CHALLENGERS MOVIE REVIEW

by Ashley Powers

If you told me a few months ago that I would become emotionally attached to a movie about tennis, I would have been hesitant to believe you. If you told me it was directed by Luca Guadagnino, director of Call Me By Your Name, maybe I would’ve believed you a little more. What can I say? I love a gay little movie.

The movie follows the lives of 3 key players. Zendaya’s character Tashi, Mike Faist’s character Art, and Josh O’ Conner’s character Patrick. And of course the other main character: tennis. This movie had everything: rivalry, betrayal, homoerotic moments, Zendaya in a juicy jacket, phallic foods, techno music, and a very sweaty tennis match. By the way, if you think tennis is boring then clearly you’ve never seen it set to tech- no. Literally, listening to the score of Challengers is the equivalent of taking a hit of poppers, a drug I’m suuure our male leads would love.

The film volleys between past and present like a tennis match, while we watch an actual match between Art and Patrick. But is it a tennis ball they’re volleying or the chance to be with Zendaya’s character Tashi?

The only thing Tashi loves more than tennis is manipulating these two men, a sport in its own right. It seems she knows something that they refuse to admit, that they are actually in love with each other. Tashi tests this theory the first night they meet, by feigning a threesome that she soon exits. Tashi looks on to the 2 boys making out like I would to my ken dolls after making them kiss. Pure sat- isfaction. The boys go on to fight over Tashi the whole movie, and it’s never quite clear who wins.

Although someone ends up winning the match—I won’t spoil it—I think the message was that the real score was love-love. (I was legally required to make that pun). The film ends with Tashi’s reaction to the match results, a visceral response that matches her complex feelings throughout the film.

I believe this is an important film in our society. Bi erasure, especially for men, is a very real thing. Men are often afraid to explore their homoerotic feelings, because they don’t want to be labeled as gay. But in my opinion, the manliest thing you can do is be in touch with your sexuality.

Speaking of sexuality, we sadly don’t get full Zendaya nudity (she has a no nudity clause in her contract – still a Disney star at heart), but we do see her in her underwear, a visual stunning enough to make me want to die a little.

This movie has made an imprint on my psyche. Seriously, I’ve become annoying. I’ve started asking “Mike Faist or Josh O’Conner?” and treating it like a personality test. I can respect either answer, but I’m a Josh girl. Also, I might actually start watching tennis.

Well there it is, my review on the sexy tennis movie. I hope I haven’t spoiled it too much, because if you haven’t seen the movie you really should. And if you need someone to go with, I’m not opposed to seeing it a third time; if I learned anything from the movie, it’s that sometimes all you need is a third.

The best time of year—besides Christmas, naturally—is basking in the sunshine of summer. As the days stretch longer and the UV index climbs higher, dive into this year’s ultimate summer “it” list.

IT: Fruit (as a lifestyle)

The physical food is always an in. I’m talking about utilizing the cuteness of fruit-- everything from graphic tees and bikinis covered in strawberries to nail colors inspired by citrus and DIY crafts featuring little cherries.

IT: Over accessorizing I want to see three watches, a stack of bracelets, and 11 rings on just one arm this summer. If you don’t jingle when you walk, you’re doing it wrong.

IT: Rewatching Sex and the City Is Carrie still annoying? Of course. But revisiting her chaotic love life and questionable fashion choices is like a warm, problematic hug. Perfect for summer nights in with a glass of wine, wondering why you ever thought Mr. Big was a catch.

IT: The color orange Enough said.

IT: Channeling your inner Shark Tank

Saying, “And for that reason, I’m out” whenever you don’t want to do something. Leave the FOMO in the spring and do what makes you happy this summer.

by Kiley Parrish

IT: Short nails Acrylics? Annoying, expensive, and an express ticket to damaged nails. Your local Walgreens has all the cute summer colors you need. Plus, you can actually type without sounding like a tap dancer.

IT:Making SPF your BFF

Lobster doesn’t look good on anyone and nothing says, “I’m a responsible adult” like protecting your skin from the fiery wrath that lives 92.96 million miles away.

IT: Pretending to be in Europe

Your bank account might not agree with a trip around the Amalfi Coast but Instagram doesn’t need to know that. Grab a croissant, sip an overpriced cappuccino, and snap some photos of a body of water - enjoy your staycation, minus the jet lag and overpacking.

IT: Complaining about the heat At the end of the day, I’m just a girl and the heat is exhausting. So go ahead, moan about the weather. Bonus points if you do it while sipping a lemonade in the AC.

by Chesney Jensen