Trans bodies in politics
With the recent surge of politicians once again arguing over what to do with trans people’s lives, we thought it’d be a good idea to go back and address some of the misinformation that has constantly come up and still perpetuates popular opinion at some level. Gender identity politics involve a lot of nuance, but the way they are handled in mainstream media and the political arena continues to deal a lot of real psychological (and sometimes physical) harm to trans people.
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.
The Stonewall Riots and the origins of American gay pride
Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were two trans women of color that were integral in pushing the gay rights movement forward. They were also important in securing a place for transgender people within the movement, particularly intheir founding of STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries).
Welcome to the table
YouTube showed me the answer I had been looking for all these years. I finally felt like I had found the words to describe who I really was.
An epic adventure from the comforts of my bed
If you are prone to exploring every nook and cranny in an open-world game, Hyper Light Drifter is the game for you.
The Bergson family’s ancestral duty
A deep, dark, slimy Corruption threatens to take over, holding the potential to plunge the world into an all-consuming abyss, and the only thing that stands in its way is the Bergson family, tasked with an ancestral duty to banish the Corruption by striking at its source in Mount Morta.
Whack, dash, die, upgrade, repeat
Inspired by the ‘Legend of Zelda’ franchise, ‘Sparklite’ is an adorable and fun addition to the roguelike genre. The developers had the idea of framing it as an “approachable roguelike,” taking inspiration from ‘Rogue Legacy’ in the game’s mechanics and fitting the game onto an adventure story-based premise.
Syzygies, capybaras, and catterjunes
In the program for MTG’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the director’s note mentions, “‘Spelling Bee’ knows exactly what it is like to have a weird hobby and celebrates that,” and I couldn’t agree with her more. SOCIAL MEDIA BLURB: MTG presents a musical about spelling and delivers a story of identity and growing up.
The power of fear
URB: One of the most notable things in IT (2017) was its focus on the kids and their development throughout the story as they faced Pennywise’s scares. IT Chapter Two follows this trend as we follow the now grown up Losers’ Club, still the same but also slightly different as a result of their years in adulthood spent away from the ominous Derry.
Beware of the Shape
The missions involved vary wildly and allow players to explore the different sections of the map, from sneaking into people’s houses to creeping through the underground tunnels winding deep below.
Spooky times await
The things that go bump in the night is a phrase that brings us back to our childhood days of fear. It makes us think of the creepy creatures hiding just beyond our periphery, waiting to sneak out from the back of our minds to confront us in the dark. ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’ tries to capture the essence of this childhood fear.
The zebra did it
From ‘Marley & Me’ to ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ we’ve come to know what to expect with movies about man’s best friend: wholesomeness, innocent perspectives, and tears. ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ follows these trends while also introducing a dose of pensiveness via Enzo, sagely voiced by Kevin Costner.
A pointless remake
Before I start criticizing why Disney bothered making the movie in the first place, I will admit that it’s beautifully made. If nothing else, ‘The Lion King’ can show off how far we’ve come in the realm of CGI.
Horror in broad daylight
The horror in this movie is definitely disturbing, though I personally expected more. A good amount of the horror takes place off-screen, and we are only ever exposed to the aftermath, which leads to the film feeling less like a horror movie and more like a study of grief and its emotional impacts.
Another anime rhythm game
Developed by China-based PeroPeroGames, most of the musical selection in 'Muse Dash' comes from Chinese artists, ranging from energetic themes to love ballads to instrumental soundtracks.
Lost then found
I can now say for sure that Pixar has done a great job in ensuring the ‘Toy Story’ movies stay strong on their own as well as together. I welcome ‘Toy Story 4’ as a great sequel and probable end to the saga of Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Rock ‘n’ roll, baby
I particularly enjoyed the musical aspect of the film. It was a great way of implementing some of Elton John’s greatest hits, such as “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Even if it did lead to the film feeling more episodic, songs were often used to seamlessly transition between large moments in John’s life.
An unsatisfying revenge story
When the movie ended, the guy sitting next to me literally laughed for a whole minute. Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t think that’s the kind of reaction any thriller-branded movie should get. In this case, however, it was well-deserved.
Welcome to CPW, Class of 2023!
“I feel like something that makes MIT stand out is that it has a relaxed atmosphere. Other schools feel more strict about ‘this is a liberal arts college; this is the science; this is the engineering college.’ Everything is mixed together and there’s more flexibility to choose what you want to do. It also has that relaxed vibe where no one judges you!”
Dig a hole, or maybe not
Questionable writing of the film aside, the performances of the cast seem to be the only things that can save 'The Hummingbird Project.' Jesse Eisenberg plays the role of hustler Vincent well. It’s an iteration of a persona Eisenberg has proven to do well before, and this performance is no exception.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Another disappointing remake
While small portions of the movie could be enjoyable, the overall film is a mess. It’s a wonder how Robin Hood was able to make it to the light of day, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone wasting their time on this movie.
The Captain did it
Lucas Pope’s newest game masterfully takes advantage of a unique style to produce a mystery-adventure experience that is near-perfectly built and paced.
‘You never met a monster you couldn’t love’
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald picks up a few months after Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, with Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and company chasing after Grindelwald’s (Johnny Depp) and Credence’s (Ezra Miller) trails. The overall tone of this movie is much darker than the first, though there are still plenty scenes of humor and charm that gives audiences a breather from worrying about the impending doom by Grindelwald.
‘Alice in Wonderland’ meets ‘The Nutcracker’
Its ending makes you feel a little warm inside, and it even snows to give the Christmas effect, but there are better holiday feel-goods out there.
Espionage, cults, explosions, oh my!
Set in the world of the 1970s automobile industry and taking influences from 1970s television, The Low Road has an undeniable charm to it, from the groovy, head-bobbing soundtrack (courtesy of Eric Cheng) to the character design. The witty dialogue between characters also works well in setting a good first impression, leading players to quickly understand the nuanced personalities of every character introduced throughout the game.
5 things that help when a natural disaster is trying to eat your home
Dealing with thoughts of a natural disaster blazing through your hometown is never a good thing for the mind and soul. So, here’s a short list of things you can do to try and alleviate your own worries. Don’t let them overwhelm you. Your family is most likely doing just fine.
Prepare to be amazed
The Champions of Magic team consists of five members, each with their own special talents and brands of magic. There’s Young & Strange, a comical dynamic duo who specialize in classic magic illusions, some imbued with their own personal twist, Fernando Velasco is the whimsical escape artist, Kayla Drescher is the bubbly close-up trick magician, and Alex McAleer is the charming mind reader.
‘You can’t vote for me if you have no arms’
‘The House With a Clock in Its Walls’ focuses on the story of Lewis Barnavelt, who moves in with his Uncle Jonathan after losing his parents. After spending a short amount of time with his uncle, Lewis finds out that his uncle is, in fact, a warlock; together with the help of next door witch Florence Zimmerman, they must race against time to prevent the end of humanity as we know it.
Becoming the tycoon of aquariums
Aesthetically, Megaquarium is simple. The graphics are nothing compared to current big game titles like Assassin’s Creed and the recently released Marvel’s Spider-Man, but they’re appropriate for the basic premise of Megaquarium.
The things you do for carrots
Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is a beat ’em up game about a ninja rabbit out for vengeance after his entire village’s crop is stolen. Providing a rather interesting challenge, the game forces you to think about stamina use, equipment loadout, and strategy.
‘So far I’ve never lost a case before any judge’
I’ve watched 'The Invisible Guest' at least five times, with friends and family alike, and I’ve always found something new to pick out and analyze each time. The writing that went into 'The Invisible Guest' is clever yet tense, but the excellent acting is also another factor into what makes the film great.
The horrific story of Willi Herold
Based on the true story of the Executioner of Emsland, the black and white film starts off with the aforementioned heart-pounding chase before settling into a much slower-paced examination of Willi Herold’s questionable actions.
‘I beg you, do not fail’
In the case of historical blockbuster dramas, it seems Hollywood has not yet run out of ways to incriminate the Nazis during their reign in WWII or thereafter. With Operation Finale, we see the focus shift away from the infamous target of Adolf Hitler to one of his malicious organizers and the waiting game leading up to his capture and eventual trial in Israel.
Let’s get down to business
Decades after the founding of Rynoka and the discovery of five dungeon gates, you play as Will, a young and adventurous shopkeeper. By day, Will maintains Moonlighter, the shop passed down to him by his old man; but by night, he dives into the Golem Dungeon to fulfill his dreams of someday becoming a true hero.
‘I know this much, you will never be enough’
So are these Asians crazy rich or crazy and rich? This new rom-com reveals that they may be a little bit of both with its refreshingly diverse cast and story!
“That’s MY car!”
The ‘Incredibles 2’ is just as entertaining, intelligent, and action-packed as its predecessor. Featuring memorable music and funny moments alike, audiences will not be disappointed by this long-awaited sequel.
‘Luck’s not a real superpower!’
In this sequel to the first ‘Deadpool,’ the infamous merc with a mouth pulls together the X-Force in order to protect a young mutant boy from the dangers of Cable, a time-traveling cyborg.
Apocalyptic snakes and warring animal clans
Legend has it that when the world is nearing its final demise, the Harbinger will appear and prevent its end. In 'Omensight,' you play as this supernatural last resort. The death of the Godless Priestess means the loss of the only power keeping back the dark forces of the Void, and when you’re thrown into the game, the Void incarnate, Volden, has already been summoned to devour the world.
Are we real or simply made of code?
So sure are you of your reality? This production reveals the likelihood — and failings — of highly detailed simulations.
‘Sport death, only life can kill you’
The unapologetic, powerful imagery of MIT’s oldest dorm on display for all to see.
6 quick things to do to prepare for CPW
Are you panicking about the avalanche of event preparations crashing down on your shoulders?
Who let the dogs out?
Wes Anderson’s new film, Isle of Dogs, combines Japanese culture, dogs, and a different kind of social commentary. What does it mean to love unconditionally? Should we give dogs the same kind of respect that we would give our fellow humans? Are humans deserving of such respect?
14 things you missed from the 90th Academy Awards
Jimmy Kimmel turned the Oscars into a game show.
A confusion of sex and violence
Red Sparrow introduces a desolate look at life under the guise of a “thrilling” espionage movie.
How do you deal with the loss of a loved one?
Transgenderism can be a topic some people tiptoe around. In the backdrop of Chile, this Oscar-nominated foreign language film explores it in a slow-moving, yet very real way.
A once every two year experience
DRUM TAO presents a traditional Japanese art form in a riveting way TEASER BLURB: The best part is when the performers’ energy bleeds into the audience, and you can feel the performance area just brimming with excitement and joy. Everyone’s on the edge of their seat, waiting for the next big bang or trick or acrobatic feat.
“I hope to share this wild ingenuity with the world”
When the sand became too much of an obstacle to plow through, we took to digging into the earth as pirates, eager to find the precious hidden booty of Dr. Phillips island.
Freedom from the chains of your heart
'Bilal: A New Breed of Hero' addresses various concerns about pre-Islamic Makkah, without even explicitly addressing the religion throughout the entire movie.
Love done right
Life is Strange: Before the Storm is, to put it simply, one of those games you will never forget. Never have I so strongly felt adoration, fury, sadness, sympathy, and amusement within a single playthrough...
“Shall I compare thee to a mummer’s play?”
Imagine a William Shakespeare (George Olesky) who isn’t quite as eloquent as his plethora of plays would imply. At the beginning of Shakespeare in Love, this is the version of Will we get: writer’s block, broke, and losing his faith in his own career as a playwright and a poet.
Who will be your ideal Toon date?
The MIT/Wellesley Toons invited attendees to experience Dream Toons: A Toon Dating Simulator this past weekend. The show started with a special feature of Out Of Toons, a humble group featuring Toons alumni.
MIT Productions Highlights (Dec. 1-3, 2017)
All performances were emotionally-invoking and pleasing to the ear, and as a result, I can only commend the amazing talent that walks our campus hallways.
Entering the realm of fine dining
Around the corner from Eliot Hotel, Back Bay restaurant UNI opened in 2002 with contemporary twists on traditional Asian cuisine. From the outside, it seems like an unimpressive shabby nightclub; but through the wooden door was an upscale, classy restaurant, dimly lit and with an elegant atmosphere.
One man’s trash is another man‘s treasure
Models strutted down the runway with sass and confidence. Designers did a wonderful job of showing off their creative talent by mere use of paper, plastics, and metals.
Steal from the dead, spend a night with the dead
Pixar dazzles us again with their newest movie, Coco. This culturally rich film is sure to leave viewers everywhere teary-eyed at the touching messages Pixar tries to teach us.
The greedy, horrific, but fairly moving tale of Mr. Burke and Mr. Hare’s victims
“The people of Edinburgh aren’t… dying… QUICKLY ENOUGH!!!” Here cry the despairing voices of the schools of anatomy. The cadavers are running low, so study is restricted. Gravedigging is illegal, and only those who die as criminals or as otherwise properly indicated by the state are allowed to be sold for science, so supply is limited.
Don’t do drugs or you might die a dancing death, kiddos
While Stranger Things does not return to Netflix until October, you can still experience the 1980s with It, the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel.
Going through the indie game space
Right in our home this weekend was the Boston Festival of Indie Games. Conveniently close and super interesting, this convention showcased a variety of board games, card games, video games, and original artist booths.
The Phantom lurking inside the Opera House
Loved by band geeks and theatre junkies alike, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera effortlessly combines mystery, suspense, romance, and emotional musical numbers all in one dark, harrowing tale.