Of the issue...: The Lariat’s #1 Picks April Review Compilation

Director Matt Reeves takes us into the shady world that is Gotham with ‘The Batman’ movie originally released on March 3, but hit HBO streaming on April 18. Reeves brings to life the DC comic characters the Penguin, Catwoman and even the Riddler. The movie hits the ground running with action and in introducing the new batman actor Robert Pattinson who has played in the ‘Twilight’ franchise and in standalones like ‘Remember Me.’ Although it may concern viewers that a vampire plays a crime-fighting vigilante, Pattinson truly captures the solitude and crime fighting life of the DC character. Other actors such as Zoë Kravitz and Jeffrey Wright truly nail their roles as the Batman’s coworkers. Kravitz truly became Catwoman with her strong independent and fierce character such as how she acted in Mad Max and Wright encompases Jim Gordon in having to help Batman not get caught by the other officers and shows fierce loyalty to his cause.

Moving on to more heartfelt dramas, Heartland season 14 was released on Netflix on April 1 and does not disappoint with making viewers cry. The first episode takes place after the season 13 ending where Ty Borden, played by Graham Wardle and Amy Flemming, played by Amber Marshall, experience a near death experience while being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

During the first few minutes beloved character Borden enjoys his unexpected last moments with his wife Amy and daughter Lindy as he falls to the ground out of the blue. It is later found out that he has died and we watch once always happy and enthusiastic Flemmings live a saddened life to have lost the love of her life.

This makes the rest of the season unwatchable due to having lost such a vital character to the show just because the actor decided to ‘pursue other interests.’ The show will never be the same because of this and ultimately has been ruined.

For those who enjoy more eye-appealing films, ‘White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercombie and Fitch’ takes viewers into the shirtless tale of men and how the Abercombie and Fitch store started. The documentary came out on Netflix on April 19 and is directed by Alison Klayman.

Although not as traditional as other documentaries, it takes us into how the store and fashion impacted teens’ lifestyles and even has former Abercombie modelists/ employees talk about what it was like to work there.

It may not seem as a ‘must see’, but truly encompasses viewers in a brand many have heard of and still wear today. Though some may not like what they see and hear, it’s the truth nonetheless.

Moving on to music, a new single written by Sam Smith ‘ Love Me More’ released on April 28 explores how one has to learn to love oneself for who they are. Smith, who usually goes for heartbreak songs, explores a new topic of accepting one’s differences.

As always, Smith hits all the high notes and makes it sound so effortless to sing such a beautiful song. He starts off all melancholy like his usual songs do, but then goes a bit more upbeat in reflecting the theme of being proud of who we are.

Overall, this month has had a variety of new releases each that have changed the standards and affected us in different ways.

Of the Issue:

The Lariat’s #1 Picks April Review Compilation

BY LUCIA CORREA