Category: Opinion

Christian Rasmussen || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Jorge Rivera-Herrans, Director and 

Producer of EPIC: The Musical has just released their 9th and final edition of their concept album. EPIC: The Musical, is a concept album that encapsulates the events of the Greek tale, The
Odyssey. After 20 years of fighting Trojans, sea creatures, monsters, and even the God of the Ocean, Poseidon, Odysseus finally makes it home, only to find his palace ransacked by suitors. The Saga
starts with “The Challenge,” a song that captures the emotions of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, who has waited 20 years for his return. This song also captures her struggle when the suitors demand she pick a new king, believing that Odysseus is dead or lost. She comes up with a challenge: a suitor must string the old King’s bow and shoot through 12 axes. Only he who can string the bow and make the very
precise shot can be crowned King of Ithaca. The second song in the Ithaca Saga is “Hold Them Down”. In this song, the leader of the suitors, Antinous, claims that Penelope’s challenge is a ruse to further delay them from claiming the throne. Having enough, Antinous plots to kill the Prince of Ithaca, Telemachus – Odysseus and Penelope’s son. When that’s said and done, the suitors plot to take
the throne by force, but Antinous is struck by an arrow to the neck before they can act. The third song, “Odysseus” is the final ‘Boss Battle’ of the Musical. Odysseus, during his 20-year journey, fought
many of these ‘Boss Battles’, including a cyclops, a witch, a sea monster, and Poseidon. The final boss battle though, is Odysseus. One by one Odysseus slays the suitors. While the bloodshed commences, the suitors find the weapons room, where Telemachus, the Prince of Ithaca, returns home and helps Odysseus defeat the suitors. With ease, Odysseus slays all the suitors and reunites with his son, who he hasn’t seen since infancy. The fourth song, “I Can’t Help But Wonder” is a shorter song, where we
can feel the bonding between father and son. For one, it is a reunion, and for the other, an introduction. After the long hug they share, Odysseus tells Telemachus to inform Penelope that he’s home. When Telemachus leaves, Odysseus finally reunites with Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, and his mentor. Athena claims that all the troubles Odysseus went through were her doing, and wonders if it would be different had she stayed with him. Odysseus forgives her, and Athena leaves. Telemachus returns and tells Odysseus that Penelope awaits him in their bedroom. The fifth and final song, “Would You Fall In Love With Me Again” is a duet between husband and wife. Odysseus finally sees Penelope and instead of melting into her arms, he claims that he is not the man she once fell in love with. He claims that the 20 years away have changed him in ways he believes she would hate him for. With this information, Penelope tells Odysseus to move their wedding bed out of the bedroom. Saddened by this, and slightly enraged, Odysseus claims that the bed cannot be moved, as it was rooted into the olive tree where they had met. Penelope claims that only her husband would know that, so he must still be her husband. Seeing he was tricked; Odysseus gives in and the two finally reconcile. The musical ends with the two harmonizing on the words “I love you”. This musical as a whole has been a very genius and emotional piece of music, all 40 songs have their unique artistry behind them. Overall, I give this musical a 10/10.

Olivia William || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Twenty-four years after Gladiator was released in theaters, its sequel Gladiator II has finally arrived. But it may have come a tad too late. The director Ridley Scott directed the original film and the sequel. As of late, the director hasn’t had the best track record. Now, he’s directed classics like the original Gladiator, Alien, and Blade Runner. However, some of his recent movies, like Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Last Duel, House of Gucci, and Napoleon, have been met with mixed or poor reception. So, whether this film would hit or miss the mark, was in question. The film itself is well shot and, in a way, emphasizes a sense of grandeur that most films don’t have much of anymore. The action scenes are fun to watch. The gladiatorial combat and sword fighting are visceral, and the action can get pretty gory. Though certain aspects stretch the limits of historical accuracy, they make for more fun. If
Ridley Scott wants to add sharks to the water filled Colosseum ship battle, I won’t complain about that. The effects are overall done well enough. Although the CGI can vary at times, it’s specifically noticeable in a scene containing
monkeys (you’ll recognize it when you see it).
The musical score is good here, but it doesn’t hold the same impact that the original score does. Hane Zimmer did not return to craft the music score here, while Harry Gregson-Williams did compose a decent score. However, it lacks something the original composition had that made it feel epic in scale. The acting is good. Paul Mescal manages his own as the lead, Lucius. He carries himself well in the action sequences.

characters in the film seem to have an interesting premise and background, but they are left unexplored. It feels as if there were a lot of scenes cut or left on the editing room floor… which may be true since the movie clocks in at 2 hours and 28 minutes, and the director Ridley Scott claims
that the original cut of the movie is 4 hours. The original Gladiator is considered a modern classic and is difficult to live up to. I would still consider the original above this film in rank. However, in a world of thumbs up or thumbs down, I’d still give the movie a thumbs up. If you’re looking for
something to watch, this movie is entertaining enough to consider watching in theaters, if you get the chance.

Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal do well in their roles; Denzel in particular brings a certain movie star charisma to the film. Each actor does the best they can with the script they have been given. Each of the characters they play has understandable motivations, and that emotional ambiguity can make it
difficult to pinpoint who to root for; which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the viewer’s preference. The main issue with the movie comes down to its writing. It is very similar to the plot of the original movie, and the writing seems a bit clunky and disjointed. There are certain aspects of the script that seem to have plot holes or provide characters with blatant plot armor. Although plot armor can be excusable in certain stories and situations, here it comes off as a bit obvious. Some things happen in the movie that do not have time to breathe or develop on-screen, it just jumps to the next outcome. There are certain things that the characters go through and the movie does not really show either the emotional buildup to those scenes or the emotional aftermath. It lowers the impact of the characters’ arcs and makes the changes seem sudden and ‘out of the blue’ rather than gradual. Certain

Liam May || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Marvel Rivals is a competitive hero shooter that pulls its characters from the legendary Multiverse of Marvel comics. For those who do not know much about these games, it consists of teams competing for objectives. Each player takes the role of individual characters with different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. These games are very popular in E-Sport communities for their competitive nature. For characters, it has various super villains and Heroes from the comic Multiverse, such as Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man. Many have called the game an “Overwatch killer,” with thousands of players flocking from the reigning monarch of the genre to this new game in its first weeks of release. However, it is the opinion of this author that it is not strong enough to kill. It certainly means that Overwatch no longer has the monopoly on hero-shooters it once
did, as this new game is a very strong
contender.

The game is free to play, with battle passes and cosmetics. The skins are taken from various comics, with a few originals sprinkled in. The comic-accurate ones contain titles of the
graphic novels they were pulled from. This is a great feature for fans getting to see their comic characters come to life. However, I have to say that the game has not really pioneered much game play-wise. It has stuck to the tried-and-true game modes of competitive hero shooters. I think some innovations are more akin to the cinematic world of Marvel, instead of riveting gameplay of Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, escorting a payload.

Molly Graiff || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

It’s the end of November and that means that the holidays are right around the corner. It may feel impossible to find something for everyone on your list while also staying on budget. Taking advantage of Black Friday deals are a must but if looking for additional ideas, you may want to consult Panera Bread’s Gift Guide. Panera offers a lot of deals; you just have to look over offers on their app for the best bargains. The Unlimited Sip Club at Panera that allows patrons to order free fountain drinks with the purchase of a member ship is one however they are running a
special offer regarding their gift cards. Gift cards make a great gift as they don’t require the challenges that shopping on Black Friday
brings and they allow the user to purchase whatever they
would like from that store. Currently, a purchase of $50 in gift cards gifts you an additional free $10 card at Panera. They allow you to break up that $50 in your order so you could buy 10, $5 cards, 5, $10 cards or any other combination to accommodate your shopping list. With the additional $10 card you could give another gift. This offer is valued until 12/31. Panera’s holiday menu is extensive with French ciabatta dippers, cranberry orange bread, chocolate coconut macaroons, a spicy fiesta chicken sandwich, and more. Panera is offering plenty of new sandwiches and soups to try over this winter. New MyPanera signups receive a free mitten cookie as well. Panera has a lot of deals this holiday season, be sure to check them out and stay tuned for offers from them!

Olivia William || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Minor Spoilers Ahead!

The Alien Franchise has seen its ups and downs over the years. After the release of Aliens in 1986, the franchise has been on a general downward trend. The revival of the franchise with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant was met with generally mixed reception. But Alien: Romulus has reinvigorated
excitement and interest in the franchise with its release last summer. Between its premise, effects, and cinematography, it is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t gotten a chance to see it yet. The cinematography is breathtaking with its use of perspective and color. And that is only heightened by the extensive use of practical effects and sets. It gives the film a more grounded feeling and naturally pulls the viewer into the film’s environment. The practical effects are very well done regarding the extraterrestrial antagonists of the film. The costuming, puppetry, and animatronics are all utilized very
well and make for more frightening scenes. It enhances the scare factor of the film. However, this does make the few occasions CGI is majorly used, to appear a tad uncanny.
The horror aspect is carefully crafted within the film, combining classic scares and introducing new techniques of danger for the characters to experience that haven’t been explored in prior movies. The
face-huggers and xenomorphs are really given a chance to shine here. There are many callbacks to the
earlier films of the franchise. Some may find that overbearing, but they can serve as a bit of nostalgic fun. Although it should be said, having seen the previous movies of the franchise adds to the enjoyment of the film, it’s not necessary. This film can be watched on its own, and still be
followed along and enjoyed. The acting is decent all around, but the standout is David Jonsson as Andy.
He plays a synthetic and brings his A-game to the role. He’s able to capture both ends of the spectrum from childlike naivety to cold and calculating, and he makes it all believable. It’s additionally interesting to watch his dynamic with the main character Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny). The manner in which their relationships ebbs and flows is intriguing. Cailee Spaney plays her character well, as
does Isabela Merced as Kay, who perfectly captures the horror of the situation these characters are thrown into. The underlying themes seem to hint at the relationship artificial intelligence may have with humans and where that nuance lies regarding benefits versus dangers; especially now
as we move forward, and AI becomes increasingly prevalent. In addition to that there does seem to be a commentary on capitalism, as there often has been especially in the first Alien movie. This is made evident when these labor workers in the film strive for a better future, but are met with the harsh
reality of the corporation-controlled world they live in. That causes them to resort to drastic measures in hopes of a better life, which has disastrous results. There is debate about the final act, which may make or break the movie for some. The final act does throw in something unexpected and shocking.
In my opinion, the final act only adds to the fun of the film. The movie doesn’t exactly subvert
expectations or dwell on deep psycho logical themes. It may follow the formula of the first film of the franchise closely, but it’s a well-made movie with constant thrills and great bouts of growing suspense that’s enhanced by its musical score. Between all the various reboots, revamps, and revivals
that Hollywood has put out for various intellectual properties this year, this counts as one of the good ones.

Jonah Flanagan || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Wired For Chaos is a film about Harley Flanagan, a Hardcore musician whose roots start from the enclave of the Lower East Side to a proud musician, husband, and father. The film isn’t mostly about his music shockingly, it is about how someone grew up in a troubled life filled with violence, depression, drugs, and abuse, but somehow, he still managed to persevere and become a fantastic man with a fiery personality. The movie starts with his early years (obviously) talking about how he was raised by a single mother and his struggles of living on the lower eastside of NYC during the 70s, it was filled with gangs, drugs, and other stuff that I am not allowed to discuss on a newspaper, he talks about this experience with some form of nostalgia but with some disdain as it was a rough time. Then, it finally gets to his introduction to music with his aunt’s band, The Stimulators. At the ripe age of 11, he became a drummer, which would finally turn into the founding of the hardcore band The Cro-Mags. Alongside great
visuals and its stunning story, there are great interviews/stories from Harley’s friends like Flea, Ice-T, Henry Rollins,
members of the Bad Brains, Jocko Willink, and many others that give more depth and character to him. The movie centers more on Harley’s trauma and how it affects his present life, on how he had to raise himself in a world that was constantly against him. He confronts his past hoping it can bring him peace and bring others
a lesson. Even though he is in a better spot now he still is in a battle with his prominent PTSD. Overall, the film is a new and refreshing watch, with no filter every viewer is entitled to a raw, grunge-esc, and serendipitous experience.

Tyler Dinuzzo || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

The Legend of Zelda is a video game franchise that has been around for about as long as video games themselves. Each new entry proved to be an incredible accomplishment in the video game industry, with revolutionary scope unlike anything seen before. Ironically, despite the name of the franchise, these incredible adventures were actually undertaken by a green fairy boy named Link, not the princess Zelda. That is, until now. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the newest entry in this renowned franchise, finally allows the princess Zelda to be the protagonist of a Legend of Zelda
game. Echoes of Wisdom does a fantastic job handling Zelda’s character. It would have been quite easy to simply have it play like any other Zelda game, forcing Zelda to uncharacteristically swing a sword around maniacally like Link would. However, the developers cleverly chose against this, instead opting to give Zelda a unique play style unlike anything else in the series, in the form of “echo game play”. This unique style of gameplay allows Zelda’s more magical side to show. The player, instead of slashing a sword around, can now “echo” enemies they defeat and objects they discover. As a result of this, the game tends to be far more puzzle based, fitting for the “wisdom” element of the title. You might think that this mechanic would get old fast, but thankfully the game is always giving you new
enemies and objects to take down and echo, all with shockingly clever uses that you really have to use your brain to figure out. Once the solution to a certain puzzle click, the satisfaction is unmatched.
The story has always been a key element to a Zelda game, and while it may not seem like it at first, this game has some of the more unique and heavier story elements in a Zelda game yet. This is not just a filler game, and I greatly appreciate that. It would have been easy to diminish Zelda’s debut as a playable character by making her adventure some unimportant side journey, but this adventure pits you against one of the most lore-heavy enemies in series history–no spoilers though! The game does occasionally suffer from bad performance, likely due to running on a console that is now on its way out, but despite the occasional lag, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a blast from start to finish that continues to innovate like the Zelda series always has. Hopefully this will open the door to future entries starring the titular princess. Only time will tell.

Saima Syeda || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Romance Untold by ENHYPEN is a gripping examination of love, introspection, and the range of human emotions, all encased in an evocative pop, R&B, and alternative soundscape. The group’s record, which follows the worldwide success of their earlier releases, feels both mature and creative, advancing their craft while preserving the emotional depth and narrative that have come to define their sound. The production of the album, which features dark synths, smooth beats, and dramatic vocal performances, demonstrates ENHYPEN’s flexibility by blending genres seamlessly. A calm,
synth-driven ambiance greets you from the first track, setting the mood for the emotional trip that follows. The members’ vocals can shine through the tight, precise, yet flowing beats with out overpowering the listener. With its layered harmonies and opulent instrumentals, songs like “Lost in the Moment” evoke a calm, reflective mood, while “Parallel Heart” bursts into a more energetic, electro-pop chorus that manages to maintain a sense of sorrow. Lyrically, ENHYPEN’s earlier themes of identity, desire, and longing are both continued and expanded upon in Romance Untold. The word itself alludes to untold tales—emotions and experiences that have not yet been thoroughly examined. Unrequited love, the pursuit of purpose, and the bittersweet moments that characterize adolescence are among the issues that the album addresses. While “Through the Stars” is a hopeful, almost cinematic call for connection despite distance, songs like “Echoes of You” convey the eerie impression of a love lost in time. The lyrics achieve a sophisticated yet approachable balance by being moving
without coming across as unduly theatrical. Each member of ENHYPEN contributes a distinct quality to the group’s vocal performance, which keeps developing. The album’s more atmospheric passages gain depth from Sunghoon’s silky voice and Jungwon’s emotive delivery. The voices of Sunghoon and Heeseung blend in perfectly with both gentle ballads and upbeat songs, while Jay and NI-KI provide
powerful vocals and a wide spectrum of emotions. The group’s harmonies are especially striking, showcasing their development as a cohesive whole. The members have a strong rapport with one
another, and each is given plenty of opportunity to play to their strengths while also blending in with the overall sound. Romance Untold demonstrates ENHYPEN’s artistic development and evolution as a band. It improves and broadens the ideas and sounds that have struck a chord with fans, even though it doesn’t create anything completely original. The album embraces both the melancholy and the thrill of youthful love and personal development, feeling like a logical evolution. Romance Untold is a moving meditation on the intricacies of love and the stories we construct around it, featuring memorable songs, outstanding vocal performances, and evocative production. This is a strong album that will appeal to ENHYPEN’s current fan base and provide strong evidence for their status as one of K-pop’s most vibrant and exciting acts.

Kelly Nguyen || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Tetris is an iconic puzzle game created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984, having solidified its place in gaming history through its interesting premise. While it is often overshadowed by more complex or visually stunning games of today, Tetris deserves far more recognition for its profound influence and
enduring appeal. At its core, Tetris is a game about spatial reasoning and quick thinking. Beneath the surface, it’s quite simple: falling shapes (tetramine’s) must be rotated and re-arranged to complete rows. Whether you’re playing casually or working towards a high score, Tetris engages the mind.
It forces players to remember shapes, work on their reaction time, and even logical planning. Funnily enough, Tetris is an example of a game that evolves without losing its essential identity. The game has been re-imagined countless times from the original Game Boy version to mobile games and even VR! Each iteration brings something new to the table, but the essence of the game remains the same. Tetris also offers surprising psycho logical benefits. Studies have shown that playing Tetris can improve cognitive skills like spatial awareness and even reduce stress. Its repetitive, meditative quality offers a brief escape from the complexity of modern life, making it both entertaining and therapeutic. In conclusion, Tetris deserves more love because it’s a game that has stood the test of time by focusing on what truly matters: accessible, engaging gameplay. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, culturally influential, and endlessly repayable. For these reasons, Tetris will always be more than just a game—it’s a legacy that continues to impact the world of gaming.

Molly Graiff || Issue 9 || November 19, 2024