August 2019
13
ENTERTAINMENT R
Summer movie recap
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5 best binges of the summer From new seasons to completely new shows, the summer was packed with every genre of entertainment. Here’s a list of five great bings you might have missed.
Aladdin
With promised magical spectacles, colors and everyone’s favorite genie, the live action Aladdin was anticipated by a very diverse audience, leaving it with big shoes to fill. One of the biggest highlights would have to be Will Smith as the genie. He did not disappoint. Smith added the right amount of his real personality to the role which was very fun to see. And the best part: He portrayed the character beautifully. As for the rest of the cast, I am very proud of the choice to cast actors within a similar cultural background, which plays a major part in the entire storyline. I loved the way the CGI was used to create the right amount of illusion -- especially the magic carpet ride! -- but doesn’t let you forget that it’s all fantasy, and doesn’t take away the nostalgia from your childhood, which I thought was very important.
Toy Story 4
The latest installment of Toy Story hit theaters with a big bang. With immense attention to detail, producers continued the adventurous theme of problem and solution that never fails to amuse and move you to tears, of course. The movie introduces a new character, Forky, who takes Woody on a journey of maturity and character development that wasn’t seen before from him. With the help of Little Bo Peep Woody takes the courage to finally break free from the “toy” mindset that was basically his life motto. Unfortunately, this meant that the rest of the cast received a few minutes of screen time, including Buzz Lightyear, one of the most famous characters from Toy Story. However, this didn’t make the movie any less enjoyable. The ending was emotionally moving and to me it appeared as a good ending to not just the series, but Woody’s storyline as well.
The Lion King
With the original voice of Mufasa and artists such as Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Chance the Rapper and Alfre Woodard, the live action remake of The Lion King had me full of emotions –seeing Mufasa’s fall in HD hurts on another level. I could be biased from excitement of my favorite childhood movie being remade, but it truly couldn’t have been better. Timon and Pumbaa, although not very good-looking, made sure the audience burst out in laughter, with Timon’s French accent and classic “What’s a motta’ with you?” joke. Some viewers criticized the lack of emotion displayed by the animals, but that’s the whole point of the “live action” part. I personally prefer the 1994 film, simply because of the nostalgic emotions from my childhood, as it’s always
“Stranger Things” Season 3 been my favorite movie.
Spider-Man: Far from Home (FFH)
What’s another Spider-Man movie if it doesn’t introduce a love interest and an incredible use of CGI? As a continuation of Endgame and in memory of Iron-Man, FFH seems to have pleased the superhero’s fans in a way Homecoming did not by carefully creating a better storyline and character development than Peter ever had, which was for the most part based on him becoming more independent and confident. I can truly say the stunt and visuals crew really went far and beyond this time around; the action scenes were perfectly detailed so you felt like you were part of the movie, no need for 3D. I also really appreciated the random pop-up jokes despite the mourning of Tony and Peter’s concern for his loved ones. The cast was also beautifully selected and almost custom-made for each role. I’m utterly pleased. reviews by diadelys mena graphics by adrianna rodriguez
Russians and corrupt government officials? C’mon Netflix. Season 3 of Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things” introduces wildly charismatic monsters, characters and locations. The many laughs and nostalgic moments you feel soon turn to constant tears as you wonder how you became so invested in a group of kids on bikes. Don’t miss out on this emotional rollercoaster.
Euphoria
HBO may have lost “Game of Thrones” earlier this year, but it has another gem with “Euphoria.” The show focuses on Rue (Zendaya), a teenage drug addict, and a few other kids at her school dealing with substance abuse, anxiety and their own sexuality. The entire cast is incredible, but Zendaya overwhelmingly shines in her role, one vastly different from her time at Disney.
“Jane the Virgin” Season 5
The final season of “Jane the Virgin” is a return to the show’s early glory. The telenovela that teases telenovelas returns with a touching end to Jane’s momentous story. Nearly every episode can make you laugh, cry and say, “Wait, didn’t he die already?”
“The Bachelorette” Season 15
I am by no means a fan of any reality TV show; however, after hearing about this season on “The Bachelorette,” I just had to tune in. If you’re a fan of screaming at your screen as Hannah chooses the wrong men to send home, this season is perfect for you. The intense camera shots mixed with guys like Luke, the worst human being to ever set foot on the show, will have you and your friends laughing for hours.
“Big Little Lies” Season 2
Originally meant to be one season, the show returns, this time with the addition of Meryl Streep in the cast. The show continues to focus on society’s perception of marriage and friendship in comedic and dramatic ways. The show has the best cast of any show I’ve ever seen and it’s a beautiful story of relationships and rumors, so don’t miss out on it. reviews and graphic by jaden shemesh