Teaching a nation to cook
‘Julia’ is the portrayal of a female icon that we need — inspirational, humanizing and comforting.
Wes Anderson’s ode to ‘The New Yorker,’ the French, and Bill Murray
The cheerful elements often mask an underlying bleakness, and ‘The French Dispatch’ is no exception to this classic Wes Anderson formula.
Ranch-flavored ice cream? Red Bull sorbets? Oh my
Needless to say, J.P. Licks’ two newest featured flavors were disappointing. The midnight munchies mashed together two very different textures — sweet peanut butter with salty garlic-tinted ranch — the end result of which detonated my tastebuds.
Three ways to celebrate live music
“Celebration” was expressed by MITSO as the end to a long year-and-a-half without live music. The first concert of the semester brought forth infectious energy to Kresge Auditorium with a colorful palette of joy by Bernstein, Ravel, and Respighi.
What happened in 1809?
Arcadia was a wonderful display of the talents of LOST in their abilities to bring characters to life and reel the audience into the story.
Seeking salvation through sketching: an artistic journey beginning in solitary confinement
Known as one of the best tattoo artists in Maine’s Department of Corrections, Pilsbury had a never-ending list of clients waiting for tattoos, for which he was often compensated with instant ramen because it is the currency of prison, a place without cash.
MIT Shakespeare Ensemble takes on the YouTube stage
The virtual production keeps the spirit of the Shakespeare Ensemble alive, finding new opportunities for creativity, humor, and acting within the medium of video.
AJR’s ‘OK Orchestra’ is more than just okay
When AJR put out this album, they remarked that while it might not explicitly talk about the COVID-19 pandemic, the songs on it are certainly a product of its time.
A moving undercover thriller based on true events
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ leaves us thinking about what could have been had Chairman Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party been alive today.
What it takes to love
In focusing on the realness of one particular family’s story, ‘Minari’ manages to capture a greater experience, beyond what Hollywood has been able to understand about Asian Americans and family before. It’s not a concrete idea, but it’s the beginning of a long overdue healing.
Totally not under control
In case you wanted to relive 2020, ‘Totally Under Control’ is the documentary for you. All joking aside, director Alex Gibney’s most recent documentary is a must-watch, both because of the importance of the subject matter and because of the masterful filmmaking.
‘Start-Up’ delivers big heart and big data
‘Start-Up’ is the crossover you didn't know you needed: a Korean drama series about young entrepreneurs struggling to follow their dreams — and their hearts — in the cutthroat world of tech startups and venture capital.
Perception is reality
Tonally, ‘Superliminal’ reminds me of ‘The Stanley Parable,’ where the protagonist explores a mysteriously empty office building at the behest (or in spite) of an omniscient narrator. The ‘Superliminal’ player doesn’t have as much freedom as ‘The Stanley Parable’ player, but both games give a vibe of constant unnerve and the story spiraling into nonsense.
Puzzling through romance
Considering ‘A Fold Apart’ is Lightning Rod Games’ first foray into the world, I will give them credit for creating an honest portrayal of the hardships of a long-distance relationship as well as creating a puzzle game with unique mechanics, but I would have expected smoother gameplay since the team consists of industry veterans.
‘Twas a dark and stormy audio play
When the sky hangs heavy with clouds, when the wind trembles in the trees, when thunder shakes the air: Grab a cup of your favorite brew, settle by a window that frames the approach of winter, and absorb this auditory drama of murder, masculinity, and madness.
The rise of Rina Sawayama’s pop dynasty
‘SAWAYAMA’ masterfully renders pop as a medium for both socio-political commentary and personal narrative.
Trying to not starve together
There’s a certain kind of solidarity when you’re starving to death with friends
‘Writing the Future’ distills the artistic origins of hip-hop culture into a coherent experience
Basquiat and all his modern cachet were what convinced me to attend, but the rich diversity of creative styles made me stay.
Death of the prime time drama
Euphoria has all the parts of a “normal” show about high schoolers, but a deeper inspection of every relationship reveals more below the surface.
Vocals in concert with voting in the countdown to Election Day
Sweeping and soothing, the Intercollegiate Get Out the Vote Festival featured a talented coalition of artists and speakers who leveraged art “in concert” with civic action.