Rona Wang’s debut story collection sings
'Cranesong' is a beautiful debut story collection, stringing together characters exploring their identities: what does it mean to be an artist, to be female, to be Asian, to be Asian American, to be queer?
‘Reefer Madness’ makes you giggle for good reason
Based on the cult classic propaganda film, the musical ‘Reefer Madness’ is the tongue- in- cheek examination of what is definitely the source of all corruption: marijuana. As presented by the MIT Musical Theatre Guild, this production of ‘Reefer Madness’ earns a lot of laughs from the wacky plot and the efforts of the cast and design team.
Rumor has it…
Eight overdramatic men and women, a suicidal deputy mayor, and an unruly gun converge one night during a fated anniversary party. We all know what ensues: Rumors galore.
Likeness of love
In their second visit to Boston, Nederlands Dans Theater 2 proves why choreographers flock to create their most experimental work on the company’s blank canvas of young talent.
When reality strikes back
During the first half of the film, there are multiple nebulous concepts that are constantly addressed by the inhabitants of Plymouth island: luck, morality, right and wrong. They way these ideas are thrown about feels arbitrary. Some inhabitants of the island criticize Dill’s obsession with catching tuna. “You just gotta catch the fish that’s in your head” is a common phrase that comes up.
‘Aquaman’ makes a big splash in theaters
Jason Momoa gives an entertaining performance as Aquaman, but the film still begs for more depth. Still, the splashy visuals often distract from the story line overload.
Bumblebee lives up to the buzz
‘Bumblebee’ feels less like a ‘Transformers’ movie and more like a coming-of-age story of friendship and personal growth, set in the Transformers universe, with some awesome battle scenes and high-stakes civil wars thrown in for good measure. Whether or not you’re typically the type of person to enjoy ‘Transformers,’ this film has something for you.
Running with the wolf pack
Sarah DeLappe’s ‘The Wolves’ displays the social dynamics of a girls’ soccer team with fully developed characters and engaging dialogue. Indeed, it is difficult to find a flaw in Lyric Stage’s impressive production of ‘The Wolves’ which boasts a stellar all-female cast and creative team.
Make some noise for ‘Small Mouth Sounds’
In Bess Wohl’s ‘Small Mouth Sounds,’ the play’s six characters partake in a spiritual retreat during which they are not allowed to speak. Guided by an unseen sermonizing guru, the six people hilariously struggle to adapt to their new lifestyle while desperately wanting to communicate their personal traumas.
The big bad trio finally comes together
19 years after Unbreakable, Glass sort of continues the cat and mouse game between David Dunn (Bruce Willis) and Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) with another factor thrown in: Kevin Wendell Crumb and the Horde (James McAvoy). Thankfully, the movie didn’t completely let down my expectations.
’The Urban Nutcracker’: where Ellington meets Tchaikovsky
Within the first few minutes after the curtains are drawn at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre, hip-hop, tap dancing, and ballet are showcased by the variety of dancers on stage. One thing becomes apparent right away: Anthony Williams’s 'Urban Nutcracker' is not your typical Nutcracker ballet.
‘Reclaimed’: taking pride in our names and heritage
Colorful portraits of smiling MIT students wrapped around the pale limestone supports. Each photographed person carried a whiteboard with their names scrawled on, accompanied with its meaning, their pride spilling off the glossy photo-grade paper. In the stressful midst of finals week, this unexpected change of scenery came as a delightful surprise.
Fresh voices of reality and working to understand ourselves
Providing fresh voices that should be heard, 'Points of You' is written with honesty that can be appreciated by all. The voices of Vick Liu, Julia Rue, Mina Fahmi, and Drew Bent alternate throughout the book, speaking about a wide range of topics, including mental health, relationships, and leadership.
Fighting the good fight
From a plot standpoint, the biopic feels like a dedicated retelling of a page from Ruth’s life. In fact, Ruth’s nephew, Daniel Stiepleman, worked closely with her in order to ensure the authenticity of the screenplay.
Seeing is believing
'Bird Box' is yet another post-apocalyptic movie, featuring an invasive species that attacks through your sight. If you look at it, you’re overcome by a crippling sadness and will do everything in your power to kill yourself.
Playing through living art
Every shot in 'GRIS,' whether struggling to withstand violent gusts or sliding down a hill, feels deliberately composed — like each action completes some art piece.
Look out Oscars, ‘Vice’ is heading your way
'Vice' tells the story of Dick Cheney, from his earlier life to his entry into politics to becoming the vice president to George W. Bush Jr. Hilarious, thought-provoking, and totally unexpected, 'Vice' is a must-see movie this Christmas.
Amusing-lee, this musical is a fun-filled romp through history
A political musical has never been so relevant. If all the dissatisfaction with Congress, the slow-moving turtle of politics, were condensed into a satirical look at the people who made our country, '1776' is that musical.
A wing and a miss: the highs and lows of Asgard wings
While most wings left something to be desired in terms of texture or creativity, some certainly stood out. Gold fever was the clear winner with a smoky BBQ tang that steers clear of the usual trap of overwhelming mustard flavor.
The unconventional love story
'Becoming Astrid' gives the viewers a glimpse into the events in Astrid Lindgren’s formative years that shaped the children’s stories for which she is famous. Lindgren’s affair with her married editor and her subsequent teenage pregnancy serves as the fulcrum for the story and provides the background for her most beloved characters.