marvel’s The Avengers.

rain to capture the drama and rawness

Kurosawa also includes a plotline in which

of the battle, as men slip and stumble

the youngest samurai in the bunch, Katsush-

through the mud while slashing ene-

iro, falls in love with the daughter of one of

mies. Examples such as these show-

the head farmers, Shino. This inclusion of ro-

case Kurosawa’s talent and artistic

mance in the face of danger proved The Seven

adeptness when creating the master-

Samurai to be a multifaceted film. The roman-

piece that was Seven Samurai.

tic sub-plot, coupled with the convincing act-

After sixty years, as well as a shower

ing of Katsushiro, Shino, and the other main

of praise, Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Sam-

characters, creates a relatable and likeable

urai is still extremely relevant. It has

cast of characters.

created a legacy that has influenced

Kurosawa’s directing was also revolution-

modern filmmaking and cinema with its

ary in its use of cinematography. An example

novel and groundbreaking cinematog-

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

Film | Page 36

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseq

Film | Page 37

The Hateful 8 by Sam Heller

he Hateful 8, Quentin Tarantino’s latest project, will be in theaters sometime in late 2015. It is action packed, funny, and will have you on the edge of your seat until the credits start rolling.

A teaser trailer as well as a synopsis has been released for the movie, and it looks great. The movie is a spaghetti western set in the time period right after the Civil War and consists of eight characters who are trapped in a saloon in the middle of nowhere after getting caught

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

in a snowstorm. The Hateful 8’s trailer listed the name of each character as well as their identifying trait or job. The nicknames of the characters, however, show that this film may be controversial. These “nick names” include: the bounty hunter, the hangman, the prisoner, the sheriff, the Mexican, the little man, the cowpuncher, and the confederate. These should not be the only controversial parts of Tarantino’s latest film. The director is known for his excessive use of the N-word and other terrible language. The potentially racist and sexist undertones of the film may also stir up rage from audiences; for example, the Mexican is the only character with no last name and the prisoner is the only female (who knows what the Confederate might spew out of his mouth). Popjunk.net even featured an article that asserted that The Hateful 8 will be the most controversial film of Tarantino’s career so far. The movie should not be defined by its controversial themes and should be enjoyed for its entertainment value. The movie could be violent like other Tarantino films and at some points and possibly scary, but will also include moments that will make you laugh harder than most other comedy that you have seen. Tarantino’s characteristic blend of gore, humor, and suspense has tested very well with his audience in previous films, such as Pulp Fiction or last year’s hit, Django Unchained. So far, Tarantino has confirmed that the film will star Samuel L. Jackson (The Avengers) as the bounty hunter, Kurt Russell (The Thing) as the hangman, Michael Madison (Kill Bill) as cow puncher, and Walton Goggin (The Shield) as the Confederate. The cast is also rumored to include Zoe Bell (Iron Man 3) as a side character named 6-horse-Judy and Dana Gourier (True Detective) as a different character named

Minnie. An interesting fact to note is that Tarantino does pick favorites when it comes to actors. Michael Madison, Walton Goggin, Zoe Bell, and Dana Gourier have all been in previous Tarantino productions. Samuel L. Jackson has been in all of them! All these cast members have been praised by fans in other Tarantino movies and by Tarantino himself. If most of the principle cast has already appeared in his previous works, then The Hateful 8 will be an amalgamation of his favorite actors and the actors that received the most praise in the movies. This could make for Tarantino’s best movie yet. We would have seen this amazing film already if it hadn’t been for some noisy fans from the news site Gawkers. The entire script for the movie was leaked on this site and Tarantino became very angry as a result. He stopped all production for the movie and sued Gawkers. He dropped charges eventually, but by then, he had decided not to continue making the movie. It wasn’t until a couple of months after this incident that Tarantino changed his mind and decided to direct the movie again, perhaps encouraged by the amazing reviews from people who read the leaked copy . In fact, he has just started filming in Colorado for the movie. Tarantino did make a lot of edits to the script, so the copy you find online will not be that of the movie coming soon to theaters. This movie is going to be action packed but very funny. It will be offensive and very likely R-rated, but should make for one of Tarantino’s best movies.

Television | Page 38

The Long–Anticipated Crossover by Gabe Broshy

ollowing a long period of anticipation, the Family Guy and

of Family Guy and The Simpsons, Seth Macfarlane and Matt Groening,

The Simpsons crossover aired on September 28 on Fox. The

both noted the importance of interaction between characters in any

episode was announced over a year ago and two clips were

crossover, including this one, with Macfarlane saying “People want to

released a few months ago, sparking interest and excitement from

see Peter interact with Homer. They want to see Bart interact with

both fanbases. It combined the network’s most popular animated

Stewie. In a way, the story in a crossover episode, while it has to be

programs, as Family Guy’s main characters traveled to The Simpsons’

there, is never quite as important as how the characters interact with

fictional town of Springfield and met their counterparts. The creators

each other.”

Television | Page 39

‘‘ Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseqAximi, aute evenisitas arumqua erest, venime dolupta estion nimpero omnimpore voloressum rehendene vel molo et

The plot is something like this. After the Griffins are forced to leave town amid backlash to Peter’s sexist comic strips, their car is stolen, forcing them to stop in Springfield, where Homer agrees to help Peter find his car while the Griffins stay with the Simpsons. The first half of

Finally, Judge Fred Flintstone concludes that both beers are copies of

the episode featured primarily character-based humor, as was to be

his favorite in what is by far the most intelligent part of the episode.

expected. This entailed predictable gags, such as Bart showing Stewie

The episode concludes with an impressive but excessively long fight

prank phone calls, Lisa demonstrating how to play the saxophone to

between Peter and Homer, in which The Simpsons protagonist throws

Meg, and Brian and Chris losing Santa’s Little Helper while taking him

the show’s 31 Emmy award trophies. Then his Family Guy counterpart

on a walk. Fans of the shows were eager to see their favorite char-

responds “That’s no fair! I don’t got none ‘a them!” Finally they agree

acters interact, making this portion of the episode necessary. While

to stay “half an hour away from each other with only a pile of garbage

the dialogue between characters worked well during this segment, it

between us.”

had no truly surprising or intriguing moments, and though its jokes

Despite its predictable moments, the episode is humorous and

produced some laughs, there were no raucously funny moments fans

witty, succeeding under enormous expectations from the fan bases

of both shows have come to expect.

of both shows. It is important to note that the crossover was officially

In between were a number of well executed self-deprecating jabs

a Family Guy episode, and its style reflects that. Its humor is hence

poking fun at both shows and the episode itself, such as when the

forthright and heavily satirical, mocking both shows as well as other

Griffins are watching a crossover of sitcoms All in the Family and

Fox adult animated comedies such as American Dad, The Cleveland

Modern Family, and Chris ironically proclaims, “A crossover always

Show, and Bob’s Burgers. It even retains its satirical humor to ridicule

brings out the best in each show. It never smacks of desperation; the

the concept of the crossover, much in the same way that Family Guy

priorities are always creative and not driven by marketing …” Midway

seemingly pokes fun at everyone and everything, including its own

through the episode, the previously amicable Peter and Homer argue

style, cast, and network. Thus, fans of Seth MacFarlane’s brainchild

with each other over their favorite beer brands. Homer pulls the label

would probably enjoy the crossover more than fans of Matt Groe-

off Peter’s bottle of Pawtucket Patriot to reveal that it is a copy of

ning’s. Nevertheless, the episode presents a thought-provoking

Homer’s favorite beer, Duff, a clear reference to the similarities of the

representation of the characters of both shows, and followers of both

two shows. “It may have been inspired by Duff, but I like to think that

shows should give it a chance.

it goes in a different direction,” Peter retorts. After a number of subtle jokes referencing the two shows, a court case occurs in which dozens of Simpsons supporting characters are matched with their Family Guy counterparts, such as Mayor West and Mayor Quimby and Carl and Cleveland, illustrating the many parallels between the shows.

Television | Page 40

Arrested Developpment

theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made a huge mistake by Lisa Shi

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undeniable that Arrested Development ended too soon. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the comedy was cancelled in 2006 due to low ratings and

viewership. Seven years later in 2013, Netflix decided to revive Arrested Development. The revival has made a number of changes to the series. Number one, the format of the show has changed. Each episode focuses on one character and tries to catch the audience up with what everyone has been doing during the seven-year hiatus. Instead of

Television | Page 41

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the length of each episode. Originally 22 minutes, the show now stretches on. The time limit in the first three seasons forced the writers to make the storyline more compact, resulting in generally stronger episodes. In the fourth season, however, some parts of each episode do not advance the plot and can be taken out completely, but due to the writers’ freedom to decide the episode length, they remain. Season four of Arrested Development deals with darker themes and doesn’t make for as many easy laughs as it used to. The family members backstab each other more frequently than ever; a mother being tricked into becoming a prostitute and a father and son sleeping with the same woman are just a few examples of the cruder humor. Some new jokes can be difficult to understand, since the set-up occurs in one episode and the punch-line comes several episodes later, by which time viewers will have forgotten about it completely. Towards the end of the season, specifically at the episode “Colony Collapse,” with GOB, the eldest Bluth son and a “professional magician” as the featured character, the show picks up speed. The first few episodes were meant to provide the context for the events of the revolving around the entire dysfunctional Bluth family, the show now

second half of the season, and indeed things start to come

concentrates on each individual. However, the intrigue of the original

together. The individual storylines begin to mesh into one

Arrested Development lied in the interaction between the different

and finally make sense after an entire first half-season of

family members. Now, they are strangers in a show that places a huge

confusion.

emphasis on family. This format would suggest that each character is

Overall, Arrested Development’s fourth season wasn’t as

able to support an entire episode by him or herself, which he or she

much of a masterpiece as the first three seasons. It was an

isn’t always able to do. As a result, some episodes drag on aimlessly,

interesting concept on paper that just didn’t play out so

and overall, the new format just doesn’t work.

well on screen. I hope that the fifth season (or maybe the

Arrested Development is also now exclusively on Netflix instead of on primetime television, giving the producers the ability to choose

long-awaited Arrested Development movie) will be better than the fourth season.

Television | Page 42

Humor Can’t Hide The Lack of Racial Minorities on SNL by Maggie Brill

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

aturday Night Live has been criticized

She was the first black woman on SNL since

recently about its almost all-white

Maya Rudolph (who left in 2007). Zamata

cast. In the true spirit of comedy

worked as an actress and comedian in many

and in fear of further scrutiny, SNL not only

television roles and improvisational theater.

addressed its lack of diversity by adding two

She also gained a lot of attention on her You-

African-American females but it also success-

Tube Channel, where she made impressions

fully made fun of itself when Kerry Washing-

of leading women in society and Hollywood,

ton hosted last year. In a sketch depicting

such as Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Be-

President Obama meeting with guests as

yoncé. Leslie Jones, another female actress

they arrive at the White House, Washington

and comedian, had also auditioned for this

played four different prominent black women

spot on SNL. Although Zamata was cast in-

in fewer than three minutes. Multiple times,

stead, Jones was brought on as a writer and

Washington hurriedly left to change into dif-

made memorable appearances during Week-

ferent costumes in order to assume the role

end Update. She has been added as a feature

of these women. As Washington frantically

player for SNL’s 40th season and will continue

made transitions from character to character,

as a writer. However, both actresses have yet

Jay Pharoah and Taran Killam accentuated

to establish prominent roles on the show.

the awkward silence. Promptly, a narrated message from the producers appeared on

In the show’s 40 years, it has only had five female African-American members. This

the screen, apologizing and identifying the

has not only upset TV critics, but also SNL’s

absence of a black woman in the cast. In that

own Jay Pharoah and Kenan Thompson,

message, they promised to find a solution,

who played a key role in pushing for change.

and lightened the mood by countering it with

Unfortunately, SNL’s attempts to expand the

“unless, of course, we fall in love with another

racial diversity of its cast are indicative of a

white guy first.” After this episode aired on

larger struggle in the TV industry to increase

November 2nd of last year, Lorne Micheals

the representation of minorities. The inclu-

announced that the show would hold audi-

sion of minorities in TV shows is an issue

tions to cast a black woman and expected a

that will remain prominent until more widely

new featured member by January.

addressed.

Sasheer Zamata appeared first in the middle of the 39th season on January 18, 2014.

Television | Page 43

Bojack Horseman by Sam Stephenson

ith House of Cards and Orange is

lent in the genre of adult animation. It never

the New Black, Netflix has made

reaches the extreme crudity of shows such as

an impressive entrance into

“South Park” or “Archer,” but comes close sev-

with its dark drama. It is hard to laugh at the

television. However, with Bojack Horseman,

eral times. Its humor consistently produced

show’s almost puerile humor, which sparsely

it fails to live up to its previous successes.

chuckles, though rarely more than chuckles.

peppers its drawn out tragedies. The show’s

Bojack Horseman is set in a world where peo-

However, large sections of each episode

itself far too seriously for an adult animation. Bojack’s remaining comedy mixes terribly

attempts at heartbreaking and meaningful

ple coexist with anthropomorphic mixtures

were crudely added to focus upon plot. These

drama appear ridiculous when portrayed

of humans and animals. The show revolves

segments interrupted the otherwise light

alongside its infantile comedic plotlines.

around the talentless star of a horrible 90’s

hearted show, introducing a dark subplot

sitcom called Horsin’ Around, a horse named

concerning Bojack’s substance abuse, love

middle ground between comedy and drama.

Bojack Horsemann. It tracks him 20 years

life, and self-hate. This plotline contrasted

Though a mediocre comedy to begin with, it

later as a washed-up alcoholic, obsessed with

poorly with the rest of the show, having al-

adds a seemingly endless and soap operatic

his glory days, as he struggles to write his

most no connection with much of the series.

plotline. By the end, the show is a quintes-

By the seventh episode this subplot com-

sential tearjerker, its plotline verging upon

memoirs, eventually hiring a ghostwriter. The show is perfectly set up to parody the

Bojack Horseman attempts to create a

pletely overtakes the show. Bojack Horseman

absuridity. Bojack Horseman attempts to be

movie and TV industry, the media, pop-cul-

almost completely ceases to be comedic,

meaningful and poignant, but instead comes

ture, and stardom. The first half of Season 1

instead trying much too hard to become

off as a disjointed mixture of poorly done

decently accomplishes this feat. The show

deep and depressing. It bluntly bombards

comedy and drawn out drama.

somewhat intelligently pokes fun at modern

the viewer with the hackneyed message that

society, though mostly relies on the type of

fame corrupts. Each episode is a dull litany

sophomoric (albeit hilarious) humor preva-

of mishaps, becoming a tearjerker and taking

Television | Page 44

Netflixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Continuing Hit Orange is the New Black by Zarina Iman

range is the New Black, produced by

spirit of the dull administrators, comprised

ridiculous, displaying the vivacious personal-

Jenji Kohan in 2013, features Piper

mostly of men.

ities of the women. The outlandish beliefs of

Chapman (Taylor Schilling), a well

The show generates sentiment around

the administrators are also amusing; namely

educated, white, soon to be bride, living in

these convicts and communicates the

prison counselor Sam Healy (Michael Har-

New York. Chapman, as her fellow inmates

humanity of the women. Instead of depict-

ney), who believes that women, lesbians in

call her, is sent to Litchfield Penitentiary for

ing each woman as a shameful criminal,

particular, plan to take over the world.. Their

drug-related crimes that she committed with

the viewer begins to empathize with each

truthful and witty ideas can serve as a comic

her ex-girlfriend years ago. The show follows

individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior. The cast is an ensemble

relief in intense periods of emotion.

Chapmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 15-month experience in prison,

of talented actresses, who vary with culture,

as well as her encounters with other inmates.

age, body type, and sexuality. The diverse

edy unlike any other. It is an intricate web of

Orange is the New Black explores all parts

cast and characters make the plot seem more

betrayal, friendship, dishonesty, and com-

of Litchfield Penitentiary, from the corrupt

realistic. Unlike most mainstream shows that

munity. The assorted choice of actors and

warden, to the brutal apathetic security

frequently spotlight caucasian males, the

actresses creates a compelling, unidealized

Orange is the New Black is a dramatic com-

guards, to the inmates and their worried fam-

array of cast members enables the viewer to

story that engages all the emotions of the

ilies. The prison and its inmates are divided

identify with at least one character and relate

viewer. The successful Netflix series captures

into different groups based on race and age.

to their struggles.

the female, and overall, human spirit of the

Each group resembles a gang, with members

Between the emotional moments in which

women of Litchfield. Certainly, Orange is the

helping one another. However, Orange is the

we empathize with the characters, each

New Black is a brilliant and iconic series that

New Black demonstrates the limits to which

episode contains quite a bit of lighthearted

will captivate viewers. It is definitely one of

these women will go to support one another.

humor. All the inmates contribute their sense

the best I have ever seen.

The show also captures the unethical, stingy

of comedy, whether it be satirical, sassy or

Television | Page 45

Akira’s Back! Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods and More by Vivaan Dave & Aisha Iftikhar

t was 7:16 pm, and we were late. But, we didn’t think it would be a big deal; who would be rushing to see this movie besides us? Turns out, we were wrong; we could barely find two seats that weren’t in the first row. To our left and right, we

saw “It’s Over 9000!” t-shirts and blue wigs—clearly we were underdressed. All the Dragon Ball Z fans from the late 90’s had congregated in a Times Square movie theater to witness Akira Toriyama’s latest installment of the epic series: Dragon Ball Z, Battle of the Gods. The movie was brimming with inside jokes only devoted fans would chuckle at, such as Emperor Pilaf’s perpetual desire of world dominance. Apparently, he’s been continuing his scheming since his appearances in Dragon Ball. Of course, Goku showed up at the last possible second to save the day. It wouldn’t be a true DBZ movie if our beloved protagonist hadn’t swooped in and fixed everything. Ultimately, while anybody could have enjoyed the movie, Toriyama kept a few jokes specifically for his loyal fans. While the Dragon Ball Z series is notorious for its cliché endings with the good guy always coming out on top, Battle of the Gods introduced some refreshing twists. In the end, no one was strong enough to defeat the antagonist, Lord Beerus—not even Goku as a Super Saiyan God. Lord Beerus installed such fear in the Earth’s warriors that even Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans, made a fool of himself by distracting the erratic God of Destruction from his anger. And, when they fought, Beerus was essentially toying with Goku, only fighting him with 70% of his true power. Even though Goku never loses a fight when it counts, this time, Earth’s beloved hero could not save his planet from its imminent annihilation. Lord Beerus decided, however, that since Goku had challenged him much more than any other fighter he’d encountered in his lifetime, Beerus would spare the Earth and its people. In the Dragon Ball Z series, Goku typically shows mercy, one

of the many differences between Battle of the Gods and DBZ. Vegeta, the ever cold and removed warrior, was beside himself in a fit of rage when Beerus slapped his wife, Bulma, and even surpassed Goku for a few moments in strength. Toriyama has never allowed Vegeta that victory—always letting it just slip through his fingers—since Goku originally exceeded him in strength, so it was thrilling to see the Prince finally come out on top for even a few, fleeting seconds of triumph. Battle of the Gods concludes with Vegeta alluding to his ascension to Super Saiyan God in the next battle. We’re very excited about this because it means our favorite character will finally be getting his chance to bask in the spotlight and steal the protagonist role from Goku, something all DBZ fans have been awaiting since Vegeta joined the crew in 1986. Rumors have been circulating that the next movie Dragon Ball Z: The Worst Wish in History (set to release in the spring of 2015) will focus on the Prince. Also, fans are excited because there is talk that a new series of 300 episodes or so is in development! In summary, Battle of the Gods is a heartwarming check-in with the infamous Dragon Ball Z cast and a gripping foreshadowing of what’s to come.

Television | Page 46

Yahoo! Community’s new life online by Matt Parker

eason 6 of Community is set to pre-

back Dan Harmon for season five, which saw

sodes of SNL, to try to gain viewers, although

miere in early 2015, though not on

star Donald Glover, also known as Childish

it is starting behind Hulu and Netflix. In real-

NBC’s Thursday night lineup, where

Gambino, leave midway through; needless

ity, Yahoo Screen could compete with Hulu,

it has been broadcasted for 5 years, but on

to say, the season didn’t meet the high hopes

which has so far not had too many big hits

the brand new Yahoo! Screen. The change

that many critics had. NBC chose not to re-

and has both housed and promoted Commu-

reflects Community’s continued inability to

new Community in the spring, and after failed

nity in the past. Netflix appears to be blowing

attract high ratings. At the end of season

talks with both Hulu and Comedy Central, Ya-

past its rivals, with original shows like House of

3, creator and producer Dan Harmon was

hoo purchased the rights to produce season

Cards and episodes of other shows like Break-

fired due to the show’s low viewership, and

6 from Sony.

ing Bad and The Walking Dead. Netflix has also

actor Chevy Chase left the show. The new

Yahoo is trying to form a rivalry with Hulu

announced new shows, such as Bloodline and

show-runners failed to increase viewership

and Netflix, copying the model of buying out a

Marco Polo, which both seem to be taking ad-

while the quality of the show drastically de-

cancelled show and producing new episodes,

vantage of the large budget that Netflix can

creased, as reviews were much more negative

just as Netflix did with Arrested Development.

offer. Yahoo Screen will likely not be a com-

than they had been in previous seasons. In an

The new online viewing platform has also

petitor immediately, but they are banking on

unprecedented move, Sony and NBC brought

tried to bring in other shows, such as old epi-

success with Community to jumpstart its new

Television | Page 47

branch. The show’s renewal was aided by fans’ support, mainly focused on a campaign using #sixseasonsandamovie to rally support for the show. Ranking as one of the top 20 cult followings in pop culture history on Vulture in 2012, fan support throughout the history of the show has been incredible. The show has hosted San Diego Comic Con panels, its own art show, and trends on Twitter every time a new episode is released. Its online presence is unmatched among small sitcoms. If you read AV Club or Vulture, the two most prominent online pop-culture oriented websites, you’ll see an overwhelming amount of content and discussion focused on community. This online presence has not generated great Nielsen ratings, however, as only about 3.5 million people watched it weekly, compared to more than 10 million weekly for The Big Bang Theory, which hasn’t been lauded nearly as much as Community. The show has had trouble finding a large audience because of its quirky nature. There are entire episodes built as homages to obscure movies, and the season one and two finales were both centered around massive games of paintball. The jokes on the show are also very subtle. There is no laugh track, and many of the jokes can only be understood with a large pop culture database or careful watching, which is not what many people are looking for on a giant network like NBC. The trip to Yahoo Screen should benefit Community, as only those actively seeking out the show will go to watch it. The strong fan base will likely all move from NBC over to Yahoo, giving the newly formed Yahoo Screen a head start. The new season is not without its own setbacks. Although Dan Harmon and Chris McKenna, the two driving forces of the show, will stay on, the cast is taking another hit. Jonathan Banks, better known for his role as Mike Ehrmantraut on Breaking Bad, is leaving, along with Yvette Nicole Brown, who plays one of the seven original main characters. Brown and Banks were forced to leave

due to scheduling and personal conflicts, and

cently began and cast changes are still taking

both may return as guests. Alison Brie, one of

place, but the fans, myself included, are more

the more famous actors on the show, was also

than excited for a new chapter in Community’s

rumored to have left during the summer, but

rich history. The new medium will open more

Yahoo has squashed those rumors, stating she

doors for Community, although Harmon is un-

will indeed be returning for the upcoming sea-

likely to change the show too much from his

son.

original plan for Community. He has said that

The show will come out weekly, not all at

there will likely be more episodes outside of

once like Netflix’s shows, and it is unclear

the school setting, but besides that, there

where it will be released besides on Yahoo

aren’t many specific plans for the show. No

Screen. The new season will be comprised of

matter how good the sixth season is, Communi-

only 13 episodes, enough to push the total

ty is just one kickstarter away from the six sea-

number of episodes to 110, which will help

sons and the movie that fans have been wait-

it reach syndication and be able to be sold by

ing for. Harmon has already hinted at a plot,

Sony to more broadcasters to air reruns. Har-

saying, “Troy [the character played by Donald

mon was originally unenthusiastic about the

Glover] is out there somewhere. He may be in

return of the show, but now appears to be ful-

peril. That’s what movies are made of.” While

ly onboard, stating, “I just want to prove that

a movie is exciting, fans should be content to

[...] the medium doesn’t really matter anymore

stream the next season on Yahoo soon, and in

and television is an art form.”

the meantime, the 97 episodes from past sea-

There aren’t too many details about the sixth season available, as production only re-

sons are available online, or at least for those who have Hulu Plus.

Television | Page 48

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseq

Television | Page 49

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

The Doctor’s New Face by Eric Ross Blum

his year, Doctor Who began a new incarnation of its main char-

pudding-brains.” He also has a much darker attitude towards death.

acter, the Doctor. Doctor Who is a science fiction television pro-

On one occasion in the second episode, after having been questioned

gram that has aired on BBC since November 23, 1963. One of

for letting a person be killed without even attempting to help him, he

the most intriguing aspects of the show is its plot device for changing

remarked that “[the person] was dead already.” He once again showed

actors. In 1966 when the First Doctor, William Hartnell, had to leave

this disregard for humans and their feelings when he remarked to a

the show for medical reasons, they decided to continue the show by

young girl that she was in no way special, nor would she ever be. This

giving the Doctor a special power: regeneration. When he is fatally in-

outlook on life and death is very different from the previous incarna-

jured, he can regenerate, changing his face and personality, but keep-

tion, who would do anything to save even a person he didn’t know.

ing his other aspects the same. This ability has allowed the show to go

This season has also brought up an interesting question that has

on for over 50 years, with soon to be 12 actors having played the part

been echoed throughout the episodes: Is the Doctor a good man?

of the Doctor.

With all these changes from his old personality, he is unsure of who

This year, the newest Doctor was revealed: Peter Capaldi. Peter

he is and whether he is a hero or a villain. So far, our best answer, as

Capaldi is a Scottish actor famous for his role as Malcolm Tucker in

Robin Hood once stated, is as follows: “[Neither you nor I are heroes,

the television show The Thick of It. Halfway through his first season,

but ] … if we both keep pretending to be, … perhaps others will be

Capaldi has already shown his differences from the previous Doctor,

heroes in our name.” This season of Doctor Who has prompted these

Matt Smith, who was the Doctor from 2010 to Christmas 2013.

same questions from the viewer about the nature of the Doctor. This

Smith was known for his boyish charm, aloofness, and affability, in

is different from previous seasons where, even with certain lapses,

addition to his idiosyncratic affection for various accessories, such as

the Doctor was portrayed overall as being the quintessential hero,

fezzes, bowties, Stetsons, and glasses.

the savior of the universe. Rather than supporting the Doctor’s ac-

Capaldi is strikingly different from his predecessor. He is often surprised and disgusted by humans, calling Earth “the planet of the

tions, this season has focused more on the damage he has caused and his shortcomings.

Television | Page 50

Game of Thrones Season 5 What’s Coming?

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by Vivaan Dave

n the last few years the viewership of the hit HBO show Game of Thrones has skyrocketed. Its popularity has single handedly brought HBO out of a financial red zone.

It has climbed to the top of the IMDB Top TV Shows list and now dances with Breaking Bad for the first place spot. Every year, right before finals, all of the avid Horace Mann Game of Thrones fans glue their eyes to their screens during the Sunday-night premiere. They come back every Sunday for the next ten weeks until that glorious Sunday when the finale airs. That glory is, of course, short lived. The excitement that lingers after the finale is promptly followed by a dread that all Game of Thrones fans know: the seemingly endless ten-month long wait from the June to April. We’re entering the fifth month of this torture now, and fans are itching to know what’s cooking for season 5. So where did season four leave us? The finale was an explosion of events that left us with a million questions. Where did the Lannister outcast Tyrion escape to after he killed his father and his lover, Shae? What is Arya, one of the two remaining Starks, doing in Braavos? Will we see Jaqen H’gar (or should I say the Faceless Man of Braavos) again? What are the Martells going to do about their Prince’s flattened head? Will they seek revenge against the Lannisters? Is Margaery to be queen? Why is Stannis, another so called ‘king,’ at Castle Black? What is Theon, or Reek, going to do when he gets back to the Iron Islands? Will Cersei, the queen regent, find out that Ollena was really the one that killed her beloved son Joffrey and not her brother, Tyrion? What will the scheming Littlefinger do now that he has killed Lysa? Is Daenerys ever going to leave Meeren and attempt to reclaim the Iron Throne for the Targaryens? What is the known world going to do

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non esequOnsentio dolorpo riore, to dollutet est etus eat rernamus et ut et latur? Omnimi, untia comni

Television | Page 51

about the menacing White Walkers? And the

cast list for Season 5. There have been reports

question that’s been on our minds since the

that Bran’s storyline is taking a break for Sea-

series premiere: Is winter actually coming??

son 5, which is surprising because there was

Sadly, the answer to most of these ques-

big talk that Bran would fly as the show ven-

tions is: You’ll just have to wait and find out.

tured farther north than ever before. I guess

But we’ve received hints about some of them.

we’ll have to wait till season 6 to see how his

Charles Dance, Tywin Lannister’s actor, men-

story finally unfolds.

tioned in an interview that he does indeed

Hopefully, these teases have satisfied your

have a role in season 5 of Game of Thrones,

hunger for a few hours until the Thrones

even though he was killed at the end of season

withdrawal starts kicking. If you don’t already

4. Will he be revived? Or does this just mean

watch the show, start. It’s a phenomenal show

that there will be a flashback with Tywin in it?

with awesome action and adventure that also

Either way, get excited. You’ll get to see Ty-

features complex relationships between its

win Lannister talk about his blood and family

characters. Plus, the acting is better than any

name for a few more episodes. It is also con-

other show on television. To our current fans,

firmed that Spain is being scouted by produc-

good luck surviving the next five months with-

ers as the setting of Dorne. The Martells were

out our favorite vicious characters! Hodor.

cast, and we will be meeting them for the first time in Season 5. It will be exciting to see the passive-aggressive dining table talk between the Lannisters and the Martells, if indeed they do make contact. Tragically, JJ Murphy, who was cast as Ser Denys Mallister, passed away at age 86, just a few days into shooting. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss said that JJ Murphy would not be recast. Hopefully, this won’t leave plotholes in the story at the Wall, as Ser Denys Mallister was a longtime Shadow Tower watchman and played a significant role in the show. One thing is slightly troubling though: Isaac Hempstead-Wright (Bran Stark) and the beloved Kristian Nairn (Hodor) are not on the

Nequi comnis reserum conectam voluptae non eseque

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