By Sophie Bennett, Staff Writer “Win it All” is not your average run of the mill gambling story, as Jake Johnson’s new quirky comedy gives a different look to the risky life of betting. Directed by Joe Swanberg, the film tells the story of Eddie Garrett (Johnson), a gambling addict who lives his life…
‘Truman’ Captures the Poignancy of Final Farewells
By Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer Julian (Ricardo Darin) and Tomas (Javier Camara) are longtime friends who have not met each other in years. Julian has been diagnosed with cancer and, having experienced chemotherapy once before, decides to end his treatment and enjoy his remaining days of being alive. Tomas gets wind of Julian’s decision…
‘Obit’ Shows the Thought and Care Required for a NYT Obituary
By Anubhuti Kumar, staff writer 9 a.m. and the first question asked in the office — who’s dead? The morning of an obituary writer for the New York Times begins with this question and a cup of coffee. As depressing and morbid as this may sound, the obit writers choose to look at it differently….
“The Dinner” Serves Unsatisfying Courses
By Matthew Holman, Staff Writer “The Dinner” is a film which unfortunately not only bites off more than it can chew, but ostensibly chokes itself from overstuffing. The new feature, coming from American director Oren Moverman, is based on the 2013 bestseller of the same name by Dutch author Herman Koch. Despite its foreign origins,…
“Chuck” Is As Wild As Its Champion
By Daniella Nichinson, Staff Writer The most compelling stories come either from a character with innumerable flaws, a character who assumes the role of an underdog, or a character based on a real person. In the case of “Chuck,” it comes from all three. Chuck Wepner’s name may not be immediately recognizable to those outside…
“A Woman’s Life” is Visually Beautiful But Narratively Dull
By Tyler Stevens, Contributing Writer After premiering at the 2016 Venice Film Festival, where it competed for the Golden Lion, a prize that in the past has gone to films like “Brokeback Mountain,” “The Wrestler,” and in this film’s year of competition, “The Woman Who Left,” “A Woman’s Life” is finally coming to US theaters…
“Three Generations” Struggles to Tell a Compelling Story of Transgender Youth
By Tyler Stevens, Contributing Writer While long-delayed road to distribution has yet to be fully explained, this film’s change in title from About Ray to its current title, “Three Generations,” feels perfectly fitting. The story follows Ray’s (Elle Fanning) battle to convince his estranged father to sign release forms allowing Ray to begin medically transitioning…
“Tomorrow Ever After” Shows Promise But Falls Short
By Sophie Bennett, Staff Writer Centered on eccentric character Shaina who is traveling in the year 2015 from 600 years in the future, “Tomorrow Ever After” is in the form of independent light-hearted drama rather than a darker or action film. A concept we have scene many times before, but never quite like this. The…
Wilco Prove Themselves Veterans of the Stage with 25-Song Set
By Xin-rui Lee, Staff Writer Beneath the grandiose and endearingly kitschy decor of the Beacon Theatre on March 18, a mish mash of young-uns and dad-rockers — identifiable by their over-representation of plaid and flannel — packed into the two balconies and orchestra seating. Just 5 songs in and the entire sold-out audience was on…
Why? Asks the Important Questions
By Sabeena N. Singhani, Staff Writer On Saturday, Apr. 15, Why? took the stage at Irving Plaza after their opener Eskimeaux brought the ever-increasing crowd alive with her song “Power.” Eskimeaux frontwoman Gabrielle Smith prefaced her set with “I just told my parents I used to hang out here when I was fifteen.” The…
A Sleepover With gnash
By Veronica Liow, Multimedia Editor A sleepover should feel cozy — intimate due to not only the proximity but also what is shared within that close gathering. And gnash’s “The Sleepover Tour,” on April 19 at Irving Plaza was just that. With a multitude of smaller artists as openers for the night, the show was…
“Aftercare Instructions:” Navigating Friendship, Abortion and Theater
By Khrysgiana Pineda, Staff Writer Seventeen-year old Genesis is thrown into a whirlwind of choices and memories from her past when her boyfriend, Peter, abandons her at a Planned Parenthood in New York City. There is no telling what is next for Genesis as she faces heartache, both new and old, on a winding journey…
