Batman vs Superman
Mili Mehta ’19
Looking for an epic, action packed and enticing movie? “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” is a perfect example. This movie follows the rivalry of Superman, played by Henry Cavill, and Batman, played by Ben Affleck. Batman is enraged with the damage that he believes Superman is doing and chooses to fight against him; but, could there be a larger threat to worry about? This science fiction/fantasy film is guaranteed to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. It has various plot twists that nobody could possibly see coming! “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” is box office gold, with alluring new characters, comic relief, engaging dialogue and action-packed fighting scenes that are done in a very clear and professional way. This movie will leave people with their hearts racing, anticipating the release of the next film. Whether you’re looking for action, fantasy, or just a good movie, you’ll certainly be able to find it in “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Can't Say No to Meghan Trainor's Album
Shweta Nair '19
Want to listen to some retro style music? Well, Meghan Trainor has exactly what you want. Inspired by the 1950’s and 60’s retro style aesthetic, Meghan Trainor’s beautiful music is noted for its evocative and expressive groove. Trainor’s first album, “Title,” had 20 songs, the top four being “All About That Bass”, “Lips are Movin’”, “Dear Future Husband”, and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.” “Thank You,” the name of her second major release on May 13, 2016, was preceded by one of the top hottest songs in the nation. Yes, you guessed it: Trainor’s lead single “No”. The song even reached number three on the “Billboard Hot 100.” In the short time after “No” was released, she released four more promotional singles, “Watch Me Do”, “I Love Me”, “Better”, and “Mom.,” which features Meghan Trainor’s mother, Kelli Trainor.
The creative 22-year old’s songs mainly revolve around the idea of modern womanhood, body image and empowerment. She has won several awards, including a Grammy, Music Business Association’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year accolade, and two Billboard Music Awards. Starting in July of 2016, Meghan Trainor will be going on a tour supporting her album, called The Untouchable Tour. Her opening acts will be pop singer, Hailee Steinfeld and Common Kings.
I personally think Meghan Trainor is an idol and will help struggling teenage and young adult women. Meghan Trainor is an inspiring woman and will continue to embolden other young women and spark their spirits for years to come.
Captain America: Civil War
by Maryann Jannicelli ‘18
The movie “Captain America: Civil War” has proven to be a big success within its opening weekend. This movie, along with many other Marvel movies, has had phenomenal success within the past few years. The first scene is very action-packed but also vaguely hints at an idea of what will soon come. The scene plays out with a destructive battle between Black Widow, Captain America, Falcon, and Scarlet Witch. After this intense scene, we learn that there is a big struggle within the superhero population. There’s an idea floating around that all superheroes should join S.H.E.I.L.D., and this furthers the division between each superhero. Many other popular superheroes such as Ant-Man and Spider-Man pop up throughout the movie and declare their side of the Civil War among their community.
While the other Avengers movies have been very popular, it is predicted that this one will make more money than the last movie, “Age of Ultron.” “Captain America: Civil War” is expected to make about $200 million in its opening weekend alone! This movie shines a new light on superheroes and their lives. A new take on action movies has proven to be important to today's film and media industry, as well as the comic industry. All in all, this movie should be given a four out of five, considering the action-filled scenes and comic relief.
Zootopia
Natasha Watts, ’18 and Neha Shah '19
Walt Disney has always been a household name, and his movies are classics, from “Snow White” to “Frozen”. Recently the Disney company has been breaking their self-made stereotypical mold with powerful new messages. One of their latest releases on March 4, was no exception.
Have you ever had a dream to do something that you really loved, only to be told that you were not allowed to fulfill this dream? In today’s society, this happens to hundreds of people. But for every one person that tells you that you cannot fulfill your dreams, there are ten people who are willing to help you and who believe in you, whether it seems like it or not.
The movie “Zootopia” takes place in a world where animals can speak, walk, talk, and do everyday things that humans can do. The uplifting film, which gained a review of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, is about a bunny named Judy Hopps and her dream to become the first bunny cop. Since she was young, she has been told that she can never be a cop since she is a rabbit, and she should just work in the farms like the rest of her family. But as Judy chooses to be different and ignore the stereotypes that are hurled against her, she learns things about her society that she never thought could be true. Judy finds that even in the modern word she lives in, certain classes, stereotypes, assumptions, and “racial” beliefs have never truly faded. She must fight for all that she stands for, and save her fellow animals from a terrible fate. Can she do it? Or will Judy end up succumbing to everything that society wants her to believe? After all, when everyone around you is telling you not to believe what you think is true, the easiest way out is to stick to the status quo. Judy is forced to prove herself on a difficult case while working with an unlikely partner, Nick Wilde. The two uncover the truth behind a strange mystery and learn a very valuable lesson: you can do anything you put your mind to. But wait. Is that the only message this movie had to offer? Although the overlying message of the movie seems to be perseverance, as mentioned in Shakira’s featured song “Try Everything”, with lyrics such as “I won’t give up, no I won’t give in Till I reach the end”, another lesson is hidden amongst the film.
During the film, Disney hints at the racism and harmful stereotypes of today’s society. They prove a point that stereotypes can really harm the people victimized. Some stereotypes thrust at the animals in “Zootopia” include bunnies can’t be cops, foxes are inherently bad, and predators are violent. Many times stereotypes push people into a box that they don’t necessarily fit into. This can often lead those people to believe they deserve to be nothing more than what people think they are. As Nick Wilde says in the movie, “If the world's only gonna see a fox as shifty and untrustworthy, there's no point trying to be anything else.” But, if people are allowed to break out of these molds, they can truly start to be themselves and do great things, just like in the movie.
Disney has really stepped into a whole new realm of topical issues, and those which “Zootopia” brought up really played well into the movie, the character development, and the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed myself while watching and recommend it to viewers of all ages. If you would like to hear more about the underlying message of this film, the Super Carlin Brothers do a great video on it on youtube.
This film presents a wonderful theme of how no matter where you come from or what you’ve been taught, it is always possible to be successful in fulfilling your biggest dreams and aspirations.
ANTI Rihanna
Rachel Seligman '16
With Rihanna covering every genre from teen pop to soulful R&B since her rise to A-list fame in 2006, her singles have always made their way onto a top 40 chart. Her career has been filled with endless jaw-dropping fashions, crazy vocals, and celebrity parties. Since her 2012 smash-hit album, “Unapologetic,” Rihanna has solely released hit singles, such as “FourFiveSeconds” with big names Kanye West and Paul McCartney. Her latest single, “Work” featuring Drake, captures the fresh vibes given off on her newly released album, “ANTI.” It’s a new era for Rihanna and she’s slaying it.
To say Rihanna is pushing boundaries with “ANTI” is entirely an understatement. Rihanna confidently shatters every unspoken rule and expectation of her, even after a rough time preparing and releasing the album. Rumors, false release dates, and internet album leaks plagued the joy of this new project. Being the force that she is, Rihanna took the hardships and channeled them into making this her best album to date. She started by creating a new distinct sound, which includes a mix of her previous genres such as hip-hop, EDM, and Caribbean-influenced R&B. She made sure not to skip out on acknowledging the internet trolls too, opening her album with the words, “I got to do things my own way, darling, will you ever let me? Will you ever respect me? No! … Why will you never let me grow?” in the track, “Consideration”. In my personal favorite, “Needed Me”, Rihanna croons powerful lyrics over a thumping beat. The artistic creativity that Rihanna expressed through this album made it a wild success.
Rihanna comes back fighting with this meaningful album and whether you’re a fan or not, you will relate to the well thought-out lyrics or fall in love with the captivating beats on “ANTI.”