(Photo courtesy latimes.com)

By Brady O’Neil and Connor Ryan – News Editors

“Chad Powers,” which released on Hulu on September 30, is a sports/comedy series that was definitely a must-watch series. Created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, the show centers on Russ Holliday, a former college football star whose once-promising career ends after a major mistake and a meltdown that goes viral online The fallout sends Holliday into hiding, spending years laying low on the radar, but a surprising second chance appears when he returns to the sport in disguise as “Chad Powers,” a younger, unrecognized persona who takes the sport by storm. Under this new identity, Chad quickly becomes one of the most talked-about names in the college football world, bringing fresh energy and attention to every field he steps onto. 

The show follows Holliday’s effort to navigate life as Chad while secretly joining a new team and fighting for a starting spot on the roster. This journey forces him to remake his entire identity and routine from the ground up, earning trust from coaches and teammates who have no idea who he actually is. Through this process, the character reconnects with the sport in a way that feels more genuine than anything from his past. Glen Powell delivers a great performance by giving Russ and Chad completely different identities, being able to successfully separate the characters, truly making it seem like he is really hiding the fact from the world that he is Chad Powers. The football scenes are insanely realistic, with movement and playmaking that match actual NFL and College games. The writing blends humor with emotional depth, creating moments that feel both funny and surprisingly grounded. 

Even with all its strengths, the show does have a few weaknesses. Some of the episodes spend too much time on the main storyline revolving around Chad, which makes it seem like there’s too much attention on him. Certain side characters show real potential but don’t get the attention they deserve, leaving interesting ideas unexplored. The disguise concept, while fun and central to the show, seems exaggerated at times, and in real life he would definitely be caught.

Overall, “Chad Powers” is a great mix of sports and comedy. It can improve in some aspects, but in others it excels, and should be a definite watch for football fans.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy atwoodmagazine.com)

By Molly Lynch – Editor-In-Chief

Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” on October 3. This album is unique from her past albums because of its upbeat, pop-focused style with themes centered around love, identity, and the thrill of being in the spotlight. Fan reactions have been mixed, with some praising the album’s energy, catchy hooks, and sense of fun, while others find it uneven, vague, and less emotionally deep than her previous albums. 

Swift deserves praise for this album because of the risks she took and how she highlights fame, spectacle, and love in the public eye. This side of stardom has not been acknowledged in recent media, which makes this album stand out from others of its genre.

The best songs from this album are either “Opalite” or “The Fate of Ophelia.” Both of these songs are extremely catchy and have been on repeat for many since the album’s release. Behind the song’s melodic production, produced by Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback, the messages of these songs correlate with each other really well. With “The Fate of Ophelia”, Swift references the tragic Ophelia from Hamlet by using imagery of drowning in emotional mayhem, then rephrases it as being rescued by love and connection. “Opalite” is a more optimistic song about finding clarity and love. The opalite gemstone metaphor symbolizes transformation, light after darkness, and finding the right person at the right time. 

Another highlight of this album is the title track, “The Life of a Showgirl,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter. The song chronicles the showgirl persona, the glamour, as well as what goes on behind the curtains. It is a story about meeting one of your idols and informing them that you want to follow in their footsteps. This collaboration is significant because Carpenter fits perfectly into the story that the song portrays. With being a rising pop star as well as opening for The Eras Tour, Carpenter and Swift bridge the gap between the two generations for pop stardom.

“The Life of a Showgirl” has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from others of its caliber and has valuable messages laced throughout each song. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy youtube.com)

By Ronnie M. – Staff Reporter

“The Black Parade” is the third studio album by New Jersey rock band My Chemical Romance, first released on October 23, 2006, through Reprise Records. Lead singer Gerard Way came up with the idea to make it a concept album, believing that “death beckons you with one’s fondest memory.” It is centered on the story of a man suffering from terminal cancer, known as “The Patient,” and his journey into the afterlife. The album explores themes of death, memory, and reflection, using the phrase “Black Parade” as a metaphor for both the patient’s impending death and a powerful, warped memory of a childhood parade he attended with his father. “Black Parade” is the entity that leads “The Patient” through his journey into the afterlife, narrating the story of the album. This narration leads the songs to often alternate between the perspectives of “The Patient” and Death, chronicling his struggle, acceptance, and eventual journey toward the end of his life. The songs written from his perspective often explore his fear, regret, and struggle to come to terms with his situation; therefore, the lyrics are bitter and selfish. These themes were heavily amplified from the band secluding themselves within the haunted Paramour Mansion located in Los Angeles, a venue the band found to be eerie, and influenced the album’s dark tone. This creative process showed in the 2006 release of “The Black Parade,” a record known as one of the most influential albums in modern rock history. It skillfully integrates rock, pop, and punk elements with orchestral and theatrical components that redefined the boundaries of alternative rock. Each song contributes to the overarching narrative, immersing listeners in the Patient’s emotional and spiritual journey.

The opening track, “The End,” begins with the beeping of a heart monitor. The soft and meaningful lyrics mixed with an acoustic guitar begin the story of “The Patient”: “Now, come on, come all to this tragic affair,” “So gather ’round, piggies, and kiss this goodbye.” This short song is an intro into the album or the beginning of the Patient’s journey through the afterlife, reflecting on the time he has had while he was a part of the living. This transitions into the first proper song on the album, “Dead!” In it, “The Patient” receives the news of his cancer diagnosis. Despite the grim subject matter, the music and lyrics have a sarcastic and upbeat feel, using dark humor as a way to cope with the reality of death. Track three, “This Is How I Disappear,” explores themes of death, regret, and a desire to be forgotten or to fade away, and was inspired by séances — the act of contacting the dead. This shows the Patient’s attitude toward his death, the loneliness it entails. Just like track three, track four, “The Sharpest Lives,” is similar in that it showcases a different way of discussing death; however, its focus is the idea of living life without caring about the consequences of one’s actions. As the Patient looks back on his messy youth, track five, “Welcome to the Black Parade,” the album’s centerpiece, focuses on the Patient’s childhood memory before his death. The song opens up with a brief piano introduction that later transforms into a grand-scale song that incorporates many different rock elements, prominently sounding like a marching band. This starts with the memory of attending a parade with his father and remembering the advice he bestowed upon him. “He said, ‘Will you defeat them? / Your demons, and all the nonbelievers / The plans that they have made?’” This “challenge” is what he grapples with throughout the album. After this powerful anthem is “I Don’t Love You,” the album’s first power ballad, with its themes being self-explanatory, and the emotional difficulty of ending a relationship. Next, “House of Wolves” covers the Patient as he experiences the afterlife, and seemingly ends up in hell, giving solid imagery of what the Patient feels is waiting for him on the other side. This vivid imagery continues in the next track, “Cancer,” where the character comes to terms with the horrific disease, a literal death sentence, and the effects that it has left on his appearance and life. “Now turn away / ‘Cause I’m awful just to see / ‘Cause all my hair’s abandoned all my body,” “But counting down the days to go / It just ain’t living.” “Mama” is centered around the character of “Mother War,” who represents the Patient’s mother, while the Patient begs her for forgiveness for his actions throughout his life. “Sleep” is one of the slower points on the album, being the second power ballad. It is the Patient’s self-reflection and a feeling of a hellish destiny. “Teenagers” is an outlier in the story; it was made as Gerard Way’s expression of his fear for teenagers. This song could be viewed through two different lenses, one operating inside the story and one operating outside of the story. “Disenchanted” is the third and final power ballad in the album. This song presents the concept of realizing or waking up in life, truly seeing it for what it’s actually worth. “The Patient,” when nearing his death, realizes his life was spent passively waiting rather than living meaningfully. The story comes to an end with the fitting final track, “Famous Last Words,” and it is a more uplifting note, something unexpected to find at the end of this album. It is commanding and leaves the listener with redemption and hope. The lyrics are a powerful declaration of overcoming challenges. “I am not afraid to keep on living / I am not afraid to walk this world alone,” “Nothing you can say can stop me going home.” This is the end of an emotionally hard-to-write album with its dark theme.

The production on the album is amazing; it’s well-tuned and mixed. Gerard Way, the lead singer, is the one who is gifted to write all the lyrics for these songs, communicating his feelings through words that are intense and introspective. The rest of the band works together in synergy to express their own emotions through music, fusing it with Gerard’s strong vocals to make masterful songs and albums that inspire and shape younger and older audiences with spiritual music they can connect with, can relate to, so they know they are not alone and aren’t the only ones going through these intense and suffocating thoughts. The band intended the album to be a source of comfort, support, and an “anthem of a generation” for those struggling with mental health issues and personal crises. One thing My Chemical Romance wanted people to take away from this amazing listening experience is a message of hope, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit over darkness, pain, and hardship. This album is a rallying cry for finding the strength to keep living despite life’s challenges it throws in your way.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy imdb.com)

By Zach Hyatt – Staff Reporter 

“Black Phone 2,” released on October 17, is a horror-thriller film directed by Scott Derrickson. The main protagonists in this film are Finney Blake, played by Mason Thames, Gwen Finney’s younger sister, played by Madeleine McGraw, and the main antagonist, the Grabber, played by Ethan Hawke.

The film takes place four years after “Black Phone.” Weird things start to happen again in a small town, and kids are disappearing again. That same black phone starts to ring again, letting the new victims talk to the ghosts of the Grabber’s old victims. And together they try and help the new victim escape before they are ghosts too. The story brings back old characters from the first film to try to put the grabber away for good.

The movie follows a new group of kids who have to find a way to deal with the Grabber’s spirit and the black phone that connects them to his victims. As kids keep disappearing, the old characters come back to put the Grabber’s spirit away. The movie has suspense, fear and teamwork.

“Black Phone 2” does a good job at keeping viewers watching throughout the whole thing. The acting is strong, especially Finney and his little sister; they really make everything feel real. The scary music and dark background make the movie even creepier. It also shows that the characters from the last film are still dealing with the trauma, which gives it emotion.

Unfortunately, while the movie is solid, but it has its mistakes. Some parts feel really slow and don’t add very much to the story. It also has a lot of repetitive scenes from the first movie, which makes viewers feel like they already know what is going to happen. The ending also leaves a lot of questions unanswered. 

Overall, “Black Phone 2” is a scary movie that keeps viewers on their toes. It has several jump scares, impressive acting, and interesting twists, but some parts are a bit slow and don’t add much to the movie. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy usweekly.com)

By Robert Vercellone – Staff Reporter

“Miracle” is a 2004 sports movie that takes place in Lake Placid, NY, and tells the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Coached by Herb Brooks, the team, made up of college players, faced off against the dominant Soviet Union team, which had won the previous four Olympic gold medals. The film captures the intense training, physically and mentally, that led to one of the most iconic upsets in sports history. 

The movie follows Brooks as he selects and trains his team. He pushes them hard to play as a team. The film leads up to the big game against the Soviets. As Brooks said, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” This quote represents the hardships that this team went through to get to the point that they were at, and that they had an opportunity to beat them.

One of the film’s strengths is the way it tells this story to create an understanding with the audience. The actors did well, and it follows the story well and adds more while making you root for the underdog team. The hockey scenes are also a key point in this film, and they did a good job with them. In one sense, they had to skate for what seems like forever, and the movie was able to capture their emotions and mental state during this time. They captured the struggles of the hockey team and the highs very well, and  the acting was excellent.

Theres nothing really bad to say about this film. Even if viewers are not into hockey, “Miracle” can drag them in and make them want to root for the underdog USA team, and make them want to keep watching. Those who are not into hockey might not understand some scenes, and might make them lose interest, but besides that, this film was beautifully done.

Overall, “Miracle” is an inspiring and well-crafted sports movie. It’s a story about teamwork, dedication, and believing in yourself with so many memorable quotes. It’s a big part of U.S. sports history and a thrilling underdog story. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy netflix.com)

By Kaylanii Albert – Staff Reporter

“The Polar Express” is a 2004 animated film that is based off of a 1985 children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis who is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. The Polar Express was the first movie ever to be filmed entirely with motion capture technology. It holds the Guinness World Record as the first all-motion capture film. The train in the movie is modeled after the Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive, located in Owosso, Michigan.

“The Polar Express” is about a boy who questions whether he thinks Santa Claus is real or not. On Christmas Eve he boards a magical train going to the North Pole that appears outside of his house. Along the way he meets other children and they go on an adventure together to the North Pole. It challenges their beliefs and shifts their thinking of Santa Claus by the end of their trip. It explores the themes of wonder, faith, and the magic of Christmas.

The Polar Express has a very strong and interesting plot carried throughout the movie and is very well-written. For being the first movie to be entirely filmed with motion capture technology, it was very well animated. A majority of the people who watched the “Polar Express” love it and rewatch it every year for the holidays. It’s so interesting and really gets people into the holiday spirit in time for Christmas. It’s perfect for any age and some may even argue, is the best Christmas movie ever.

A few downsides is that some scenes can be a bit stiff, especially with facial expressions that don’t look exactly natural. The pacing is slow in certain scenes, which make it hard for younger kids to stay focused on the movie. The characters seem like they aren’t deeply developed in a way, so it gets tough to connect with them emotionally. The movie also has somewhat a dark tone at times, which gets unsettling for younger kids. Lastly, the ending leaves some viewers unsure whether the adventure was real or just a dream.

“The Polar Express” is a great Christmas movie fit for all ages with an interesting plot, but there are some flaws. There is always room to improve even for a great movie like “The Polar Express.”

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Edited by – TM

(Photo courtesy gq.com)

By Aleah James – Staff Reporter

The Weeknd is a popular R&B artist. Born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, he grew up in a difficult environment in Scarborough, Toronto. Abel was raised by his mother and grandmother after his Ethiopian immigrant parents separated. He dropped out of high school at age 17, left home, and began a lifestyle focusing on chasing what he desired, which was a career in music. He adopted the stage name “The Weeknd.” He decided to drop the “e” off to avoid trademark issues. His career took off after releasing his first mixtape, “House of Balloons” which received co-signs from singer Drake, which led to a record deal and international fame. 

The songs in this album are about late nights, heartbreak, and craving connection while pushing everyone away. It’s messy on purpose. His voice is soft and smooth, but the lyrics hit hard – he’s not sugarcoating anything. Songs like “Wicked Games” and “The Morning” pull you into his world where everything feels cool on the outside but kind of hollow underneath. That contrast is what makes it feel so real.

The beats go from echoey and spacey to  chaotic. It samples parts like a rock band here, a weird sound effect there – and it somehow blends into this soundtrack for anyone who’s ever stayed up too late overthinking everything.

Even now, “House of Balloons” still holds up. It shaped a whole generation of R&B artists who leaned into their emotions instead of hiding them. And it made The Weeknd a name to remember – before the Super Bowl performances, before the Grammys, and the pop hits. This was the raw beginning.

(Photo courtesy billboard.com)

By Joey Amaro – Staff Reporter

Drake’s 2025 single “What Did I Miss?” is the lead track to his upcoming album “Iceman.” Released at the end of his beef with fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar, the song shows Drake having mixed feelings. Questioning friendships, loyalty, and fame’s effect. Produced by Tay Keith and FNZ, the song blends R&B beats with added percussion, showing a darker, more reflective era in his music.

The theme of “What Did I Miss?” revolves around betrayal . Drake questions how his relationships changed while he was handling his fame. The repetitive lyric “What did I miss?” becomes confusing sometimes. Tone-wise, the song goes back and forth between him feeling sad and feeling tough. It shows that Drake is hurt because people he trusted let him down, but he’s also proud and confident that he’s still standing strong.

The song’s biggest strength lies in its precision. The music in the song sounds dark and serious, which matches Drake’s mixed-up feelings. The beat has deep drums and cool sounds that make it exciting to listen to. The chorus sticks in your head, but also feels a little sad. Compared to other rappers like J. Cole or Travis Scott, Drake still mixes singing and rapping really well. He shows his feelings but also sounds confident and cool.

Even though the song is powerful, it covers the same topics Drake often raps about like, betrayal, loyalty, and loneliness. Longtime fans might be hoping for a fresh point of view. Drake could make the song stronger by adding more personal details or showing deeper emotions beyond the usual themes of fame and conflict.

“What Did I Miss?” shows Drake’s lyrics and feelings, and is a relevant reflection of his state of mind.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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By Ryan Woods – Staff Reporter

“Top Gun: Maverick,” which was released on May 27, 2022, is Tom Cruise’s highest-grossing film, earning $1.4 billion at the global box office. It also earned an Academy Award for Best Sound, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Cinematography, and a People’s Choice Award. 

The director of “Top Gun: Maverick” is Joseph Kosinski, and some of the main actors are Cruise as Pete Mitchell, Miles Teller as Bradley Bradshaw, Val Kilmer as Tom Kazansky, Glen Powell as Jake “Hangman” Seresin, and Jennifer Connelly as Penny Benjamin. 

The movie follows Capt. Pete Mitchell, who was one of the Navy’s best aviators, becomes a test pilot and tries his hardest not to be promoted in rank. After testing a jet and flying at Mach 9, he is brought back to the Navy to teach the best of the best to complete a near-impossible mission. But something is stopping Pete from giving his best to these students; Pete’s former wingman, “Goose,” died in a fatal crash, and Pete is now Goose’s son’s teacher. The journey is a grueling and mental and physical challenge.

There are few weak spots in this movie but the biggest is the highly predictable ending. There are also many new characters and the directors didn’t bring back any of the characters from the old movie. There are many more strong points than weak points, though, including the amazing cinematography and the nostalgia that the movie brings.

Overall, “Top Gun: Maverick” is a must-watch, inspirational movie.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy billboard.com)

By Lillian-Mae Haney – Staff Reporter

Modern Baseball is an indie rock and emo band from Philadelphia, started by college friends Brendan Lukens and Jake Ewald. They began making music while they were still in school, writing songs that felt personal and kind of awkward in a relatable way. Their sound mixes pop-punk energy with honest, sometimes self-deprecating lyrics about relationships, mental health, and growing up. What makes Modern Baseball stand out is how real they sound. They’re not trying too hard to impress anyone.

Their debut album, “Sports,” captures what it feels like to grow up and not have everything figured out. The record is full of songs about heartbreak, insecurity, and trying to find confidence in who you are. Each track feels like a personal diary entry written by someone just trying to understand life. The songs “The Weekend” and “Cooke” stand out most, each showing a different side of the band.

One of the biggest strengths of “Sports” is its honesty. The lyrics feel like conversations with a close friend. In “The Weekend”, Lukens sings, “You’ve got a smile that could light this town,” before admitting his own insecurity. “Tears Over…” is witty and self-aware, with the line, “You’re taking your time to make sure you don’t get caught up in me,” capturing the awkwardness of one-sided affection. Even slower songs like “Cooke” show emotional depth, as Ewald sings softly, “I’ve been waiting for the world to burn, so I can call you and tell you it’s all right.” The mix of humor, emotion, and honesty makes this album special.

Despite its emotional impact, “Sports” can sometimes feel repetitive. Many of the songs follow a similar tempo and rhythm, which makes a few of them blend together. The rough production also makes the sound less polished, but that raw, DIY quality gives the album its charm. A bit more musical variety could make the album even more dynamic and help highlight the band’s best moments.

Overall, “Sports” is an incredible debut that captures the messy, confusing, and emotional parts of growing up. Its lyrics are honest and relatable, and its sound perfectly matches the imperfections of real life. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy themusicenthusiastblog.com)

By Cameron Graf – Staff Reporter

Shane Boose, known as “Sombr,” has begun to gain fame in the music industry. He’s best known for his single called “Back to Friends.” The song is about a romantic relationship that’s starting to shift into a platonic relationship. It’s about the connection between the people that has now faded into a friendship. It shows the struggle with boundaries and expectations. That’s just one of his songs, but some of them have a similar vibe. His songs are all about yearning for someone, even if the connection isn’t there. His music is for a specific group of people, so listeners may or may not like the lyrics. He’s been writing music since he was 14, and kids at school used to belittle him, saying he would never get anywhere with his music. He has never given up and looks at how far he’s come. 

His album “I Barely Knew Her” is a new release and the first album he’s produced. It has 10 songs, and they mainly are about how Sombr needs to let go of who this woman was and how he didn’t know who she really was. He didn’t know her, and she turned out to be a totally different person. The album consists of some of his popular singles like “We Never Even Dated,” “Back to Friends,” and “Undressed.”

Sombr is an amazing artist and a writer. The way he portrays his emotions, word choices, and how he really feels is phenomenal. He also makes videos and has a pretty big platform and a bunch of supporters. He’s an open person and takes criticism from fans, but is learning to deal with it. His fans say his music is like a connection, and they see him as a normal person with feelings too.

Although Sombr has been getting some backlash recently with the way his concerts are. People over the age of 25 have been complaining about the validation that he’s been seeking from a younger audience. They mentioned “brain rot” in the jokes he was making, but had adult dancers at his concerts. Sombr is a newer artist, and this is completely new to him, so growth is needed. His music should not take away from who he is, and credit is needed. His music helps people feel heard and understood. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy sweet.tv)

By Delaney Morrin – Staff Reporter

“Mamma Mia!” has been a classic for over a decade. The hit movie was released on July 18, 2008. “Mamma Mia!” is considered a Jukebox Musical Movie, featuring songs from the band ABBA. Before it was a movie, the Jukebox Musical version of “Mamma Mia!” premiered in London’s West End on April 6, 1999, and eventually opened on Broadway on October 18, 2001. A sequel to the movie was released on July 20, 2018, almost exactly 10 years after the original movie was released.

The movie kicks off with one of the main characters, Sophie, who is played by Amanda Seyfried, sending invitations to her wedding to three men. One of those three men is her father, but Sophie doesn’t know, and neither does her mom, Donna, who is played by Meryl Streep. Throughout the movie, Sophie is accompanied by her bridesmaids, Ali and Lisa, who are played by Ashley Lilley and Rachel McDowall, while Donna is accompanied by her friends, Tanya and Rosie, who are played by Christine Baranski and Julie Walters. Donna and her friends have an all-female band, Donna and the Dynamos. Sophie, Ali, and Lisa are best friends just like Donna, Tanya, and Rosie.

When the three men, Sam, Bill, and Harry, who are played by Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, and Stellan Skarsgård, arrive at the island, Sophie attempts to hide them from Donna until she spots them in the hotel she owns. She begins by singing “Mamma Mia!” about the three dads and how she’s missed them for years. Donna finally meets them when she accidentally falls into the room where the three dads are staying. Donna is mortified and decides to tell them to leave and to go back on Bill’s boat. This moment perfectly captures the stress and shock that Donna felt in the moment.

The three dads attempt to leave the island, just like Donna asked, until Sophie finds their boat in the water. Sophie swims to the boat and convinces them not to leave. The three dads tell Sophie about their lives and experiences with her mom by singing “Our Last Summer.” After convincing the dads to stay on the island, Sophie’s fiance, Sky, played by Dominic Cooper, finds out that Sophie invited the dads and feels betrayed. He questions her reason for the wedding by questioning “Is that what this whole big white wedding is about? You finding your dad?” Sky is losing his trust for Sophie and decides to let her figure her family problems out on her own. 

At Sophie’s bachelorette party, Donna and the Dynamos crash the party and perform as a surprise for Sophie. They play “Super Trouper” which lifts up Sophie’s mood during the party. During her performance, Donna spots the three men watching from behind the audience. Donna wasn’t expecting to see them, since she thought they left on Bill’s boat. She is very upset about the situation, which makes Sophie confess to her mom that she invited them. That night, Sophie has separate conversations with her potential dads, and they all express that they are willing to be her father and walk her down the aisle tomorrow. Sophie is even more unsure which one is her dad after their conversations. 

The day of the wedding, Sophie talks to her mom to end the tension. Sophie asks her mom to give her away instead of the dads, which brings Sophie and Donna much closer after the events that took place days before. Donna helps Sophie get ready for the wedding by singing “Slipping Through My Fingers.”, which creates a perfectly emotional and nostalgic scene, which leads us to Sophie and Sky’s wedding. 

Overall, “Mamma Mia!” is a fun, heartfelt classic that is perfect for any movie night with family or friends.

(Photo courtesy HBO Max)

By Tiana Rosiak – Staff Reporter

HBO began airing the seven-episode second season of their show, “The Last Of Us” on April 13. The series is based on the popular video game of the same name, and the second season focuses on the 2020 installment, “The Last Of Us Part II”. 

The new season focuses directly on the aftermath of the previous season with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) relationship as the main focus point. However, it begins with showcasing a strained relationship between the two, something that wasn’t shown in the finale of season one. Just like its predecessor, the second season focuses on themes of loss and dealing with death through the perspective of someone directly affected. The season, though, does heavily focus on relationships, specifically between protagonist Ellie and new addition Dina (Isabela Merced). 

One of the hardest things the season had to accomplish was translating the plot to screen, but they fail to do so and even when tweaking it. An adaptation is not a recreation, and the show doesn’t try to be the exact same as the game, but that’s where they fail. There are almost no similarities between the game and show other than the name. Plot lines are changed, characters don’t get the same edge they once had, timelines are switched. Rather than taking time to develop previously undeveloped characters like Jesse (Young Mazino), they add nothing and make supporting characters boring to watch. Pacing has also been one of their biggest let downs. Trying to fit a unique and layered story into less than ten hour long episodes is almost impossible to accomplish, even if they succeeded at doing it previously. Although its main plot takes place in Seattle, the viewers don’t get to see it until half of the episodes have aired, and even then, the tone and feeling the post-apocalyptic city once had in the games has been erased. Rather than the action viewers were promised, they are instead greeted by one fight scene and 55 minutes of dialogue that gets characters nowhere.

The stronger points of the season, however, revolve around music and added scenes. A lot of the music in the game, whether covers or by the original artist, were kept in the show. Featuring songs such as “Take On Me” and “Future Days” are important as they are significant to characters. The series also adds scenes that were sometimes needed. In the show, there was more focus on Issac (Jeffrey Wright), an antagonist, that they didn’t have in the game. Putting more emphasis on him and showcasing his backstory helps set him up as a villain rather than just introducing him as “bad”. The acting is another stand out in the season. Due to the emotional and hard topics, there’s always the chance that the execution can bring it down, but they don’t have this problem this season. Rather, the acting at times helped improve scenes that weren’t so great in the first place.

In general, adapting a beloved video game is a tough thing for anyone to accomplish. The creators attempted to do well, but missed heavily in their execution. Even the things that brought last season up couldn’t help the disappointment that is season two.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy Paramount Plus)

By Calder Costantini – Staff Reporter

“Dexter” is a crime drama television series that aired on Showtime from 2006 to 2013 and was added to Paramount+ and Netflix in December 2024. The show is based on Jeff Lindsay’s novel “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” and developed by James Manos, Jr. There are eight seasons, plus three additional prequel and sequel seasons, named “Dexter: Original Sin” which follows Dexter as a teenager to put context to his crude ways. Next, there is “Dexter: New Blood,” following Dexter’s life after the original series. Finally, Paramount+ recently released “Dexter: Resurrection,” tailing Dexter’s action-packed life chronologically after “Dexter: New Blood.”

Dexter Morgan is a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Homicide in Miami, Florida. The show follows Dexter, who appears to be a quiet, intelligent, and socially awkward professional. Secretly, however, he is a serial killer who targets other murderers and people who have escaped justice, taught a moral code introduced to him by his adoptive father, Harry Morgan. Throughout the series, Dexter struggles to balance his two polar opposite personalities. The show blends crime investigation, dark humor, and psychological horror.

The reason “Dexter” stands out from other shows is that Dexter has a very interesting moral scheme within all of his relationships, and to put it simply, the idea of a serial killer who targets other killers and criminals is fascinating. The production is done so well that it makes audiences empathize with a serial killer who is psychologically captivating. The reason this series is so fascinating is that it makes you question the comparison between good and evil and the control of your own surroundings. Another strong point could include the outstanding acting in the show. Michael C. Hall, who plays Dexter Morgan, is perfect for Dexter. His mannerisms and subtle yet suspicious life fit write into how Dexter should be played. Hall manages to humanize a character who is morally built to be impossible to relate to anyone. Another good spin on the show is Dexter’s inner monologue. Throughout the whole series, we can hear Dexter’s thrilling and brilliant thoughts to get himself out of the deepest of situations. The monologue adds another layer to his moral compass and values as a person. The tone in which Dexter narrates this monologue can be chilling and sometimes even humorous.

The supporting cast of this series is also jaw-dropping. An actor like Jennifer Carpenter, who plays Dexter’s foul-mouthed and ambitious sister, Debra Morgan, is the perfect actor for what her role is. Debra is nothing like Dexter; she also works in the justice system as a uniform cop and soon-to-be lieutenant. She stops at nothing to arrest people who try to escape justice, and she is one of the smartest but short-tempered people in the show. Another great actor throughout the show is Julie Benz, who plays Rita Bennett, an average woman whom Dexter dates and marries. Rita has two kids, Astor and Cody, whom she had with her ex-husband. Julie Benz does a great job of making Rita the perfect stressed-out mother of two kids, who just tries to get by. Rita brings a normalcy to the show’s dark tone. Especially at the beginning of the show, Rita was a big part of humanizing Dexter and generating an audience to relate to Dexter. 

Although the production of this show is sensational, many people believe that the show gets repetitive. Through almost every episode, Dexter will find and kill a person who fits his code, and this tends to get very repetitive for some viewers. Many people also say that after Season 4, the villains get worse and the show gets more bland.

Overall, this show is one of the highest-rated and thrilling shows ever on television It is the perfect mix of horror, comedy, and drama, and the production knows exactly how to execute it. Michael C. Hall’s Hall ofFame performance in this show earned him many awards, including 5 Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe in 2010, as well as three more nominations for a Golden Globe in 2008, 2009, and 2012. Including 15+ more awards that Hall and the collective cast have won. Many people consider this one of the best shows ever aired on television – for good reason.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy allkpop.com)

By Evelyn Rossi – Staff Reporter 

LE SSERAFIM is a five-member K-Pop group under HYBE Entertainment, “SPAGHETTI”, their first single album. This album features the Title Track “SPAGHETTI”, which features J-Hope of BTS, and the B-side “Pearlies (My oyster is the world)”, along with remixes. Released on October 24, the album’s genre is ‘Korean Dance’ or ‘K-Pop’, and it has garnered attention for its unique sound and music video visuals. 

Ever since their debut in 2022, LE SERRAFIM have been known for their bold and experimental music. Consisting of 5 members: Sakura, Yunjin, Eunchae, Chaewon, and Kazuha, LE SSERAFIM were formed by Source Music, a Sub-Level of HYBE – the entertainment company responsible for global superstar groups like BTS, KATSEYE, and NewJeans. So far, LE SSERAFIM has had a very successful career, winning numerous awards, and many of their songs and choreographies have gone viral on social media, outside of K-pop fan spaces. 

Title Track “SPAGHETTI” has been widely accepted as a hit, as have many of the group’s songs. The song opens with an airy and somewhat serene first verse, but then dives into an intense chorus with playful lyrics. These lyrics about ‘spaghetti’ are actually a metaphor for their fame and accomplishments as a group. This can be seen in lyrics like, “This is a hot spot 숨 쉬듯 찾는 니 밥상 / 단골이 된 넌 fall in love / 참을 수 없는 맛 / 우린 in the kitchen. Cookin’ it up what you’re craving / 나의 입맛대로 saucin’ / And now the world’s gone mad (This is a hot spot / Your favorite dish, like a hot pot / You taste it once, and fall in love / And now, you can’t go back / My girls in the kitchen / We’re cookin’ it up, what you’re cravin’ / I flick my wrist, yeah I’m saucin’ / And now the world’s gone mad).” In these lyrics, we can decipher the metaphor to see that they are singing about how their music is easy to love, and largely loved by the “world.” E SSERAFIM has been proven right, as many have professed their love for J-Hope’s verse along with the catchy chorus, claiming the song is very memorable.  

The B-side “Pearlies (My oyster is the world)”, the title reinterpreting the idiom “The world is my oyster”, which is actually the title of another one of LE SSERAFIM’s B-sides. This song presents deeper lyrics, but still sticks to an upbeat feel. The song was written by LE SSERAFIM’s own Huh Hynjin, in which she discusses the girl group’s love for their fans (fandom): FEARNOTs. Netizens have even said that they prefer “Pearlies (My oyster is the world)” to “SPAGHETTI”. 

However, with widespread love will also come hate and criticism. Listeners have said that they find “SPAGHETTI” to be a “fun” track – a light-hearted way of saying the song may seem dumb, or take a few listens before one might actually “get” or enjoy the song. Some have compared the song to KATSEYE’s “Gnarly”, as they both share sportive and slight lyrics. This is ironic, considering “SPAGHETTI” is a “dish the haters” type of song. 

All in all, LE SSERAFIM’s new album “SPAGHETTI” has been seen as a huge success for them, as fans all over have found themselves replaying this hit. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy spotify.com)

By Alexandra Oliveira – Staff Reporter

Tate McRae released her third studio album, “So Close To What,” in February. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. There are 15 songs on the album and the lead single “It’s OK I’m OK” debuted at #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, which was a new high for McRae at the time. The album consists of both upbeat songs like “Miss Possessive” and “Revolving Door” as well as slower songs like “Nostolgia”. The album has a variety of songs which makes it easy for anyone to resonate with them.

“So Close To What” explores themes of self-discovery and love from a more mature perspective. It’s an upbeat dance-pop record that shows the complexities of growing up, relationships, and finding one’s identity. While the album has fun beats it also contains vulnerable lyrics about love, jealousy, and navigating fame. The album title, as McRae explained, captures the feeling of driving without a clear destination, representing the constant pursuit of purpose in her career and life. There are three music videos for songs on the album including “Revolving Door”, “Sports Car”, and “2 Hands”. The album marks a transition from her earlier work, balancing her deep lyrics with a more pop sound.

McRae’s song, “Siren Sounds” is about being in a toxic, self-destructive relationship that everyone can see is failing, but the couple chooses to stay together, “dancing to the siren sounds” of the chaos. The song uses the metaphor “burning house” to represent their relationship, and the title refers to the “siren song”- an alluring but dangerous call that pulls them in despite the danger.

McRae’s song, “Revolving Door” uses the metaphor of a revolving door to describe the longing and frustration of a toxic, back-and-forth relationship. A powerful line from the song is “I keep coming back like a revolving door / Say I couldn’t want you less, but I just want you more”.

With the many popular female pop artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams McRae did an amazing job finding her own style. The only weak point is that since the songs are so popular like “Sports Car” they are played everywhere which could get boring. Overall the album has catchy lyrics and fun beats that make listeners want to get up and dance. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

(Photo courtesy screenrant.com)

By Molly Lynch and Ava Grippo – Advocate Editors

The latest “Superman” movie, released earlier this year, received mixed reviews. Some fans thoroughly enjoyed its optimism and strong performances by the actors, while others found the plot overly complex and inconsistent.

“Superman” was directed by James Gunn and cast were David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luther, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Maria Gabriela de Faria as The Engineer, and Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher. 

This “Superman” adaptation follows Clark Kent/Superman as a startling truth is revealed to the world, and turns everyone against him. Lex Luther uses everything in his power to try to take him down. But Superman does not let this decide who he is and who he isn’t. He fights to prove to himself and others who he truly is. 

Lex Luther is a mastermind who desires to kill Superman. He has built a team and utilizes advanced technology to achieve his goals. And that is making an end to Superman. Nicholas Hoult does a great job at playing Luther and really making you despise him and his intentions. 

In this adaptation, Clark and Lois already have a semblance of a romantic relationship. The movie follows the two of them as they grow and realize their true feelings for one another. The movie lacks the development and deep connection that the two of them share in other adaptations, such as Smallville and Superman and Lois, where you get a better understanding of their relationship and how they came to be. 

Superman’s character was written well, showcasing what kind of hero he is and what makes him the same as everyone else, even if he is from another planet. Another thing that the movie lacks is the screentime of him as Clark Kent. There were only a few short scenes showcasing him as Clark. The movie was more focused on Superman than it was on Clark Kent. Both identities are important to the story, so the lack of seeing Kal-El as Clark Kent was disappointing. 

The movie felt very lackluster and included scenes that did not add anything to the overall plot. While watching, it was hard to follow along at times when side plots would come up out of nowhere. Lots of aspects of the plot, mostly ones that involved Lex Luthor, were not explained well and left many viewers confused. More explanation was needed for it to feel complete and leave no plot holes. 

“Superman” did a great job on exploring the hero side of Clark Kent: Superman, and its portrayal of the iconic villain Lex Luthor was well written and acted. The movie contained several action scenes and plot twists that kept you entertained. 

Even so, this movie did not live up to other “Superman” adaptations, as it left viewers with undeveloped characters and many questions. 

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars