Film & TV

June 1, 2017

Actress of ‘Tangerine’ Brings New Perspective to Trans Media

By Ryan Song

So, should “Tangerine” be only recognized for shooting on an iPhone 5S? Hell no.

June 1, 2017

‘Dead Men’ Could Have Told A Better Tale Than This

By Avery MacGuire

“Dead Men Tell No Tales” thinks you are very, very stupid. It believes you are not capable of deducing why characters might want to accomplish their goals.

June 1, 2017

‘Master of None’ Makes a Triumphant Return

By Ivan Gonzalez

To my own and others’ rejoice, Ansari reprised his role as Dev in Season 2 of “Master of None.” The long-awaited second season once again wowed viewers with new expositions, social commentary, a killer soundtrack a...

May 18, 2017

Beloved Cartoon ‘Samurai Jack’ Comes and Goes

By Alex Wehrung

The show made its long-awaited return in March. But the show’s return is also indicative of a current trend in the television landscape: the appeal to nostalgia.

May 11, 2017

‘Guardians of Galaxy Vol. 2’ Is Good But Obvious

By Ryan Song

Long story short: “Guardians of the Galaxy” was alright. While I commend Marvel’s efforts to introduce unknown superheroes to a wider audience, the film still fell into the standard, stale Marvel Cinematic Universe...

May 4, 2017

‘VEEP’ Provides Humorous, Fresh Take on Politics

By Christian Watts

Overall, while those at “VEEP” may work to keep their real-world critiques absent from the show, in order to maintain an undivided audience, the real world political landscape is almost inevitably blending together w...

April 27, 2017

‘Raging Bull’ Takes on Violence with Movie Magic

By Ryan Song

Ultimately, it is the makeup that not only shows the brutal effect of the violence on screen but also traces LaMotta’s life through the 23 years used to account his rise and fall.

April 20, 2017

‘Edge of Seventeen’ Showcases Realistic Teen Angst

By Ryan Song

With her character’s personal problems well established, Steinfeld is able to convey the struggles experienced by average high school students, showing passionate emotions on screen.

April 12, 2017

The Ghost in the Hollow Shell of a Movie

By Alex Wehrung

“Ghost in the Shell” also tries to distract you from the shortcomings of its plot by shoving enough holograms in your face to make you see binary code.

April 5, 2017

UCSB Filmmakers Join Forces with Jack Johnson

By Allison Garfield

Set to a soundtrack by alumnus Jack Johnson, the film will cover four unique students and have their interconnected stories unfold in Isla Vista over the course of their last day of Spring Quarter.

March 9, 2017

‘Logan’ is a Movie for the Comic Books

By Ryan Song

Even though “Logan” faltered in its second half, it is still one of the more enthralling comic book movies to come out recently, as the first half alone transcends the comic book genre.

March 2, 2017

‘Get Out’ Conveys a Message Within Horror

By Christian Watts

The film always maintains a lighthearted and entertaining demeanor, but its acknowledgement of the issue of racial microaggression and even the principle of eugenics is something to stop and think about.

February 10, 2017

Five Directors Honored at SBIFF

By Alex Wehrung

The Outstanding Directors Award ceremony was held on Feb. 7, with the Arlington Theatre playing host to such acclaimed filmmakers as Damien Chazelle, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Kenneth Lonergan and Denis Villeneuve.

February 9, 2017

SBIFF’s Virtuosos Awards Celebrate Diversity

By Jasmine Rodriguez

This year’s Virtuosos Awards ensemble dared to defy the divisions that are often employed within Hollywood and created compelling performances that enticed audiences across countless screens.

February 9, 2017

A Moonlit Evening with the Stars of ‘La La Land’

By Alex Wehrung

The two stars of “La La Land” had come to receive their Outstanding Performers of the Year Awards alongside their director, Damien Chazelle.

January 26, 2017

Hitchcock Channeled Through Music’s Rhythmic Ghost

By Christian Watts

“Blackmail” is the perfect film for which Michael Mortilla to compose to. Its challenges in balance, from tone to pace, keep Mortilla’s ever changing melody on its toes.