Look to this page to find student reviews of movies, television shows, books, video games, or albums. Anything goes! ALL students are welcome to submit a review.
Movie Review | Black Panther
By Aamina Arian
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On February 16, the Marvel Cinematic Universe released it’s newest movie, Black Panther. An instant hit, it quickly became one of Marvel’s highest grossing films. With a nearly all people of color cast, Black Panther has great representation. There are also many leading women roles. The main character’s sister, Shuri, is a fantastic role model for this generation of girls. From hilarious puns to being a tech genius some may say she is the real star of the movie. Black Panther gives Marvel fans an insight on the nation of Wakanda. A far more advanced civilization that is hidden from the rest of the world. Breathtaking scenes of the land bring almost a Lion King feel to the movie. Not to mention the incredible soundtrack that goes with the film perfectly. While this was a fantastic Marvel movie; it was still a Marvel movie. As absolutely amazing as it was the movie lacked a certain emph at points. Still an overall amazing film, Black Panther is a must see!
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Movie | Love, Simon
by Molly Cuddy
Photo courtesy of 20th century fox
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If you're looking for a feel-good movie to watch, Love, Simon is the one for you. Based off the popular book Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, this movie follows a teenage boy named Simon who is struggling to come out to his friends and family. Throughout the course of the movie he emails an anonymous boy online who he ends up falling for. It's funny, heartwarming, cheesy, sentimental and romantic. It'll make you laugh and cry at the same time. It's one of the most important movies of 2018 so far, and I recommend that everyone watches it. You'll fall in love with Simon and the rest of his friends, too.
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Movie | Star Wars The Last Jedi
by Aamina Arain
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The Last Jedi is a different side of the Star Wars series that we have not seen before. Full of comedy, twists and turns, it is bound to bring a smile to your face. From lightsaber duels to near executions it's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Some may say this movie has taken a bit of a childish route and is too comedic, but it opens the door to a new story with Rey and Kylo Ren as the new leads. Of course, our favorite twins from the originals are still there, and new exciting characters have come to join the Star Wars family. In the movie, the resistance fighters are getting hit hard, and just when it seems all hope is lost is also when the greatest sign of hope returns. Watching the movie will certainly make you feel like you yourself are a Jedi and have a strong connection to the force. It tugs at your heartstrings, and portrays a new fresh feeling different from old movies. While we do get some answers, we also have new questions at the end of this movie. The Last Jedi, the second of the new trilogy, may not be what fans are used to in the Star Wars series, but it definitely leaves you wanting more.
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Book | Turtles All The Way Down
by Molly Cuddy
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Chances are, whether you’re a reader or not, you’ve read a John Green book. Or at least heard of one. Or, at the very least, you’ve gone to see one of the movies based off of his books. Everyone knows John Green, especially after his book The Fault in Our Stars became popular back in 2013. His Youtube series "Crash Course" is popular as well.
Some like Green, others not so much; however, no matter your opinion on him, I still highly suggest you check out his new book, Turtles All the Way Down. This novel follows 16-year-old Aza Holmes, who has discovered her childhood friend Davis’ billionaire father has gone missing. She and her friend Daisy try to uncover where his father might have gone throughout the novel. Aza and Davis also reconnect through his father’s mysterious disappearance. However, this novel is so much more than a couple of friends trying to solve a mystery. This story focuses mainly on Aza’s day-to-day struggle with anxiety. Her anxiety affects not only herself, but also those around her. She constantly feels trapped in a ‘spiral’ of her anxiety. Turtles All the Way Down is Aza’s story of trying to overcome her anxiety. This novel almost feels like you’re reading a panic attack. It made me feel anxious, jittery, and nervous, even though I don’t tend to feel like that often. If you feel you are too anxious to read this book, I would recommend staying away from this for the time being. Maybe come back to it later, when you have overcome the struggle you have been facing, and Aza’s story will most likely be an important one to you. I think it’s an extremely powerful story, whether you can relate fully or not. Green has definitely outdone himself with this novel. I think the message is so important for everyone to hear; it’s a beautifully written story about friends, love, family, hurt, and overcoming something you never thought you could. |
Netflix Show | Stranger Things 2
by Amirah Masood
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When Stranger Things came out last year, fans quickly became obsessed. The enthralling first season left viewers wanting more. The second season is the perfect continuation of the thrilling story line. Every single episode has you at the edge of your seat. The new season is packed with intense character development. It was really interesting seeing the amount of depth and personality in some characters that we hadn’t witnessed before. Overall this season was filled with horror, drama, and supernatural forces. I recommend that everyone watch this.
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Broadway Play | Hamilton - the Play , not the Town
by Jared Lawrence Grier
by HAMILTON BROADWAY [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons 
by Steve Jurvetson [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)],
via Wikimedia Commons |
Hamilton: An American Musical freestyled its way into the Richard Rodgers Theatre in July 2015. Produced by Jeffrey Seller, Hamilton has an abundant source of unique and sensational songs that the listener is sure to fall in love with after hearing them for the first time. Although Seller produced the musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of In The Heights) is the writer, lyricist, and star of Hamilton. The original cast includes a variety of different voices, including Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, Renee Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Hamilton, Jonathan Groff (the voice of Kristoff in Frozen) as King George III, and numerous other talented individuals.
Hamilton connects the life, death, and legacy of Alexander Hamilton with the struggle of our Founding Fathers to form a country with equality and freedom for all. The musical is filled with laughter, duels, rap battles, coquettish flirtation, and, unsurprisingly, death. While enjoying the music and action, the audience also learns about how our country came to be the United States of America. Still not intrigued? I asked fellow Northstars to tell us their favorite songs from Hamilton. Gabriel Griffith (10th), endorses “The Schuyler Sisters,” and Jessica Klinger (10th), recommends “Say No To This.” After you listen to these songs, I guarantee you will fall in love with this musical immediately! |
Movie | Rogue One
by Theresa Sweeney
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Rogue One was one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. By watching this movie you are able to have the gap of time between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope filled, since it took place about 20 years after Revenge of the Sith and ended almost exactly where A New Hope began. Even though Star Wars fans know pretty much how the movie is going to end, it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next. Although people complain about the CGI and how Disney shouldn't have done it, they were transported back to before A New Hope with the familiar faces of old characters. Overall,this movie is full of action, funny jokes and even has romance in it. I recommend this movie to everyone. You won't regret it!
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By Walt Disney Pictures (Wars.com) [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons |
Television Series | Stranger Things | Netflix
by: Rachel Pierce
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Of Netflix’s brilliant creations, its original series entitled Stranger Things is one of the absolute best. This thrilling, edge-of-your seat series is about a group of young boys in 1983 that go on a terrifying quest to find their friend who disappeared. Filled with talented actors and actresses, this show captivated my binge-worthy appetite. If you are interested in horror-fantasy dramas, this show might be for you. Episodes will continue to play, one after another, non-stop. Overall, this short, eight episode series (with a second season in the making), is a must-watch.
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Album | Lemonade | Beyonce
by: Rachel Pierce
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Beyonce’s latest album-drop, her sixth studio album entitled Lemonade, has become a raving phenomenon. With her release of “Formation,” she shook up the music industry and listeners with her empowering, but often critiqued message regarding race, gender, and spirituality. The album reflects the emotions experienced once an infidelity is suspected, and the various aspects of life that she reexamines and learns from. Not only does Beyonce inspire a powerful message, but the music itself is addictive, eclectic, and beautiful.
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