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.
Disney + T.V. Show | The Mandalorian
By Aamina Arain
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The new streaming service, Disney+, recently concluded the first season of its hit show The Mandalorian. The series takes place after the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, the last movie of the original trilogy. It follows the life of a lone bounty hunter who is trying to make his way in the galaxy. The writing of the characters is enticing and makes them memorable. With the introduction of new characters every episode, for the short time they are on screen viewers are able to form a connection with them. One of the most famous characters to come out of this series is “the child” more commonly known as Baby Yoda. To clear up any confusion, Baby Yoda is not the child of Yoda, but a child of the same species. Since his name has not been revealed yet he is being referred to as Baby Yoda. While he appears harmless and adorable the powers Baby Yoda posses should not be underrated. Even without having seen the movies the show can still be thoroughly enjoyed, but a few references may be missed. The amazing cinematography and visual effects paired with an absolutely incredible soundtrack makes for a highly entertaining show. The entertainment does not end after the episode is over, as the credits appear on screen so does the amazing concept art for that episode. This show is currently one of the best works Disney has created for the Star Wars franchise.
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Movie Review | Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
By Aamina Arain
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The Star Wars franchise played a pivotal role in many people’s childhoods. Whenever a fan hears the theme music or sees the iconic yellow text crawl up their screen they are transported back to a time when they first watched the movies. After 42 glorious years, the Skywalker Saga was concluded with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The massive fan base that goes along with the Star Wars movies made it impossible to please every single person. At the same time, the movie does features heavy amounts of fan service, which means story lines or scenes that were included for the sole purpose of appeasing the fans. After seeing the first time, fans felt conflicted on whether the movie was a satisfying end or if was not the ending the story deserved. Disney did not handle the sequel trilogy well. It was as if they had too much power and did not know how to use it, so they just did everything. The switching of directors caused for each movie to seem like it is its own individual story. The final movie felt as though it was trying to pick up the pieces left by the last movie, Star Wars: The last Jedi, and in doing so this movie felt claustrophobic and rushed. The fast pace keeps viewers from forming an emotional connection the way the originals do perfectly. While there definitely were heart wrenching scenes, the overall emotion that comes from this film is the fact that it is the last of the saga. Right from the start the movie comes off as an ending and prepares viewers to say goodbye to some of their favorite characters. The movie introduces many new interesting and enjoyable characters as well as returning characters. New weapons are also revealed in this movie that make the Death Star seem obsolete. The powers of the force are shown in a new extent that no one new were even possible. The sequel trilogy stared many never before seen actors, and they have done a phenomenal job bringing their characters to life. The connections that the characters share are portrayed excellently and with depth. The viewer feels like they are a part of the action. Every victory is the viewer’s victory, the character’s pain is the viewers pain. The hope and love present in the previous films continues on in this movie, and the beloved characters will live on through this story forever. The thing that makes movies like Star Wars so special is that something in them resonates within the viewer and forms a connection unlike anything they have ever felt. The story that entered people’s lives when they were children has finally coming to an end now that they have reached adulthood.
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Movie Review | Joker
By Aamina Arain
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As a completely stand-alone movie, Joker, delivers an engrossing character study of a man who is trying his very best to get by in a cruel and heartless city. The film itself is magnificently mind-bending and chills its viewers directly to the bone. After watching the film, viewers will be left questioning their own reality. Joaquin Phoenix provides an Oscar worthy performance of a man struggling with his identity along with his mental health. For the first time on screen, the Joker is portrayed as a normal person dealing with very human issues. As grimy and disgusting of a city that Gotham is, the cinematography is so captivating that the city becomes something almost beautiful. The movie does an excellent job at revealing the hierarchy that exists in society, and the daily struggles faced by the lower class. Be warned, some scenes are very, very graphic, and the movie should be watched with discretion. For comic book junkies the movie is an absolute win. The final scene is incredibly well done, as it impeccably portrays the effect one person’s actions can have over many.
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Movie Review | Avengers: Endgame
By Aamina Arain
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Marvel’s best kept secret was finally revealed with the release of Avengers: Endgame on April 26, 2019. At the end of Avengers: Infinity War, fans witnessed something they had never seen before--the heroes losing. Viewers were also left with the pain of half of their favorite characters being dusted away, and wondering if they would ever return. In Avengers: Endgame, the Avengers assemble one last time to face their mightiest foe. After Thanos snaps half of the universe’s population out of existence, the remaining heroes formulate a plan to bring back their lost loved ones. The survivors of the snap must deal with the possibility that their loved ones may never return. If one word had to be chosen to describe this movie it would be ambitious. After the events of Infinity War it was clear that the movie to follow it would have to be huge, but this film’s need to surpass the events in Infinity War may have resulted in it being too over the top. This movie contains unexpected friendships, but also brings back old vendettas between characters. Even though half of the characters are gone, the size of the cast is still massive. With a lot of characters and story lines to keep track of, the movie tends to get a little messy. There were some plot holes in the film that may have left viewers perplexed, but for a movie of this caliber a few missing pieces were expected. As the final installment of the Infinity Saga, the culmination of the first 22 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is fitting that it is home to Stan Lee’s last cameo. However, Stan Lee was not the only one with a cameo; many other stars from past films made appearances as well. It is safe to say the writers did not forget a single thing when making this movie. It is absolutely mind blowing how much planning must have gone into 11 years worth of films all leading up to this movie. One of the best parts of this movie was the references to past films. Some references may fly right over viewers' heads if they have not watched the other movies in preparation, others will put a smile on viewers faces, and still others will make viewers burst into tears. This is not only the number one movie in the Marvel franchise, it will most likely be the number one movie of the year. In the first weekend alone it managed to shatter multiple box office records. Fans are calling for Robert Downey Jr. to receive a well deserved Oscar nomination for his phenomenal role as Iron Man. Marvel films contain some of the most intense fight scenes in action movies, but this movie’s fight sequences are the most unforgettable of any Marvel film. Another thing Marvel movies are known for is their quick humor, and the delivery of jokes in this movie is perfect. The joyful moments provide relief from the action packed madness. Jokes aside, there is no way a long term fan will be able to make it through the whole movie without shedding a tear. Although the film has a three hour and two minute run time, it could have been longer. The directors had to cut characters’ story lines in order to fit the three hour time frame, but the scenes that did make the final cut were excellent choices. Since this movie is the end, it provides some much needed closure that fans have been waiting for since the release of the first Iron Man movie.
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Movie Review | Captain Marvel
By Aamina Arain
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Captain Marvel is currently the number one movie in the world, and for good reason too. First off, the movie begins with a heartwarming tribute to Stan Lee commemorating his legacy. The movie is made with the perfect recipe Marvel uses for all its successful films, but this one has a secret ingredient in the form of Oscar winning actress Brie Larson! She plays a tenacious kree warrior who has no recollection of her past. As far as she knows, everything she is doing is for the good of the galaxy. Throughout the movie Captain Marvel has flashbacks of another life where she was an air force pilot. She reveals a different side to a Marvel superhero, as she struggles to discover her identity. She does not back down from doing what she knows in her heart is right, even if it is what others might think is wrong. The movie is empowering for women, but also manages not to make feminism the main focus. The setting of the movie creates a nostalgic feeling, for a time when people still went to Blockbuster. Captain Marvel’s witty banter with Nick Fury makes for perfect comedic moments. The plot of the movie centers around Captain Marvel’s backstory, and how she came to be the amazing super hero that she is. At times, the plot can be a little difficult to follow, but it does all come together in the end. The connections made to previous films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are sure to put a smile on long term fans' faces. A majority of the film is spent on the origin story, so when Captain Marvel’s powers are unleashed they do not have as mesmerizing of an effect as they should. Captain Marvel was too big for her own movie, hopefully fans will see more of what she can do in the next Marvel movie, Avenges: Endgame.
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Netflix T.V. Show Review | A Series of Unfortunate Events
By Aamina Arain
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The tragic tale of the Baudelaire orphans comes to a close with the third and final season of Netflix’s A Series of Unforced Events. The show is based on the book series written by Lemony Snicket, and it does a fantastic job at bringing the words from the pages to life on the screen. For a show that’s theme song literally tells viewers to “look away” it does a great job at keeping them entertained. A melancholy mood is set with the breathtakingly amazing sets. Fans of the books will be able to notice small details hidden in the background. Impromptu musical numbers add an amusing twist to the plot of the show. An incredible portrayal of Count Olaf is delivered by Neil Patrick Harris, who was born to play the role. Every new character is more intriguing than the last. From their beautifully made costumes to their unique personas. The main characters are the Baudelaire children who were tragically left orphaned when there parents mysteriously died in a fire that destroyed their home.Violet the oldest, is the inventor. Klaus is the researcher who reads any book he can gets his hands on. Sunny is the youngest and she’s a biter. Violet’s incredible inventions, Klaus’ extensive research, and Sunny’s biting get them out of countless precarious situations. They drift from guardian to guardian looking for a safe place to call home. Their lives are full of death, abandonment, and most of all arson. Everything goes awry when a secret organization is broken up into a schism. The series was previously adapted into a film by Nickelodeon Movies, and starred Jim Carrey as the devious Count Olaf. The show ended after only three seasons because there was no more of the Baudelaire story left to tell. Many secrets are revealed, but some are taken to the grave. Not only is the show entertaining it also teaches valuable lessons on morality. The ending may not give everyone what they want, but it does a good job at bringing all the unfortunate events of the Baudelaire’s life to a close. |
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Netflix T.V. Show Review | The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
By Aamina Arain
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Netflix has recently released its new original series The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, just in time for Halloween. The show is set in the town of Greendale, the same universe as the hit cw show Riverdale. It is based on the Archie Horror comics Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and follows a long line of other adaptations of the story. If you pay attention you may notice a few nods to the adaptation many grew up with, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which was written more as a sitcom with a talking cat. This telling of the story is more gruesome and reveals a much darker side to Sabrina, the music sets an ominous an eerie mood. Like many adaptations, certain elements must be changed, but this show did a good job at staying true to the original. The main character Sabrina Spellman is a half witch raised by her two aunts, Hilda and Zelda. Of course everyone's favorite feline Salem could not be forgotten, however in this version he can not speak. To make up for Salem’s silence, Sabrina’s cousin Ambrose acts as her confidante. On her 16th birthday Sabrina must decide if she wants to live life as a witch or a mortal. This season is chock full of spells, resurrections, romance, and even female empowerment, but be wary some moments are not for the faint of heart. After watching this you are sure to have chills running down your spine.
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Movie Review | Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
By Aamina Arain
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Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald presents a new darker side of J. K. Rowling’s wizarding world. It takes place a few months after the first film in the series, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. ThFrom start to finish the movie is action packed. It provides a grittier alternative to the lightheartedness fans are used to from the Harry Potter series. In this film, viewers are brought back to everyone’s favorite school of witchcraft and wizardry, Hogwarts. There are numerous connections to the Potter films, including younger versions of characters and distant family members. Only true Potter fans will be able to make certain connections, which will go unnoticed by others. The characters and creatures everyone grew to love in the first film are back alongside new ones. Of course we see the return of the niffler and bowtruckle, who come to the rescue on multiple occasions. Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) the magizoologist, contains his same sense of awkwardness with a newfound fondness for something other than his beasts. A new character, only mentioned in the previous film, Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner) helps reveal another side of Newt pertaining to siblingship. The sophisticated and calculating Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) portrays a new kind of villain, who manages to find a person’s weak point and exploits it for his own benefit. To escape from the grimness caused by Grindelwald, the no-maj, Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) adds a much needed lightness and humor to the movie. Unlike other films that take place in the wizarding world, the non magic community plays a key role in this movie’s plot. You even see a glimpse at non magic history. The phenomenal acting and cinematography are paired with equally as phenomenal costumes and sets. Viewers get to witness the wizarding world they are accustomed to seeing through eye-catching locations such as, The French Ministry of Magic, inside Newt’s London home, and even a magical circus. To keep up with the complex plot points it would be wise to rewatch the first film. The cluttered storyline leaves you spending too much time trying to untangle who did what to whom and why, you miss whenever something new happens. The secrets revealed at the end help tie everything together. All the while an air of mystery remains leaving fans to anticipate the next film.
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Netflix T.V. Show Review | Marvel's Daredevil
By Johncina Goodman
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The chilling Netflix series called Daredevil is about a blind man named Matthew Murdock. Matthew is a partnering lawyer with his best friend Foggy Nelson and his special friend Karen Page in Hell’s kitchen. He became blind at 9 years old when he saved an old man from being hit by a car. Chemicals spilled into his eyes and blinded him. His father Jack Murdock competed as a professional boxer to support the family. He wasn’t very good, so he took many beatings and soon it got him killed. The chemicals not only blinded Matt but it also heightened his other senses such as touch, taste, and hearing. An old man named Stick taught Matt how to fight and be tough in many different ways which lead Matt to become a “vigilante” fighting crime in the city, stopping bad guys, and putting drug rings out of business. These heightened senses give Matt an advantage that his opponents don’t have.
Daredevil is amazing. It’s action packed and uses a real setting with unrealistic things going on. It’s also relatable in certain ways that others would understand and it’s take on kids that grew up orphans and how they still matter. The way they defend the blind in letting the world know that they aren’t completely helpless. There are realistic things in this show such as love and relationships, friendships, heartbreak, and lost. The show is also apart of a Marvel comics show series such as Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, The Defenders, and Iron Fist. These shows are all connected through The defenders when they all meet up and defeat “The Hand” a dangerous crime organization with special abilities that make them exceptional. |
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 Review | 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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