If There's A Will, There's A Way
Molly LaFontaine is a junior mass communications journalism major and writes "Indiana Scones" for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
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Molly LaFontaine is a junior mass communications journalism major and writes "Indiana Scones" for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
by Mason Kupiainen There are certain horror movies that are must-watch, staples for the Halloween season. Classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining, Scream, and of course, Halloween are essential October watches. However, there are plenty of other spook-worthy films that should be watched during the month of October that don’t receive the credit they should. Trick ‘r Treat (2007) A film that didn’t receive the recognition it deserved upon its initial release but has slowly gained a cult following is Trick ‘r Treat. This wonderfully-woven anthology film is similar to the likes of Pulp Fiction. We follow four stories that connect with one-another, with the central character tied to each story being Sam, a burlap sack-wearing child who punishes those who disrespect the holiday. Working as both a creepy, spine-tingling horror film, splashes of dark comedy add a surprising comedic side to an over-all dark movie. Taking place on Halloween night, the film helps get you into the Halloween spirit similar to films like Halloween. https://youtu.be/NJ66Htmmq4M Friday the 13th (2009) Although the Friday the 13th franchise is well-known among the masses, this remake has received poor reviews from both critics and audiences alike. Personally, it surpasses most of, if not all, the films in the series, including the original. By having a higher budget and including all of the tropes of the series that Friday fans have come to love, this film adds to the mythology in clever ways. Being a remake, it takes an interesting approach by combining the story of the first four films and updating it for a modern audience without disrespecting the originals. A few tweaks are made to Jason’s character, but those changes make the film more suspenseful; those notable changes being that Jason sets traps around Camp Crystal Lake, travels around in an underground tunnel system, and has set up a weed farm in order to lure teens. Having a clever Jason versus the previous dimwitted interpretation of the character makes the character and the film much more frightening. https://youtu.be/cCfO1aB8CIE Tusk (2014) Directed by Kevin Smith — the creator behind films like Jay and Silent Bob, Clerks, and Dogma — this is his first horror film and the first film in his planned True North Trilogy. This creature feature follows a young podcaster who travels in search of the strangest, most wildest stories he can find. After coming across a man who was rescued by a walrus, the podcaster gets captured by the man and turned into a human walrus. Definitely the weirdest film on this list, Tusk takes the bizarre concept and never lets the strangeness up until the credits. Not Smith’s best work, but it definitely holds itself up against the rest of his work in terms of there always being something creative to keep the film going in strange directions. At times, the movie will have you laughing only to have you becoming sick and horrified in the next scene. The prosthetics done to transform Justin Long’s character into a human walrus are some of the best in recent years, as well as some of the most grotesque looking. It’s reminiscent of prosthetic work done in horror films from the 80s with the realistic approach taken in the film. https://youtu.be/BCQJnOn0ru0 Doctor Sleep (2019) The long awaited sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep takes to the challenge of being a faithful adaptation of King’s original novel while also being a sequel to Stanley Kubrick's classic film. Being true to both, it’s able to please fans of the book while adding in Kubrick’s sensibilities in a beautiful fashion. Despite how great the film is, it failed at the box office, only scavenging together $71 million on a $45 million budget. The film follows Danny, now a grown man dealing with alcoholism like his father, as he must help a young girl with the power to shine escape from an evil cult group trying to kill her. Doctor Sleep improves on many things from The Shining making it a surprisingly better film that develops it’s characters more and has a more intriguing plot that keeps you invested until the credits roll. https://youtu.be/BOzFZxB-8cw The Fly (1986) Another remake on this list, The Fly takes the concept from the original film and improves it in every way. The main thing this remake does differently is embrace the horror aspects while making it a cautionary tale. The character of Seth Brundle is portrayed wonderfully by Jeff Goldblum, who is able to create a charismatic character right from the start. As the film continues and you watch him slowly degrade into a monster, you start to feel for the character because you’ve grown attached to him. The Fly also has some of the greatest animatronics and make-up to ever be in a film. Seeing Goldblum slowly transform into a monster is horrifying to watch and only amplified by the grotesque make-up that is done. It’s incredible work that still is horrific and disturbing to watch today and is far superior than most of the CGI we currently see today. With an incredible cast that brings a certain charm, a well-constructed story with a great message, and incredible make-up, The Fly is a must-watch for any horror and creature-feature fan. https://youtu.be/Z-V3X963DRI Sources: Box Office Mojo, YouTube Featured Image: IMDB
by Conner Tighe Sunday, we celebrated the hardship, failures, and suffering that LGBTQ+ youth and community endure and have endured since the beginning of time. We also celebrated the successes, stories of hope, and love and connection that make this community one of the unique and essential aspects of human history. National Coming Out Day was first observed in 1988 after a massive march for LGBTQ+ rights outside of Washington, D.C., took place a year prior. Thirty-two years later, the month of October has turned into a month that is bigger than getting free candy in a costume. It’s a celebration of love and the lives of the LGBTQ+ community that continues to fight for the right of all humanity — which is equal treatment for all of humanity everywhere. To commemorate this historic event, we look at the top five LGBTQ+ films. 5. Brokeback Mountain (2005) The late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal show viewers what it’s like to be gay and living in early 60s Wyoming. The pair's characters are monumental in the LGBTQ+ film industry as one of the most heartfelt films about two men in love. The film perfectly represented the struggle between self-acceptance and society’s desire to claim default heterosexuality during this time. The story of two cattle ranchers broke many barriers that some film industries at the time would not dare try in film. Femininity in gay men and bisexuality was thrown into the mix, challenging the norms of being gay and masculine. https://youtu.be/U5D1iU5KnqQ 4. Shelter (2007) Zach — a surfer and artist living with his older sister, his disabled father, and young nephew — finds love and an interest in his older brother’s friend Shaun. Although Shaun is out, Zach is not, and him finding inner acceptance with himself is relatable and something LGBTQ+ youth everywhere can latch onto. Although the film is mediocre compared to most LGBTQ+ films, Shelter expresses a simple plot with a satisfying ending. https://youtu.be/bKsCvcvoZcE 3. Call Me by Your Name (2017) Timothée Chalamet lends his talent as Elio Perlman, a young teenager living in 1983, Northern Italy. When his father’s graduate student, Oliver, enters Elio’s life, everything changes. The film speaks true to what it meant to be gay in the early 80s, with an overarching theme of secrecy and desire that can never fully be pursued and accepted in society. The movie, however fantastic, will rip your guts out and throw them into the fire. The film won best adapted screenplay at the 2018 Academy Awards, where Chalamet was nominated as “best performance by an actor in a leading role.” According to Variety, among many other sources, Call Me by Your Name will have a sequel. Although little is known about the film, the sequel novel to the original is titled Find Me and takes place 10 years after the events in the first novel. The original cast will return to reprise their roles. Evviva! https://youtu.be/Z9AYPxH5NTM 2. I Am Jonas (2018) This Netflix film received a 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and captured LGBTQ+ youth in the late 90s as well as the life of Jonas, a young teenager living in France who meets Nathan, another young man. Nathan and Jonas’s journey of combating discrimination and finding love in an unaccepting society is beautiful. When viewers learn of the tragedy in Jonas’s life, it stays true to the horrors, specifically kidnapping, which is something that LGBTQ+ youth have faced and may continue to face in today’s world. According to NBC News, in 2017, Chechnya — a region in Russia — institutionalized an anti-gay purge where Ilyas (whose name is withheld for safety reasons) was dragged from his car and beaten by the Russian military all because he was gay. The man now lives as a refugee after speaking out against a state-sponsored violent campaign where as many as 100 gay and bisexual Chechen men were kidnapped and sent to a detention center where many have died. I Am Jonas was an awareness of sorts about underground torture and discrimination gay and bisexual men face in countries outside the U.S. The film provides a bittersweet ending that will leave viewers wanting a second watch. Although the film is in French, don’t let that discourage you from watching a pure masterpiece. https://youtu.be/HHigllswzSc 1. Love, Simon (2018) Nick Robinson provided his best role to date as young Simon Spier, looking for acceptance and love from his friends and family in the beloved Love, Simon. When Robinson’s character develops a secret pen pal through email, his whole life flips upside down, especially when a local high schooler discovers he’s gay and blackmails him. Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Langford and Keiynan Lonsdale lend their talents to this sweet family film. Love, Simon was unlike any other LGBTQ+ film at the time until its spinoff series Love, Victor was released two years later. https://youtu.be/E0cbWdlQg_8 Sources: Human Rights Campaign, IMDB, NBC News, Rotten Tomatoes, Variety, YouTube Featured Image: IMDB
Elissa Maudlin is a sophomore journalism news major and writes “Abstraction” for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
Host Zahria Hart talks about the Breonna Taylor case
by Sophia Senese The first day of fall was Tuesday, Sept. 22, which means it’s time to revamp your wardrobe for the new season. I am going to walk you through all my favorite, on-trend finds for fall. Whether you plan to purchase new clothes or mix and match old ones, you will look fashionable walking through campus. First things first: color schemes. This year, we are going to see lots of neutral colors like browns and grays; we will also see some pops of color such as yellow and darker shades of pink. You can count on seeing these colors in stores and on the streets. For the season’s biggest trends, we will see a lot of throwback vintage style and denim. Whether you like to dress up or stay casual, you can incorporate all of these trends into your wardrobe. Mini Skirts [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="258"] Spence White Plaid Mini Skirt, $40 Image from Lulus [/caption] Mini skirts are all the rage this fall season. Paired with a turtleneck for chillier days or a long-sleeve and a pair of booties, the mini skirt will take your look to the next level. Below are my favorite finds for the trendiest fall looks.Of course, flannel fabric will make an appearance, and this wool-blend mini skirt is to die for! This is the perfect skirt to pair with knee-high boots and a cozy sweater. You can never go wrong with plaid in the fall! The white and gray colors are on trend right now and would pair flawlessly with any black tee, long-sleeve, or bodysuit. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="242"] French Duo Black Multi Plaid Mini Skirt, $64 Image from Lulus[/caption] This soft woven flannel fabric mini skirt incorporates a flattering high-waisted fit to best accentuate your body type. The fringe adds a vintage, edgy style and is always on-trend for the fall season. You can pair this with a casual long sleeve or bodysuit to elevate this chic look! Mom Jeans Bringing it back to 90s fashion, mom jeans are on-trend right now. The comfort and style they provide will make you never want to go back to wearing any other type of jean. The straight leg, loose fit denim provides many different types of looks, all depending on how you want to style them. Whether you dress them up with a pair of heels or down with your comfiest sneakers, the 90s style denim is here to stay this fall! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269"] Mom Fit Jeans TRF, $45.90 Image from Zara [/caption] Zara has always been a leader in the denim game mainly because of its care for life movement, Join Life. Join Life uses sustainable fibers made from ecologically grown or recycled cotton to better protect our environment. These mom-fit style jeans are great for a baggier, looser fit; they hug perfectly at the waist and lay a few inches above the ankle. Pair them with a crop top, bodysuit, or oversized sweater for a laid back, edgy look. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="270"] BDG High-Waisted Mom Jean – Light Wash, $59 Image from Urban Outfitters[/caption] I am obsessed with these vintage-inspired mom jeans! The light blue wash and relaxed fit go well with crop tops, sweaters, and bodysuits. The tapered leg allows you to wear them long or rolled which is ideal for the ever changing fall temperatures. Furthermore, the rigid denim fabric provides the softest comfort that will only improve after each wear. Blazers & Overcoats Wearing a blazer with a pair of jeans is what all the influencers and celebrities are doing this season! Check out how Katie Holmes and Bella Hadid are achieving total comfort and style with their relaxed, chic blazer looks. This style is perfect for wearing to school — or on zoom calls — and for post-class activities. Paired with a nice pair of jeans, crop tops, or bodysuits, these blazers and overcoats will give you the chicest and most sophisticated look. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="255"] Linen-Blend Blazer for Women, $34 Image from Old Navy[/caption] This linen-blend blazer is the perfect color for fall, whether you choose the burnt ochre or shell pink that is offered. The soft, light-weight fabric is perfect for everyday activities and adds a casual, sophisticated feel to your look. Pair it with some mom jeans, a casual tee, or bodysuit and you will make a fashionable statement. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="253"] Classic Glen Plaid Blazer for Women,$38 Image from Old Navy[/caption] This black and white plaid blazer provides a comfortable, tasteful look. You can dress this up with a pair of jeans and heels or keep it casual and trendy with a simple white tee, jeans, and your favorite sneakers. The soft-cotton blend fabric provides extra comfort and stretch, so it doesn’t feel too snug and restricting when you wear it. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234"] Tall Camel Boyfriend Blazer Coat, $39 Image from MISSGUIDED[/caption] This khaki-colored blazer is definitely a closet staple for fall! Styled with a black belt — as shown — can really dress this look up. The tall range offered with this jacket is ideal for women like me who have a longer torso and are taller! It lays right on the hip and adds chicness to any look. Try styling with a black crop top and mom jeans for a polished look. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="248"] Notched Collar Slant Pocket Coat, $31 Image from SHEIN[/caption] This baby pink overcoat is so trendy. It can be worn casually with a crop top and jeans — like shown — or dressed up with a nice dress shirt and slacks. By incorporating this color into your wardrobe, you will have a standout piece that adds a pop of color to your look. Plus, the notched collar is flattering and classy. Last but not least: Color-block Patterns A trend back in the 40s, the color-block patterns are in high demand right now. Now being highly worn and influenced, these patterns make a statement and take a look to the next level. This color trend allows you to embrace and showcase your style with a wide variety of neon and pastel colors. This fall, we will see a lot of color-block patterns that align with the season’s browns, greens, blacks, and oranges. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="256"] Color-block Striped Panel Waffle Knit Tee, $17 Image from SHEIN[/caption] This striped, color-block knit tee is perfect for layering with a jacket or simply by itself. The colors are ideal for fall and provide a chic style to your look. This top is a simplistic, stylish look that can be paired with a nice pair of jeans and booties — or even leggings! The stripes and color-block pattern are flattering for all body types. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Color-block Drop Shoulder Ribbed Knit Sweater, $21 Image from SHEIN[/caption] This casual, oversized ribbed knit sweater is a must have. The colors scream fall, and the oversized fit is perfect for leggings or jeans. The casual color-block style is flattering and sophisticated, and the round neck neckline is tasteful and shouts fashionista! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="277"] Open Front Pocket Detail Color-block Cardigan, $20 Image from SHEIN[/caption] This color-block cardigan is one of my favorites; I love all the colors incorporated, and they align with fall’s most trending colors. The casual, long length would pair well with mom jeans and a cropped tee, as the warm and high-stretch fabric is perfect to throw over a little tee for chillier fall mornings or evenings. A major plus: it even has pockets! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="298"] Color-block Zip Up Drawstring Hem Jacket, $16 Image from SHEIN[/caption] My favorite find for this season is this SHEIN color-block drawstring jacket. The colors themselves match perfectly with the season’s color palette, and the stand collar neckline is flattering. Overall, the colors, length, and semi-oversized style of this jacket provide a chic look that will take your casual outfits to the next level. Well, there you have it! These are all my favorite fall trends for this season. No matter what your style may be, all these garments can be incorporated into your daily looks. When you change out your summer clothes for sweaters, leggings, and jeans, maybe try including one of these looks to elevate your wardrobe to the next level. Sources: ¡Hola!, Yahoo Life Images: Lulus, MISSGUIDED, Old Navy, SHEIN, Sophia Senese, Urban Outfitters, Zara Featured Image: Kellyn Harrison
As November steadily approaches, so does the 2020 presidential election. This year has been fraught with fear and uncertainty for the future. It has also highlighted some of the major racial issues still present in the United States.
Demi Lawrence is a senior journalism news major and writes "Unspoken" for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
by Conner Tighe Going back out into the real world can be scary, with businesses beginning to reopen, and this awkward transition period the world is in. If you find yourself in need of another reality, fall in love with one of the most passionate and well-written authors of our time. I encourage you to dive into one of five novels by illustrious author, screenwriter, and playwright Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy has captured an enormous fan base while telling gripping tales of horror and mischief around the United States. He is like no other author in his grasp of storytelling, and his work will stand the test of time. Several of McCarthy’s works have been turned into films, and you may recognize some of them. With 10 novels published, McCarthy has written some groundbreaking narratives. Let McCarthy’s dark world take you with these five novels of justice, revenge, and real evil. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="166"] Image from Amazon [/caption] 5. Suttree (1979) McCarthy's 482-page semi-autobiographical novel is the heaviest of his works. Cornelius Suttree, a fisherman living off the Tennessee River, calls the South home while dealing with past trauma. Shunned from his family, Suttree makes his way across the Tennessee region to make a living. The story is intriguing but appears dry halfway through the novel. Only genuine McCarthy fans will tolerate the never-ending story of grief in Suttree’s life. With the grim take on life in Tennessee, McCarthy stays true to what his fans know best: life can always be worse. And life commonly is. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="178"] Image from Amazon [/caption] 4. The Orchard Keeper (1965) The Orchard Keeper gave McCarthy a point on the roadmap. The novel established his career as a novelist, and it still entertains today. The story revolves around strange circumstances featuring orchard keeper Ather Ownby, who passes on his knowledge of the Tennessee wilderness to a boy named John Wesley Rattner. Rattner’s father, Kenneth, is killed by bootlegger Marion Sylder. Sylder develops a close friendship with Rattner, who is unaware Sylder killed his father. McCarthy captured the rich, unique nature of the Tennessee town, Red Branch. Nature itself seems like a character as it plays a significant role in telling the story of the people. Although it’s not his best novel, it’s still, patient, and cool with its suspense and eventual climax. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="164"] Image from Amazon [/caption] 3. The Road (2006) By far McCarthy’s bleakest and darkest book, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the journey of a man and his son across a desolate wasteland that is written in a captivating and powerful manner. McCarthy keeps you reading by providing twists and scenes of terror that no human should have to encounter. During a time like this in America, the novel makes you wonder what could be in America. McCarthy leaves room for thought with his novels. What happened to the world in this novel? There are theories, but nothing is confirmed. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="180"] Image from Amazon[/caption] 2. Child of God (1973) Evil roams the Tennessee wilderness in this McCarthy thriller. Like my number one choice, this novel revolves around a cat-and-mouse chase of good and evil. A violent nomad beyond humanity is murdering the public while the local sheriff is running off clues to track the man down. The narrative is tense and includes a kicker of an ending. For those that get a thrill from gruesome violence and an engrossing narrative, this is a strong recommendation. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="177"] Image from Amazon[/caption] 1. No Country for Old Men (2005) By far McCarthy’s greatest piece of literature, this story revolves around greed and coming to terms with aging in a broken world. Hunter Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. Nearby, lays a briefcase of a substantial amount of cash; here is where our story begins. McCarthy creates his greatest villain to date. Anton Chigurh, a ruthless hitman, hunts down Moss while sheriff, Ed Tom Bell, tries to keep up with the mess of events. The novel found its way onto the big screen in 2007. The film comprised a great casting group featuring Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and Kelly Macdonald. The film also won four Academy Awards — Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay — and grossed $171.6 million. The film certainly lives up to the amazing story that McCarthy crafted. Images: Amazon Featured Image: Los Angeles Times
Sophie Nulph is a junior journalism major and writes “Open-Minded” for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
Molly Ellenberger is a junior mass communications journalism major and writes "Indiana Scones" for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
by Conner Tighe Ms. Pac-Man blessed the world with a whole new generation of players in 1981. After Pac-Man’s success, creator Stan Jarocki decided he wanted to attract a wider audience demographic. While he was successful, this was unfortunately one of the many examples of sexism that spurred the video game world back then. Video games have since become more inclusive of the demographics portrayed in their games. According to a study by the Arts Management & Technology Laboratory, female characters were found to be over-sexualized due to the recent 3D technology in the mid-1990s. However, the underrepresentation of female characters and the sexism that surround femininity in the video game industry have decreased. Entire series have become centered on females just as much as male characters. Here are the top five most powerful women in video game history. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="86"] Image from Kingdom Hearts Wiki[/caption] 5. Kairi (The Kingdom Hearts Series) A short-haired girl who runs alongside her friends Sora and Riku on Destiny Islands, Kairi was a part of many people’s childhoods as the darkness devoured her heart in Kingdom Hearts. Sora and Riku both go looking for Kairi, crossing paths and eventually battling each other. Kairi appears in the next two sequels where she’s strong, compassionate, and Sora’s love interest. With the power to wield a Keyblade—like Sora and Riku—Kairi fights the darkness alongside everyone else. Her character becomes powerful, and the games show Kairi’s progression of age and the inner turmoil she has within. At times she goes from a damsel in distress to the one saving Sora. Kairi will stick with fans long after they finish the “Kingdom Hearts” series. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="244"] Image from A New Game Plus[/caption] 4. Chun-Li (The Street Fighter Series) In 1991, fans of Street Fighter 2 could hear the sound of the legendary lightning kick coming from a woman dressed in blue. Chun-Li was the first female character in the Street Fighter series, which would later expand to an additional five games. Chun-Li’s lightning kick is nearly unstoppable and is a sure victory for players (I won’t tell you the secret button combo, though). Chun-Li seeks revenge for her father after he is killed by M. Bison, the main antagonist of the Street Fighter series. 3. Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds) After Buffy the Vampire Slayer ended its seventh season in 2003, a video game was released later that year featuring the cast. Most of the cast lent their voices to their animated characters for gamers to experience. Buffy Summers finds herself once again protecting Sunnydale from the ultimate evil known as The First, the first evil ever to be on Earth. Summers is witty and tough as nails. In the game, you battle vampires, demons, and zombies, playing not only as Summers but the other cast as well. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="421"] Image from: TechnoBuffalo[/caption] A year earlier, Xbox released Buffy the Vampire Slayer exclusively on the Xbox, but the game doesn’t compare to Chaos Bleeds. The latter allows Summers to perform unique combos on her enemies. As Summers, the gamer will fight evil in the present-day Sunnydale and eventually travel to an alternate dimension Sunnydale where evil reigns. Summers has been a powerful female icon since the early 90s, and this game enforces that. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="270"] Image from Fanpop[/caption] 2. Ada Wong (The Resident Evil Series) The Resident Evil series features a variety of characters, including multiple males and females. While Wong’s character wasn’t the first female to appear, she’s by far the most cunning and exciting character. Her persona is very much like a modern Catwoman with mysterious motives and an untapped consciousness that no one can figure out. Wong’s first appearance was in 1998’s Resident Evil 2. Since then, she has appeared in Resident Evil 4 and 6. Mainly sporting red attire, her most famous outfit being the classic “woman in the red dress" look, she pops in now and then to assist the main characters in their times of need. She uses a grapple gun that commonly gets her out of sticky situations while also wielding a small arsenal of weapons. Wong is the definition of a double agent, and she shares some interest in rookie cop, Leon Kennedy—another main character. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="394"] Image from Game Informer[/caption] 1. Lara Croft (The Tomb Raider Trilogy) While Croft’s character has appeared in a variety of Tomb Raider games, I’ll reference only the best: the Tomb Raider trilogy. Born into the Croft family, Lara shares a family interest in history and geography. After surviving a deadly plane crash in Nepal when she was little, she accidentally activates a strange dais that opens a portal. Lara’s mother, Amelia, disappears into the portal. Since then, Croft vows to find her mother while searching for Excalibur, a sword that activates the portal. Croft is armed with her double pistols and climbing gear as she traverses deadly terrain, most of which are tombs. Croft’s story is interesting due to the mystery that surrounds her past and family. Amazingly agile, she is able to do acrobatics with ease. Croft uses these skills to outsmart enemies and booby traps within the tombs she traverses. Lara Croft was a large part of my childhood, and no other female character has come close to Croft’s brilliance. Sources: Arts Management and Technology Laboratory Images: A New Game Plus, Fanpop, Game Informer, Kingdom Hearts Wiki, TechnoBuffalo Featured Image: Microsoft
Shwetha Sundarrajan is a junior journalism major and writes “This is the Shwe” for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
by Conner Tighe With brown curls and a dreamy smile, young pop idol Shawn Mendes has been blessing the music world and fans alike since “Life of the Party,” his 2014 debut single. Since then, the musician has produced three albums and has taken part in several collaborations with the likes of Taylor Swift (“Lover”), Astrid (“Air”), Khalid (“Youth”) and love interest Camila Cabello (“I Know What You Did Last Summer,”/“Señorita”). Mendes has always connected with other musicians. Years ago, he was still on his way to becoming famous when he met Cabello. The two met in 2014 on Austin Mahone’s summer tour, where Cabello found an interest in Mendes. The two were in a game of public tweets, hinting about their friendship and experiences working together between 2014 and 2018. Mendes has always been excellent at telling his love life and struggles through his songs. An example of that is through "Señorita," the summer bop that changed everything between him and Cabello. Many speculated that there was chemistry between them, but from then on, the spark between the two was undeniable. 10. “Treat You Better” The singer’s second album Illuminate was nothing short of amazing, with Mendes telling fans about his love and feelings of loneliness for an unknown love interest. With every album, there’s a track that stands among the rest, and then there’s the track that is skipped over. “Treat You Better” is the weakest of Mendes’ work as the message is drone and gray with appeal. The track talks of the singer’s jealousy and comparison of him to a certain someone. The message doesn’t land, and it’s best to skip this track as it takes any listener back to those cringey high school days. https://youtu.be/lY2yjAdbvdQ 9. “Mercy” Again from Illuminate, Mendes does better with a track of love and a woman’s rage that drives him mad. The beginning hymn of the piece is soothing and only gets better with each passing second. The singer explains how his heart is sensitive about his girl, and he wishes she would have mercy on him. Mendes, like so many other artists, took a universal message and spun it with rhythm and a winning track of sadness and emotion. Mendes is no stranger to having love issues like most people in their early 20s, but crafting the idea into art is fantastic; the line “I’m prepared to sacrifice my life. I would gladly do it twice” gets me every time. https://youtu.be/KkGVmN68ByU 8. “Believe” A song of inspiration and seeing hope, this Mendes track was featured on the “Descendants” soundtrack, which premiered on Disney Channel in 2015. The music video shows a community coming together to recognize unity and the central message focuses on humanity and our flaws. The message is fantastic and represents Mendes’ character. The singer has always displayed points of positive reinforcement and genuine kindheartedness. https://youtu.be/IZMYO_iT-r0 7. “Something Big” Mendes had an epiphany while he was on Austin Mahone’s tour. The young singer’s fame was snowballing, and Mendes expressed his surprise with this newfound acclaim by producing “Something Big.” The piece itself is terrific with its pop inspirations and repetitive line, “woah, woah…” you get the picture. Mendes was discovered over the now-dead platform Vine and has since grown into someone unforgettable in the music industry. “Something Big” is what we’ll all be saying years from now about his career. https://youtu.be/mytLRy32Viw 6. “Youth” The only collaboration on this list, “Youth” features Khalid as he aides Mendes on this track of self-discovery about being young. The singer understands that it’s difficult being young in a changing world, and “Youth” is more of a proud statement of finding oneself. No one stays young forever, and being youthful is something many of us take advantage of. The message Mendes wants the listener to take away? Enjoy being wild while life allows you. https://youtu.be/sJUGAIf1Px0 5. “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” A quick Latin music appeal and soft vocals envelop Mendes’ piece of art that talks about a wandering man—that man being Mendes. In this song, the singer is going all-in with this mysterious girl. When the song was released, radio stations everywhere couldn’t get enough of the rhythmic appeal of this fast-paced guitar song. The pop star proves again that a relationship is empowering, and love is a mysterious thing. https://youtu.be/dT2owtxkU8k 4. “Ruin” Mendes has always clarified that John Mayer has been one of his longtime inspirations in the music industry. In a 2018 interview with Time, the singer said Mayer was his “favorite person in the world.” One can’t help but wonder if that inspiration was behind this beautiful track. One of the singer’s slower tracks, it proves that sometimes slower is better. The message is sad, providing listeners with a loss that Mendes was facing at the time of an ended relationship. Seeing your ex with someone can be great, but it can also be sad, and Mendes is all about showing his vulnerable side. https://youtu.be/m-nCLLnQA5c 3. “If I Can’t Have You” I can’t help but bang my head or tap something nearby to the beginning rhythm of number three on the list. “If I Can’t Have You,” believe it or not, was written by Mendes for singer Dua Lipa, according to Teen Vogue. A fast tempo and repeating lyrics are always golden with this pop star. The cover art is beautiful and resembles a beach vibe, featuring a slight outline of Mendes with waves crashing. The single is a piece of art with a heart of longing and wordplay of dreams. If Mendes can’t have you, he’ll undoubtedly write about you. https://youtu.be/oTJ-oqwxdZY 2. “Lost in Japan” Japanese aesthetic and slight references to Bill Murray’s “Lost in Translation” surround this heavenly song that earned number two on this list. Zedd’s version of the single is incredible, although authenticity reigns supreme here. Mendes is in love within this song, and he wants to party, have fun, and explore his desires. “Lost in Japan” expanded the boundaries that the singer was afraid to cross with his earlier work. Listeners can feel Mendes coming into his own with this Juno Award-winning track. Nothing feels like being lost in an unknown city with a beautiful woman. Mendes can tell you about the experience. https://youtu.be/ycy30LIbq4w 1. “In My Blood” (Portuguese Version) Half English, half Portuguese, “In My Blood” inspires all around the world with Mendes growing from his pain and struggles within his life. This single easily earns its spot because of its universal message, and if anyone reads the news, Mendes had a lot to say about the track. In a 2018 interview with Elite Daily, Mendes says, “This song is the closest song to my heart that I’ve ever written, and I hope you guys love it.” We love it, Shawn. We more than love it. The overlying message of inner strength and self-awareness ties to his rosy image that was the center graphic for his last tour. Roses grow through rain and shine. Mendes inspires all with his music, saying that everything will be okay. We need that message now more than ever. https://youtu.be/D9Fq68qMMBM The singer has gone dark in the music world unless you count the time he sang “What a Wonderful World” live with Cabello. It’s rumored that Mendes may collaborate with Justin Bieber on something after he was spotted outside of a recording studio where the two have been seen previously. Mendes has been good friends with Bieber’s wife Hailey, and if something is going on, it may be Mendes’ most significant piece yet. Sources: Elite Daily, Teen Vogue, Time, YouTube Featured Image: E! Online
Katie Catterall is a sophomore journalism major and writes “In Between the Lines" for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
Throughout the history of cinema, there’s always been an obsession with attempting to recapture the past. Whether it’s films like Ben-Hur, All the President’s Men, or even movies that twist history like Inglorious Basterds, these movies often try to contextualize their stories as being more than just the “true” stories they’re based on in order to draw eyes. They sometimes claim accuracy despite drastically altering history in the name of entertainment. However, in a time when we are actively reckoning with our history, it begs the question: how do we channel our feelings about this history and how do we react to what has come before?
The original game The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog and released on June 14, 2013, is nothing short of a masterpiece. The post-apocalyptic story follows two protagonists, Joel and Ellie, who must travel across the United States in the hopes that the latter can provide the cure to a fungal disease that has all but decimated humanity. Thanks to its complex and flawed characters, relentlessly bleak tone, and powerful themes, The Last of Us was critically acclaimed, with many (including yours truly) considering it to be one of the greatest video games ever made.
Originally intended to be released last August and then delayed for a May release, Disney finally cut bait with Artemis Fowl and dumped it onto their streaming service. Based on a series of children’s books by author Eoin Colfer, the film had the potential to spawn a franchise for Disney, but given that it currently holds the terrible Rotten Tomatoes score of 10%, a sequel will probably never happen.
Disclaimer: This review contains spoilers for Da Five Bloods.
Disclaimer: This review is of the Xbox One version of the game and was conducted on an Xbox One X.