Movie Review: Gladiator II

The Hudsonian Newspaper

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

Game Review: Marvel Rivals

The Hudsonian Newspaper

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.

Elon Musk Throws Up Alleged “Nazi Salute”

The Hudsonian Newspaper

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

On Monday, January 20th, 2025 Billionaire Elon Musk attended President Trump’s inauguration. After the inauguration Musk spoke at a rally after the event and was hyping up the crowd.”This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilization,” he said. “This one real ly mattered. Thank you for making it happen! Thank you.” He then proceeded to bite his bottom lip, he thumped his right hand over his heart, fingers spread wide, then extended his right arm out, emphatically, at an upward angle, palm down and fingers together pointed forward. The then did it again to the crowd behind him. This gesture was extremely reminiscent of the notoriously fascist salute, This action
sparked heated debate over its meaning. Many people defending Musk’s actions claimed that he did the action by accident because of the excitement of the rally, like the Anti Defamation League . Others claim he was performing a “Roman salute”. But what is it? The “Roman salute” was a greeting
performed by the Romans in the Roman empire. However, this idea was misconstrued by fascist Italian leaders in the 1920s. Even though it is often called a “Roman salute”, there is no evidence that ancient Romans actually used this exact gesture. The gesture was first given its ideological ties by Gabriele D’Annunzio, and then popularized by Benito Mussolini. So even if it’s meant to be a “Roman salute” it still has historical ties to fascism regardless of Musk’s original intentions. Many people have taken videos of themselves doing the salute and posting it to social media in solidarity with Musk. To the surprise of many of those supporters they were terminated from their jobs because of the inappropriate and hateful behavior. People denouncing Musk’s actions have shown their distaste by vandalizing Tesla properties mocking his nazi supporting behavior. Following this incident Musk began influencing Germany’s election for chancellor. Endorsing Germany’s Alt right party (ADF) and speaking over video during a party on January 25th. Brushing away the ADF’s actions and connection to Nazism. Musk commented on how Germany has “too much of a focus on past guilt,” as an apparent effort to wipe away the actions and ideologies of the Nazis that has influenced generations of Germans. He also commented “It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything” and “We don’t want everything to be the same
everywhere where it’s just one big sort of soup,”. Along with Musk’s salute incident many Germans were outraged by his behavior. This all happened 2 days before Poland commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Which is one of the most significant days of memorial on the German calendar. Currently Germany’s youth is experiencing a spike in antisemitism and reverting back to those concerning beliefs. It has become such and is
sue that many schools are making it mandatory to take students to visit Auschwitz to make sure history will not repeat itself. Overall, Musk’s critics have criticized his words and his timing including journalist Mathieu von Rohr for Spiegel, one of Germany’s most important news magazines. President Trump has not made many comments on Musk’s behavior so far. But it’s unknown what other actions he will do to address his behavior or continue on with it.

Meta Settles Trumps Lawsuit For $25M

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Meta Platforms has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump in 2021, following the suspension of his Facebook and Instagram accounts after the January 6 Capitol events. The settlement allocates $22 million to a fund supporting the construction of President Trump’s presidential library, with the remaining $3 million covering legal fees and other plaintiffs involved in the case.
In the lawsuit, President Trump alleged that Meta’s actions violated his First Amendment rights, asserting that the company engaged in improper censorship by suspending his ac
counts. Meta assured that the suspensions
were due to policy violations related to inciting violence, not external pressures.
This settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing discussions about content moderation and free speech on social media platforms. It also reflects Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s efforts to navigate the complex relationship between technology companies and political figures.

Meta had previously contributed $1 million to President Trump’s inaugural fund and recently ended its fact-checking program. Some see this move as a way for the platform to reposition itself to be in better standing under the Trump administration. Zuckerberg states that this shift embraces free speech in our shifting political and social landscape. Meta will use a ‘community notes’ style system, similar to the platform X, previously Twitter. Critics have expressed concern over the settlement, suggesting it sets a concerning tone. Senator Elizabeth Warren commented, “It looks like a bribe and a signal to every company that corruption is the name of the game.” She questioned what Zuckerberg might expect in return for this “investment.”
This is the second recent legal settlement involving President Trump and a major corporation. In December, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit related to coverage of allegations against President Trump. The Meta settlement brings to light the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding content moderation, free speech, and the influence of major technology companies in the political sphere.

A Cause for Concern: Nuclear Testing

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Federal agencies ran a large-scale nuclear incident training exercise last week across Schenectady, Albany, and Saratoga counties. The drill, which started January 26 and ran through January 31, involved the FBI, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies working alongside local law enforcement. According to officials and a statement from the FBI directly, this was just a routine exercise, not a response to any actual threat. The goal was to sharpen emergency response tactics in case of a real nuclear event, whether in the U.S. or abroad. The training included deploying the National Technical Nuclear Forensics Ground Collection Task Force, a team responsible for collecting and analyzing nuclear debris samples in nuclear crises. Officials told those in the area to expect to see more military personnel, aircraft, and even people in protective gear, though they stressed that there’s no reason for alarm, even if it might have looked intense. “The public does not need to be alarmed by training-related activity,” the FBI said in a statement. The exercise was focused on key locations like Albany Airport, Stratton Air National Guard Base, and parts of northern Saratoga County. Local law enforcement, including New York State Police and sheriff’s offices from Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties, were also involved. The training wasn’t open to the public or media due to its sensitive nature, but officials said that it’s a necessary part of national security preparedness. These response drills happen every two years, with previous exercises held in different regions of the country. Planned for this particular event started last spring well before recent global tensions surrounding nuclear threats. Officials insist the timing is purely coincidental. While it’s not every day you see a full-scale nuclear indecent drill happening nearby, officials hope the public understands the importance of staying prepared. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that agencies at all levels are training for worst-case scenarios, so the rest of us don’t have to.

Albany’s Redemption Arc Flopped

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Development deal expires as Albany secures $400M

A proposal to build a soccer stadium, housing, and retail space at Liberty Park in Albany faces competition after the developers’ exclusive agreement expired. This comes as Albany is in line to receive $400 million in state funding for downtown revitalization. In May of 2024, Ed and Lisa Mitzen of Business for Good and developer Jeff Buell introduced a plan to build an 8,000-seat stadium, which would be part of a larger development with housing and shops. The goal was to transform the underused Liberty Park area into a vibrant neighborhood. However, after the agreement expired in November, Capitalize Albany is now opening the project up to new proposals.
Capitalize Albany President Ashley Mohl said the city is excited to work with the state to maximize the potential of the site. “We’re looking forward to seeing what new ideas come forward,” Mohl said.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan has expressed support for the project, saying it could
boost Albany’s economy while preserving its historic character.
Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy also sees the stadium as part of a larger plan to reconnect Albany to its waterfront and revitalize the downtown area. With the property now open to new
proposals, the future of the Liberty Park development remains uncertain. However, if the soccer stadium project
moves forward, it could bring positive change to Albany’s downtown.

Passenger Jet and Helicopter Midair Collision

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 12 || February 4th, 2025

American Airlines Jet and U.S. Army Helicopter Crash Over Potomac, 67 Dead

In a devastating midair collision Wednesday night, an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter crashed over the icy waters of the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people
aboard. Officials have called the crash the
worst U.S. aviation disaster in nearly
24 years. The American Airlines Bombardier
CRJ700 was on its final approach to Reagan National, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, when the helicopter reportedly entered its flight path.
The aircraft clipped each other at high speed, creating a massive fireball and sending debris and wreckage into the river below.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the jet broke into three sections upon impact with the water, while the helicopter’s remains were
found scattered across many miles of
land. Rescue teams worked overnight in
freezing conditions, recovering at least 28 bodies from the Potomac River by Thursday morning.
Divers continued their search throughout the day, working alongside investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
By late Thursday, authorities confirmed that the remains of all three soldiers aboard the Army helicopter had been located. “The investigation and recovery efforts remain active,” D.C. Fire and EMS said in a statement. “We are working
diligently to locate all victims and aircraft components to support the investigation.”
The cause of the collision remains unclear, but reports suggest that an air traffic control staffing issue may have played a role.
According to an FAA report obtained by The Associated Press, one air traffic controller was handling two positions at the time of the crash, an unusual and potentially dangerous scenario,
especially given the volume of traffic at Reagan National.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation Thursday morning, confirming there were no survivors. “As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul taken from us so suddenly,”
he spoke. However, his remarks later in the day sparked controversy when he suggested that FAA diversity hiring initiatives may have compromised air safety. The NTSB has recovered the plane’s black box and cockpit voice recorder, which have been sent for analysis.
“We’re here to assure the American people that we will leave no stone unturned in this investigation,” NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said at a press conference. Officials expect to release a preliminary report within 30 days. Among those who lost their lives were two young figure skaters, two of their parents, and two esteemed Russian coaches. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, confirmed on Thursday that skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, along with coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among the victims.
Also among the victims were two Chinese nationals, according to the Chinese Embassy, which pledged to assist the victims’ families.
Several former students from Loudoun County Public Schools were also on board, deepening the tragedy’s impact on the local community. The crash disrupted air traffic at Reagan National, grounding flights overnight. By Thursday morning, operations resumed, but delays persisted as investigators continued working at
the crash site. As families, the community, and the nation mourn, authorities are focused on determining what went wrong and preventing such a catastrophe from occurring again. “Our mission is to understand not just what happened, but why it happened,” said NTSB board member Todd Inman. “And to recommend changes to prevent it from happening again.”

F1 Gets Their First Female Race Engineer

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Saima Syeda || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Laura Mueller is the first female race engineer in Formula 1 and one of the reforms Haas has made to their race operations team. At the US-based squad, German Mueller will collaborate with newcomer
Esteban Ocon as one of two new race engineers. Carine Cridelich, the new head of strategy for Haas, will also be a woman. She was hired from Red Bull’s Racing Bulls squad and will begin work on March 1. As the individual who works most closely with drivers on the setup, operation, and performance of their cars, race engineers play a crucial role. On television broadcasts, their voices can be heard conversing with drivers. Ronan O’Hare, another inside hire and former performance engineer, will be Mueller’s opposite number on the vehicle of Ocon’s teammate, Oliver Bearman, a British rookie. Diversity in Formula One is growing, according to team principal Ayao Komatsu, but he also stated: “It’s not like I picked Laura because she’s female. We simply don’t give a damn; gender and nationality are irrelevant. Work, teamwork, and ability to maximize performance are what count, and Ronan and Laura, in my opinion, are the ideal candidates.” After identifying the race operations team’s shortcomings early last year, Komatsu, who was appointed team principal prior to the 2024 season, stated that he had sought to replace them. Among Haas’s adjustments are the hiring of a new chief
racing engineer and sporting director, two roles that the low-budget team lacked last season. Francesco
Nenci, the new chief race engineer, has F1 experience with Sauber and Toyota and most recently worked with Audi’s Dakar Rally program. The sporting director will be Mark Lowe, who was previously the manager of Haas’ operations team. “I felt the trackside team was one of the weakest areas last year, and the more the car became competitive that exposed it more,” Komatsu stated. “We had the fifth-fastest car the end of the year. However, we should have placed sixth [in the constructors’ championship] based on our execution, but we didn’t. “We left too many points from the trackside operation on the table, which contributed to the problem. I sorely needed a boost. Frenchwoman Cridelich follows other female strategy leaders, such as Red Bull’s main strategy engineer, Hannah
Schmitz. Former Sauber and Aston Martin employees Ruth Buscombe and Bernie Collins have now pursued careers in radio. Haas has a distinct organizational structure because of their collaboration with Ferrari, which reduces their internal activities as much as feasible. Haas designs solely the chassis and aerodynamic surfaces for their car, employs Ferrari’s wind tunnel, and has a design staff in Maranello, Italy, where they purchase almost all of the parts allowed by Ferrari’s regulations. The race team operates out of a small factory in Banbury, Oxfordshire, although their headquarters are in Kannapolis, North Carolina. According to Komatsu, Haas will have enough money this year for the
first time to meet F1’s budget cap. In order to maintain consistency with aerodynamic studies, they would also be sticking with last year’s design rather than utilizing Ferrari’s most recent modified front suspension. Komatsu stated that his goals were “set on consistency” after Haas finished seventh in the previous season, ahead of Racing Bulls, Williams, and Sauber. “In history with Haas across the
years, I don’t think we have been competitive across the seasons in a similar manner,” he stated. He went on to say that his goal was to further enhance a team that, in his opinion, was “punching above its weight” given its restricted resources. “Who only has 300 people or operates out of this kind of building?” Komatsu uttered such words. “We couldn’t possibly be defeating Williams if they were playing to their full potential. I want to reach a point where we can defeat those individuals based just on merit without any mistakes being made.

We Need a President: The Search Continues

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

The application period for Hudson Valley Community College’s presidential search closed on January 6, 2025, marking progress in the process led by RH Perry & Associates following the dismissal of former president Roger Ramsammy. The presidential search follows Ramsammy’s termination after allegations of misconduct. Ram Sammy, who denies the claims, had a long career in higher education before his dismissal in 2024. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and Kevin Cavanagh are in charge of the recruitment. The ideal candidate must hold a doctorate or terminal degree, have teaching experience, and demonstrate leadership in student success initiatives, workforce development, and community engagement. RH Perry also draws attention to the need for a president who understands the unique challenges of community colleges, can maintain strong relationships with SUNY leadership, and will maintain a strong campus presence. More than 70 candidates have applied, including Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, who is also seeking a congressional nomination. McLaughlin’s application is unconventional since he lacks a doctorate or teaching experience. However, he points out his MBA in finance, experience in government, and involvement
in workforce development. His supporters argue that his leadership skills and union negotiation
experience could benefit HVCC, especially if the college moves toward a more job-oriented focus.
HVCC is one of the largest community colleges in the SUNY system and serves over 10,000 students through degree programs, workforce training, and online education. The search committee, composed
of trustees, faculty, and community members, will soon receive the candidate list and select finalists.
The SUNY chancellor will interview the top three candidates before the SUNY Board of Trustees
makes a final decision. The selection process typically takes 10 months to a year, and HVCC, SUNY officials, and RH Perry & Associates are all working hard to find a leader who will guide the school
toward continued success in both academics and workforce development.

Middle: Steve Mclaughlin Photo credits: Lori van Buren/times union

NFL Playoff Picture: Week 13

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Alan Conklin || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

After 12 weeks of NFL action, the playoff picture for both the AFC and NFC is still completely up in the air. Multiple divisions still don’t have a clear frontrunner, and the number one seeds in both conferences are here by just one game. Let’s delve into what things will look like for the final six weeks of the regular season. Starting in the AFC, the least competitive division is easily the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills (9-2) can all but coast to their fifth consecutive division win with a four-game lead over the second place Miami Dolphins (5-6). The Bills are currently in line to be the number two seed in the AFC. The Dolphins are the only other team in the playoff conversation and are currently a game and a
half back from the seventh and final playoff spot. Switching now to the most competitive division, the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) hold just a half game lead over the Baltimore Ravens (8-4). This slots the Steelers in as the number three seed and the Ravens in at number five as the best wildcard team. The third-place team Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) are just a bit too far back for me to consider them in the playoff hunt, but at 2.5 games behind the seventh seed could still technically make it in. The worst division in the AFC looks to be only sending one team to the playoffs this year, that division being the AFC South. The Houston Texans (7-5) hold a comfortable two game lead over the Indianapolis Colts (5-7), despite being the AFC division leader with the worst record. The Texans are currently slotted in at the number four seed, with the Colts being behind the seventh seed by two games. The last AFC division, the AFC West, is easily the most dominant with their teams currently holding three of the seven playoff spots. The division is headed by the current number one seeded
Kansas City Chiefs (10-1). And while the Chiefs look like a lock for their ninth consecutive division win, the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) and Denver Broncos (7-5) are still in the hunt, currently seeded at number six and seven respectively. The NFC finds itself in a similar situation, with very little certainty after ⅔ of the regular season. One of the most interesting storylines of the season has been the NFC North battle, as three of the best teams, not just the NFC but the entire NFL, reside there. The division is headed by the Detroit Lions (10-1), who are the number one seed in the NFC. Followed close behind are the Minnesota Vikings (9-2) and Green Bay Packers (8-3). These two, while not in the division lead, currently hold the best wildcard positions at five and six. Another highly competitive division, but on the other end of the record spectrum, is the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks (6-5), Arizona Cardinals (6-5), Los Angeles Rams (5-6), and San Francisco 49ers (5-6) all sit with in a game of the division lead. The Seahawks currently hold that honor, coming in as the third seed. But the other three currently find themselves outside of the playoffs by half a game (Cardinals) and a game and a half (Rams and 49ers). Currently home to the number two and seven seed in the NFC is the NFC East. Headed by
the Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) and followed by the Washington Commanders (7-5) this looks to be the fourth year in a row in which the division sends multiple teams to the post season. Wrapping up the NFC conference is the NFC South. The Atlanta Falcons (65) currently hold the lead, but are followed
closely by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6). The Falcons are slotted in as the last division leader in the fourth seed, and the Buccaneers find themselves a game and a half back from the fourth seed, but
have their sights set on the division lead, which they are only one game out of. With so many different storylines and possible scenarios it will certainly be interesting to see what the playoffs look like come January.