Media Reviews

Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, accepts her role as the Mockingjay by visiting a refugee hospital in District 8 (Photo courtesy Lionsgate).

Saying ‘Ello’ to Clutter-free

The new social media site Ello introduces simplicity, beauty and easy control to its users, despite being in its early stages.

BY ELLIE SCHWARTZ NEWS EDITOR

For most, scrolling through a Facebook newsfeed has turned into a sorting session of advertisements and updates of ‘friends’ one might have never met all in order to find one or two relevant posts. Every like, click and friend made is recorded and sold to advertisers.

Users become pawns in a ruthless marketing game.

Contrastingly, the new social media site Ello rebels against the advertisements, clutter and money made off of users, embracing control over updates and an ad-free interface and simplicity instead.

Before becoming a part of the growing network, potential users sign a manifesto rallying against ads and user manipulation on other sites and request an invitation to join by e-mail. Since Ello is still in “beta form,” computer talk for still developing, invitations go out in small groups and can take a while to receive. Being in beta form also means that there are few users and few ways of organizing posts on Ello.

While Facebook brags about its worldwide community and ability to see what every person in one’s life is doing, the Ello community is small by choice and focuses on sharing one’s life with a smaller community in an aesthetically pleasing way. Ello users follow each other and group the users they follow into two categories: “Friends” and “Noise.” Best friends and favorite celebrities go in the “Friends” category, while the girl at camp four years ago and the third cousin that posts pictures of every cup of coffee he drinks go in the “Noise” category. That way, users only see what they want to see.

Ello’s other major draw lies in its aesthetic. Everything aside from pictures is black and white, all text in a simple serif font. Explanations are clear and to-the-point, and there is, as promised, no clutter to be found. On a simple white background,

Ello’s plain logo matches its simplistic design overall. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

text posts and pictures are the main focus, unobstructed by ads or complicated tabs. Ello is truly a platform to share one’s life, not advance hidden marketing agendas.

Overall, while Ello is still developing, its charm lies in its simplicity and easy use. For those craving freedom from advertisements and excess friends, they are likely to imitate the Ello logo: a simple smiley face.

MOCKINGJAY RISES

Katniss Everdeen fights to keep hope alive both in Panem and within herself during the third film installment of the “Hunger Games” series.

BY MARY B. FREEMAN MANAGING EDITOR

Her voice is not just a sound, but a flame. A fire that burns throughout Panem, catching through the forests and the hills. It reaches the heart of every citizen of the now 11 districts of Panem, urging them to rebel. Because according to Katniss Everdeen in “Mockingjay”, the third installment of the Hunger Games film series, a dangerous fire is catching. And if the rebels burn, so will the oppressive Capitol. In this movie full of fear, chivalry and spirit, the fire will also catch inside you.

Immediately there’s a sense of despair as the movie opens with Everdeen rocking back and forth in a dark corner of District 13, reminding herself who she is over and over again. Eventually dragged away to a hospital room, it is evident that the games have left her broken. Without the man she loves, Peeta Mellark, the audience is left wondering if she will ever be whole again.

Despite her shattered mind and heart Everdeen finds the strength to continue as the Mockingjay, a symbol of hope for the rebellion against the Capitol. Throughout this journey she learns of the horrible things the Capitol has done. From witnessing Everdeen crawl over the skeletal remains of the people she once called her fellow citizens of District 12 to seeing the bombing of a recovering hospital, you will be as determined to do whatever it takes to combat the capitol as Everdeen.

Everdeen’s efforts are proven successful as visions are shown of various districts performing several forms of rebellion against the Capitol in the name of their mockingjay. Even though they lose countless lives as they perform these rebellions. Yet it is no wonder that Everdeen’s public service announcements to the people of Panem make them want to fight back. Her speeches are powerful, a brilliant example of how one person can change the world. When watching them you will to want to stand up and join the cause.

Behind the scenes what is truly at the forefront of Everdeen’s mind is Mellark. Captured by the Capitol in the second installment of the Hunger Games series, “Catching Fire,” he now constantly broadcasts his own public service announcements urging the rebels to stop fighting, combating all of Everdeen’s efforts to keep hope and strength alive in the districts. Everdeen is convinced that he is being tortured into doing the Capitol’s bidding. Your heart will break alongside Everdeen’s as the raw pain she feels for him becomes evident throughout the film.

Jennifer Lawrence delivers a flawless performance as the battered yet strong Katniss Everdeen. For those who have read Mockingjay, be aware that the movie does not stray from the plotline of the book. For those who are still unaware of what transpires in the movie, prepare yourself. “Mockingjay” daringly strays from the normal heartbreak to a love that is torturous. It moves from mere action and adventure to a new level of haunting desperation, passion and inspiration. “Mockingjay” is a must-see.

“Mockingjay Part II”, the final film in the “Hunger Games” movie series is scheduled to come out in theaters on Nov. 20 of next year. With a cast and storyline like this, I am confident that it will be another blockbuster. These movies no longer serve as only entertainment, but inspiration.

Fire is catching in Panem. Everdeen strongly supports the mantra that is expressed with all the hearts and souls of the rebels: they will never give up, they will never give in. But of course, then there’s Peeta.

“Beyond the Lights” Goes Beyond a Chick Flick

The new movie stays away from the cliché plot of the typical romance movie by addressing real life relationship problems.

BY SARA WATKINS REPORTER

Teenage girls in today’s society struggle with the insecurities that the media and celebrities create. The pressure to always be skinny, beautiful and desirable is overwhelming and pushes some people to the limit.

In the new movie “Beyond the Lights,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, famous popstar Noni is pushed too far, and her career and life unexpectedly fall into the hands of a young police officer, Kaz. The movie is a perfect example of the tough decisions that women are forced to make to conform to society’s ideal woman.

The movie starts out with a rich spoiled pop star’s “cry for help,” but soon after, it becomes obvious that she has a life that no one would imagine.

Through her relationship with Kaz, Noni transitions from a pop star making all the wrong choices, to someone wanting to show the capability of women and how they can succeed.

Main characters Kaz (Nate Parker) and Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) appear together in a press conference. (Photo courtesy iMDB)

The movie allows viewers to step into the shoes of a superstar with the pressures of today’s world. The popstar must overcome the hardships of her mother always pushing her to be more. Along with the pressure of women to become the “sex object” that many in Hollywood see her as. When she meets Kaz, a young police officer looking for a career in politics, she is vulnerable and in a state of confusion. Right then Kaz and Noni form a bond, seeing each other for more than just what the media labels them.

In the movie, the romantic plot line will teach the viewers perseverance. Viewers will fall in love with the intimate relationship between Noni and Kaz and the constant emotional ups and downs of the characters.

As the movie progresses, viewers uncover that it is more than the typical boy meets girl story. The movie focuses on current issues: body image, abusive relationships and fear to express who you really are. The relationship gives them a place to be themselves and shut out the rest of the world and what they think of them.

Kaz and Noni attract the love of the viewers because everyone has different quirks and aspirations that make them not want to fit into the mold of society. As Kaz and Noni learn more about how they will go on and make their dreams come true, all while staying true to who they are and what they believe in, so does the audience.

By the end of the movie viewers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see what would come from the spark between Noni and Kaz. Viewers will be curious to see if Noni will defy her mother, and what the media constantly pushes her to do.

“Beyond the Lights” gives viewers an entertaining and suspenseful two hours, while also allowing them to escape into the life of a celebrity, and enjoy an entertaining love saga.