Moviefone Editorial

Tag: campus-beat

  • Why Blockbuster Movies Deserve Way More Credit Than They Get

    avengers age of ultronAnyone who knows me can tell you that I don’t just watch TV and movies. I get invested in shows and films, falling in love with the characters and staying up late to think about conspiracy theories. I have bored my friends with more than one rant about the importance of the development of a certain character, or the political underpinnings of any given sci-fi show. I have very strong opinions about the media that I consume, perhaps especially with films. And one of the biggest problems I have with movies is the severe lack of critical appreciation for blockbuster movies.

    Within every field of art, there are forms which are considered acceptable and forms which are considered plebeian. It’s Mozart versus Ariana Grande, “Downton Abbey” versus the “Real Housewives” series. Within film, it’s movies like “Birdman” versus “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” It’s a clear dichotomy between films that win Oscars and films that win the box office, but I think that this needs to change. Popular movies should start being integrated into the awards system. There’s a certain disdain for popular culture which is prevalent in our society, and I’m pretty bothered by it.

    Blockbuster movies are often at the cutting edge of visual techniques and new types of storytelling. Movies like “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Avatar“ took people’s breath away in theaters, as new forms of filmmaking were used to tell unique and vibrant stories. But beyond just visual storytelling, blockbuster movies can mirror the contemporary world in a way that isn’t typically addressed. The “X-Men” series, particularly “X-Men 2,” addressed the issues of outcasts and even segregation in society, serving as a powerful allegory for the treatment of minorities. “The Dark Knight“ captures the zeitgeist of post-9/11 America perfectly, questioning the nature of terrorism. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” was also incredibly politically conscious, discussing how freedom can exist when government conducts such heavy surveillance on its people.

    Then you have the question of diversity in film. The “Fast & Furious“ franchise just released its seventh movie. The cast of this movie is incredibly diverse, featuring characters from across ethnicities and backgrounds. Blockbuster movies, including “Star Trek“ and the upcoming “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” often present a version of society that more accurately reflects the real world, with characters who aren’t just white males. I’d like to take the time to remind everyone that out of the nine Best Picture nominees at the 2015 Oscars, eight focused on the trials and tribulations experienced by gifted white men. Not that all blockbuster movies should win Best Picture, but they should at least be recognized on the awards circuit for their contribution to the art of filmmaking as a whole.

    This is not to say that all blockbuster movies are awesome. There are some truly awful movies in the world that still make over a billion dollars at the box office, notably the “Transformers“ franchise. But I would argue that there are some highbrow movies featuring A-list actors and stellar directors that are just as bed. Every genre has its failures. We should not degrade popular movies because they’re popular, we should degrade them if, and only if, they aren’t actually good.

    I know that, occasionally, blockbuster films get critical recognition, such as “The Lord of the Rings“ series, but these movies are the exceptions that prove the rule. We, as a culture, are too quick to condemn something because it is beloved by the masses; we label it a guilty pleasure and move on. But I firmly believe that blockbuster movies can be just as good as small, independent films, and we should treat them accordingly.

    Grace Segers is a student at Tufts University and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • It’s Time to Put an End to Hollywood’s Movie Adaptation Obsession

    film slate and money lying...Lately, it seems that every single film that makes it big happens to be a book to film adaptation.

    Either this says a lot about the books published in recent years or this reflects even more upon the film industry itself. While the former cannot be denied, the latter seems to make an even bigger case. Every year hundreds of thousands of scripts are purchased by production companies, yet the ones that come to fruition are stories already tried and true. Movies like “The Hunger Games” get four films whereas that indie screenwriter doesn’t have their film see the light of day.

    To most executives, movies mean money. Plain and simple. Making movies is an incredibly risky business. When a book reaches success, this tells a film executive that there is a built in audience for its movie companion. A built in audience basically guarantees a film will make money which makes the risk in creating the film fall down. To the film executives, no risk means unfathomable amounts of money in the case of successful franchises like Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.

    However, there is an extremely large untapped well of talent in the screenwriting community. Creative features are incredibly risky and often only done by established directors/writers. While Wes Anderson is my own personal idol, giving him a budget of 16 million dollars is safe because of his large fan base. His films usually have a high gross profit, so the executives are comfortable with allowing him to go wild. He can do no wrong in both my eyes and in the eyes of executives, so he’s allowed to go wild. It’s not as risky as it may have been back when he was making films like “Bottle Rocket.” This built in fan-base guarantees money, just like the definite fans associated with New York Times Best Sellers.

    In this year alone, there will be an upwards of ten books adapted to films. Many of these adaptations center on Young Adult fiction, which is a large, usually untapped, demographic. The large question remains: what can be done to break away from this fad? With last year’s Academy Awards results, maybe there will be some sort of change now that studios see that indie films win awards. Films like Birdman and Boyhood show creative concepts doing well in the box offices. If this trend continues, more films like “Whiplash” and “Nightcrawler” will enter theaters. These films show proof of concept that creative films with creative scripts are not solely confined to big-budget blockbusters. Hopefully Hollywood will get the message and follow suit.

    But for now, we just have to endure another three years of Maze Runner sequels.

    Brooke Schmidt is a student at The College of New Jersey and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • Young Adult Movies: or (The Rapid Deterioration of My Sanity)

    ya moviesBig corporations preying on the young and innocent is a surefire formula in every industry from fast food to footwear. Children, teens, and young adults have always been a target demographic due to burning desires and fiscal irresponsibility. In the entertainment industry, this is no different. In fact, it very well could be worse.

    Few writers broke out so dominantly into the Young Adult (YA) market like J.K. Rowling did when she penned her first “Harry Potter” novel. Every tween with the gift of literacy wanted to tie a bandana around a stick and march off into academia — the witchcraft and wizardry kind, of course.

    What studio heads saw in Rowling’s books wasn’t a chance to spread the magic of Hogwarts into the heart of every child near and far, it was more along the line that vertically intercepts a capital ‘S’.

    YA novels have been formulaically adapted from paper to film since “Harry Potter” sparked the trend over a decade ago. Critically, there is nothing significant about the movies that came from Rowling’s novels. To the trained adult eye, they are bland and predictable; but what is bland and predictable to mom and dad can be quite different to the eye of a child or teenager with a vast imagination.

    This trend has left us with a string of dull and monotonous films that could only have been enjoyed if they were remotely relatable to a more experienced audience (and with open access to Jordan Belfort’s pharmaceutical cabinet). Minding the replacement of wooden wands with shiny fangs, many of us thought the “Twilight” saga would be the second coming of a magical teen fantasy.

    Predictably, the films finished their run as more of a mockery than a good memory. Then came the “Hunger Games” franchise and the most recent “Divergent” series.

    Admittedly, I never took the time to watch every “Twilight” film, but I have seen each installment of the other franchises discussed above. And to the derangement of my meager, aging brain; once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all.

    I’ve heard some positive things about the “Hunger Games” films, although I personally dislike them. I’ve also heard a lot of positive things about “Harry Potter” movies, and I actually enjoyed the first few. But after the tanking of “Twilight” and the majority consensus by critics that “Divergent” and “Insurgent” should be avoided like a drunken uncle, there could very well be a coming demise to the YA franchises in Hollywood.

    And these are just the big time pictures. Recent films that were based off YA novels such as “The Giver,” “I Am Number Four,” “The Maze Runner,” and dozens of others have had mixed critical reviews to put it lightly. Greenlight after greenlight has mature audiences scratching their heads as to why they have to keep taking their kids to see such repetitive military-grade torture.

    The answer is simple: money. For as many YA movies that bomb, there are almost as many that succeed. It’s the same concept that we see practiced through superhero movies on a consistent basis: if America’s youth keeps turning up in the seats, Hollywood will keep churning out the content.

    As long as the scab keeps getting scratched off, the wound will continue to bleed. Unfortunately, the people buying the tickets are the ones getting bled on. One can only hope that these movies will see their day soon enough. But with “Furious 7” proving to be a box office powerhouse, it’s apparent that in Tinseltown, anything’s possible.

    Jack Heyden is a sophomore at the University of Illinois and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • 10 Reasons People Should Be Watching ‘Shark Tank’

    Reasons to Watch Shark TankFor those who have never watched it before, “Shark Tank” is about a group of self-made multi-millionaires and billionaires (referred to as “sharks” in the show) who invest in America’s businesses and products to help the owners or inventors chase their dreams in their company. If you aren’t watching it, here are 10 reasons why you should start.

    1. You get to watch people’s dreams come true.
    Sometimes, people come into the” Shark Tank” and they are there to get an investment to help save their business. Others are there to help start or grow it. Either way, many of the people who come on the show are there to get an investment from a shark because they need help. There’s nothing better than watching someone who has been working so hard get so excited when they reach a deal in the tank. You’re watching the “American dream” come true for someone right in front of you.

    2. Mr. Wonderful is brutally honest.
    The cast of the show is all around great, but the main reason for watching is for the pure comedy of Kevin O’Leary also known as Mr. Wonderful on the show. He is probably the rudest out of the bunch and he knows it, but sometimes is the most realistic. It’s just entertaining to watch the show to hear what comes out of his mouth because he doesn’t hold anything back and doesn’t care about being nice, even to some of the youngest contestants.

    3. You get to witness the sharks throw out ridiculous amounts of money.
    Sometimes, the business owners or inventors come into the tank asking for tens of thousands of dollars and sometimes they ask for hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s amazing to watch the sharks throw around dollar amounts like it’s nothing. They are all very wealthy but sometimes the same shark will make two or three different deals in one episode and will throw out $500,000 like it’s nothing.

    4. The negotiations can actually be a learning experience for viewers.
    These people come into the tank and they ask for too much money and not enough equity in the company, according to the sharks. The sharks aren’t afraid to tell people they are asking for too much money either. One of the best parts of the show is when the sharks turn the scene into a teaching moment. Sometimes the owners or inventors change their deal they are trying to make and end up getting a shark to invest and other times the person is too stubborn and loses their chance with a shark. The sharks are always very thorough with why they are or are not making a deal with the person, so viewers can learn from what is being said.

    5. How else are you going to learn about useful products?
    The whole point of the show is to present new products or businesses to get the sharks to invest in them. There are so many things out there that are great but just unknown. But the show helps you discover these unknown products, whether the sharks decide to invest in them or not.

    6. Some of the best stories are told on the show.
    Reality TV is filled with humbling stories or experiences from people, but it seems like “Shark Tank” has some of the most inspiring. People from all walks of life come on the show and try to get an investor. One of the most recent stories involves the owners of Bottle Breacher, who have been married for over nine years. The husband is a former Navy Seal turned entrepreneur and the wife has always had a passion for business. The product is a .50 caliber ammunition that was used in war but the couple decided to make it into a bottle opener. The bottle openers are made by Active Duty service members, veterans and reservists. This is just one example of a product and story that you would have likely never known about if it wasn’t for “Shark Tank.”

    7. Things get a little heated between the sharks and it’s just fun to watch.
    One of the biggest fights in “Shark Tank” history actually just happened in the latest season. The creator of an app that curated scholarships for people couldn’t even finish his pitch or answer any more questions because one of the sharks, Lori Greiner, offered him a deal. The other sharks wanted in, too, and they all got upset because they wanted to ask more questions. Then, Robert Herjavec jumped in on the deal with Lori and the creator of the app accepted it. When he stepped out of the room, all of the sharks except for Lori and Robert left the room because they were so mad. The arguments don’t happen often but when they do, it’s quite entertaining.

    8. The show is so unexpected!
    You never know what the sharks are going to do after they hear a pitch. Just when you think an entrepreneur is going to lock up a deal with one shark, another shark swoops in and cuts a better deal and the entrepreneur usually takes it. Or just the opposite happens. When you think an entrepreneur is going to make a deal no matter what with a shark, none of the sharks are actually interested in investing in the business.

    9. There’s no other reality television show like it.
    “Shark Tank” is so different from anything else on TV right now. It’s such a simple concept, but so entertaining to watch. The cast is very distinguished, yet they still make it easy to understand the deals they are making. It’s a unique show for any type of viewer.

    10. There’s a spinoff of the show coming.
    Many people wonder what happens to the entrepreneurs after they make a deal with a shark and some even wonder what happens when the entrepreneurs don’t make one. So ABC is answering all questions and giving viewers a show called “Beyond the Tank” where it does exactly that, going beyond the tank to let us know where people are after they appear on the show. So in order to watch the spinoff, you’re going to have to watch the actual show first.

    “Shark Tank” airs on Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

    Vanessa Gomez is a student at the University of Southern California and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • 10 Most Scandalous Moments From ‘Empire’ Season 1

    Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that one of the hottest new shows on television is FOX’s “Empire.” “Empire” tells the story of a music family as they struggle with each other over power of their record company. In between the catfights and backstabbing, this season managed to tackle issues such as extortion, mental illness, sexual orientation, incurable disease, drug use, loss, and love. With the season finale coming up, here are this season’s top 10 most scandalous moments:

    10. Bunky’s Death
    I wasn’t surprised to see Lucious kill Bunky after his old friend attempted to extort him. What I was surprised to see was the way Lucious acted as if he was hurt about the situation, and pleaded for Bunky’s killer to be found. Lucious also had no problem framing another person for the death or including his son Andre into the fold by using him as his alibi. We got a clear view of Lucious’ character when he gave a tearful eulogy at Bunky’s funeral, something he caused.

    9. The Double Standard
    It’s not unusual for an up-and-coming stars such as Hakeem and Tiana to maintain a relationship for publicity sake. While Hakeem stayed involved with women on the side, no one batted an eye. But, when a video of Tiana having fun with another girl hit the internet, an embarrassed Hakeem just couldn’t take it.

    8. Hakeem’s Older Woman
    When we are first introduced to Hakeem’s lover Camilla Marks (Naomi Campbell) it seems as if this is just a fling. But, we soon find out that Hakeem and Camilla actually love each other. Hakeem turns down the chance to get back with Tiana because of his feelings. Even when Lucious attempted to pay Camilla to stay away from Hakeem, she left, but tore up the check on her way out.

    7. Cookie’s Cakes
    Before what is supposed to be a private meeting between Cookie and Lucious, we see Cookie do what millions of women do everyday: try on every outfit in our closet because nothing looks or feels right. This routine expresses just how much Cookie still has feelings for the father of her children. Cookie’s hopes of a hot and steamy reunion with her ex are dashed when she seeks that not only are her children at the dinner, but Lucious’ new girlfriend Anika is also in attendance. Upon hearing the news that Anika and Lucious are engaged, Cookie blows up and shows everyone at the dinner table that under her fur coat, she is only wearing lingerie. Cookie points out to Anika (and the rest of us) what a real ass looks like.

    6. Boo-Boo Kitty, The Traitor
    Anika, better known as “Boo-Boo Kitty,” is a woman scorned. She drugged artist Elle Dallas (Courtney Love) so that Cookie would look bad as a manager. She eventually turns on Lucious after learning that he has been cheating on her with Cookie. Boo-Boo Kitty proceeds to go to Lucious’ arch-nemesis, fellow music executive Billy Baretti (Judd Nelson), and steals some of Empire’s artists along the way. Anika soon learns just how far the Lyons will go for their family. Cookie throws Anika’s clothes out before Anika even has a chance to get out the driveway. Hakeem manipulates her into missing a chance to poach Tiana. Lucious tells Anika that if she crosses him, he will take down her father for signing off on Lucious’ good bill of health despite knowing Lucious has ALS. Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of Boo-Boo Kitty…

    5. Jamal’s Coming Out Party
    Lucious has always made it clear just how much he is against Jamal being gay. He repeatedly denies Jamal’s attempts at making the company better, even though Jamal is the most talented of his sons. Fed up with his father’s homophobia, Jamal decided to come out to the world by performing one of Lucious’ signature songs “You’re So Beautiful” and changing the words to “A man loves a man.” Lucious was livid, but you could feel a collective cheer from everyone else.

    4. Cookie Puts a Hit Out
    We learn that Cookie was released from prison early for testifying against a known drug dealer. After receiving a suspicious rose at her door, she starts to think that the drug dealer is trying to kill her. Cookie decided to strike first and gets someone else to kill the drug dealer’s known hit man. Soon after, we find out that the rose was sent by Lucious and Cookie had a man killed for no reason.

    3. Andre’s Illness
    Andre is probably the most complex of all the Lyons. He’s the smartest of his brothers and works the hardest, but he never gets credit for anything. Andre also has to battle his bipolar disorder, which has caused him to explode after feeling the pressure of coordinating Empire’s upcoming IPO launch. We’ve seen a fully clothed Andre sitting in a running shower, Andre in the recording studio repeatedly pulling the trigger on an empty gun aimed at his head, and Andre attack his brothers in an elevator. This all comes to a head when the family decided to have Andre committed due to his erratic behavior. One thing is clear: Andre needs help. I just hope Lucious learns to be unselfish for just one moment in order to be a good father.

    2. Lucious Is The Father
    The moment Olivia (Raven-Symone) walked into Empire’s headquarters and exclaimed that Jamal was the father of her adorable daughter Lola, I knew something else was up. Those suspicions were confirmed when a flashback showed Olivia and Lucious making googly eyes at each other at the Lyon home. Lucious finally admitted that he slept with Olivia during the intense moment Olivia’s abusive boyfriend attempts to shoot Jamal. Lucious claims to be Lola’s real father, thereby earning the hate of everyone in the room.

    1. Lucious Puts His Son in the Trash
    This was perhaps one of the most heartbreaking moments I’ve witnessed on television. When a young Jamal shimmies into a room full of adults while wearing his mother’s clothes, Lucious blows up from his disgust at the sight and takes the boy outside to throw him in the trash can. I understand a father not being comfortable with his son’s lifestyle choices, but to place your own flesh and blood, a child at that, into a trash can shows just how evil Lucious is.

    Toshia Smith is a 1L at St. John’s University School of Law and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!

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  • The 5 Greatest Best Friend Duos on TV

    leslie knope and ron swanson in parks and recreationAs someone who has definitely watched my fair share of television, I can say that one of the best parts of watching any show is falling in love with the characters. Sure, the drama, one-liners, and hilarious situations are great, but they would be nothing without the characters we love. And what’s better than one amazing character? Two of them! I’m pretty sure that most of us can agree that these BFF pairs are some of the greatest.

    1. Chandler and Joey, “Friends”
    Can you say “bromance”? Chandler and Joey stole our hearts early on in the iconic “Friends” series. They always had each other’s backs, no matter what. Joey kept Chandler’s secret when he started seeing Monica. Chandler forgave Joey when he lost all of their furniture. I mean, they even had matching flashy best friend bracelets! There is no doubt that Chandler and Joey deserve to be on this list. Don’t believe me? This hug montage should change your mind.

    2. Rory and Lorelai, “Gilmore Girls”
    Yes, these two make up the iconic, unstoppable mother-daughter team. However, there is no denying that they are the closest of friends, too. They seriously tell each other everything, have a million inside jokes, and speak their own fast-paced language filled with old movie references. Heck, they even have the same name. These two definitely take the prize for Best Biological Buds.

    3. Troy and Abed, “Community”
    As I’m sure many of you were, I was absolutely heartbroken when Donald Glover left the incredible comedy “Community” because it meant there would be no more Troy & Abed. With their wild imaginations, and their love for all things nerdy, viewers couldn’t help falling in love with Troy and Abed’s friendship. They not only have their own handshake, but also their own talk show, “Troy and Abed in the Morning”. There is no doubt that Troy and Abed’s bromance is cool. Cool, cool, cool.

    4. Leslie and Ron, “Parks and Recreation”
    To be completely honest, I have still not recovered from the “Parks and Recreation” series finale. To say that I “shed a few tears” would be a complete understatement. Out of all the episodes in the final season, the fourth episode, titled “Leslie and Ron,” made me cry the most. Why? Simply because the friendship that Ron and Leslie have is the best. Emotional, enthusiastic, government-loving Leslie and stoic, detached, government-hating Ron are the perfect (and extreme) compliments to each other. Their friendship is so important in the show, and Leslie always brings out the best in Ron. (Although, to be fair, Leslie brings out the best in everyone on that show.)

    5. Jim and Pam, “The Office”
    Jim and Pam are the perfect example of marrying your best friend. Right from the beginning of the show, you can’t help but adore these two characters both individually, and together as a couple. They never fail to make each other (and the audience) laugh, what with all the office pranks they pulled together. And, to be completely honest, if you didn’t squeal when Jim finally asked Pam out on a date, then you must be heartless.

    Congratulations to the, in my humble opinion, top five best friend television duos. Honorable mentions: George and Jerry (“Seinfeld”), and Kenneth and Tracy (“30 Rock”).

    Abigail Drueke is a first year telecommunications major at the University of Florida and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • What Lies Ahead for Neill Blomkamp and His Pseudo South Africa?

    Neill Blomkamp at a 'CHAPPIE' Fan Event In BerlinThere are always those artists, for better or for worse, that we recognize at a moment’s notice; like a Radiohead song that gives its maker away in the first four chords or a string of dialogue that could only have been written by Quentin Tarantino himself. This maxim seems more and more evident with every installment in Neill Blomkamp‘s filmography.

    Every element, from costume to tone, is fast becoming unofficially trademarked by the South African director. When he broke out in 2009 with “District 9,” I assumed I was watching a one-of-a-kind film, and that Blomkamp would quickly move on to other genres and stories; this clearly has not been the case. It seems that he has been given creative freedom to continually pursue his obsession with crime-riddled near-futures and dystopian South Africa’s. But after reading the poor reviews for his latest film, “Chappie,” the story of a sentient robot turned gangster, and then seeing it for myself, I’m not sure how much longer Blomkamp will be able to make these types of films seemingly all by himself.

    “Chappie” wasn’t a terrible film by any means, but it certainly wasn’t a rebound from his previous outing, “Elysium,” which faired poorly at the domestic box office yet had a superior critical reception. (In fact, don’t be surprised if “Chappie” loses more on the back end, even though it cost a fraction of the former to make.) Even though “District 9” had the looks of something that wouldn’t be repeated, it seems that is exactly what Blomkamp has tried to do twice now — failing both times.

    Passion projects are a gem in Hollywood. Most directors go their whole careers without one, some are lucky to make two, and others are blessed with whole strings of them, even if they repeatedly fail. Sometimes all it takes is one blockbuster and you are given the keys to the kingdom. But whereas most will move on to bigger and better ideas, Blomkamp has hindered himself by making inferior versions of his original masterpiece.

    I truly want to root for him. I love sci-fi. I love robots. And I love aliens. Maybe that formula can be successful time and time again. Perhaps Blomkamp is simply going about it in the wrong way. Tarantino basically gives us the same thing in every film. “Inglorious Bastards” and “Django Unchained” could only have been done by the same person, and even someone who has only seen those two movies as long as he’s lived could probably guess that. Tarantino’s formula works because he varies it so much. It’s the same type of dialogue and pop culture-infused with violence, but it’s also always new and refreshing.

    Blomkamp continually gives us the same types of characters and the same types of social issues, but he doesn’t alter it enough from film to film. I don’t despise “Eylsium” or “Chappie,” and I earnestly believe that Blomkamp has what it takes. He just needs to bring more to the plate next time — if there is a next time.

    Jack Heyden is a sophomore at the University of Illinois and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • 5 Reasons to Be Excited for ‘Community’ to Return

    Well, Season 6 of “Community” is almost here, and we get to see all of our favorite aspects of the show back on the screen. Sure, it’s a slightly smaller screen, but we shall get to reunite with our favorite Greendale characters once again – or at least most of them. The new additions to the cast hopefully add an entirely new dynamic that I’m excited to see play out. Here are 5 reasons to get excited:

    1. The Creative Episodes
    “Community” has created entertaining episodes about paintball and “The Floor is Lava.” The creative material they come up with is insane, and Season 6 just means there will be more to look forward to. If every episode came from the inside of a blanket fort, I would be a happy girl. You can tell that the writers have a good time writing the show, and with the move to Yahoo Screen, this can hopefully mean bigger and better things for the future.

    2. Constant Pop Culture References
    Abed is one of my favorite characters on television, mainly in part to his constant stream of pop culture references. Plots that center on his inability to understand reality are some of the more enjoyable episodes that we’ve seen from the series. Scenes where he’s trying to figure out Nick Cage or that Christmas special (you know the one) or the Comic Convention that parodies “Doctor Who.” Every zany situation he gets into is another reason to love Abed and to identify with him even more.

    3. Dean Puns
    As someone who appreciates a good pun every now and again, every time the Dean enters a scene, I cannot help but burst out laughing. If we get more scenes like the Dean rap, I foresee many hurting ribs in our future. Dean Pelton has turned into one of my favorite characters with his random entrances and unabashed love for Jeff Winger. Hopefully we can have more Dean-centric plots in the future, but for now I’m just content with the lovely puns.

    4. Awesome Guest Stars
    They’ve had people like Jack Black, Anthony Michael Hall, Lavar Burton, Rob Cordry, and so many others. Now that they have grown in popularity –- somewhat due to their renewal being all over the internet last year –- they have the opportunity to attract different stars which can only add to the hilarity.

    5. Will They/Won’t They Relationships
    While such relationships often become trite, “Community” executes the will they/won’t they relationship perfectly. It can go from Jeff/Brita to Jeff/Annie in a millisecond and I don’t even care. Both relationships are cute and there’s this constant state of suspense where the viewers is made to ask “What will happen next?”

    Brooke Schmidt is a student at The College of New Jersey and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • The Top 5 Reasons to See Disney’s ‘Cinderella’ This Weekend

    Lily James in Disney's CinderellaDisney’s “Cinderella,” a live-action version of the classic tale starring Lily James as the titular heroine, premieres today. Judging by the trailers, the movie will be excellent. It seems like a perfect throwback to one of the most iconic Disney animated films of all time, while still presenting a new and fresh spin on the old story.

    Here are the top five reasons to go out this weekend and see “Cinderella” in theaters this weekend.

    1. The movie has a stellar cast
    From Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother to Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, “Cinderella” features a fabulous array of actors. Fans of “Downton Abbey” are sure to enjoy this movie in particular. Lily James is the star, and she plays flighty cousin Rose on the popular British show. Sophie McShera, who portrays the kitchen maid Daisy on “Downton Abbey,” is one of the stepsisters. I’m particularly excited to see Richard Madden, most famous for playing Robb Stark on “Game of Thrones,” act as the charming Prince. It’s good to know that somewhere in the universe, Robb Stark gets to live happily ever after (emphasis on the “live”).

    2. Kenneth Branagh is the director
    Branagh is a brilliant director, perhaps most famous for his film adaptations of Shakespearean plays such as “Much Ado About Nothing” (1993) and “Hamlet” (1996). He also directed “Thor” (2011), bringing dramatic flair to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Branagh’s experience as an actor in and director for numerous Shakespeare adaptations will hopefully translate well into the storytelling of “Cinderella,” putting a theatrical spin on a classic tale.

    3. The film is beautiful
    A fairy tale should look and feel fantastical, and “Cinderella” seems to have the perfect aesthetic. From the beautiful costumes, designed by Sandy Powell, to Haris Zambarloukos’s stunning cinematography, the movie will be as visually pleasing as it is entertaining.

    4. It will remind viewers of their childhoods
    Disney’s 1950 animated “Cinderella” is one of the most well-known children’s movies of all time, and for good reason: it’s as charming as the prince who falls in love with Cinderella. Watching the new “Cinderella” will be a nostalgic experience for viewers, but it will also give them a new perspective on the classic tale. It will be fun for parents who were raised on the old animated film to show their kids this new version. It will also be a fun break for college students like me, a chance to revisit childhood days before midterms and deadlines.

    5. “Cinderella” is the perfect spring film
    This winter has been especially brutal, especially for the Northeast. It seemed like every week had a new storm and more snow. At long last the ice is beginning to thaw, and there is hope for the summer. “Cinderella” is premised on the power of hope, and goodness, and it is therefore the perfect film for spring. As flowers begin to appear and new life is breathed into the world, it will be good to watch a movie full of wonder where new life is breathed into an old tale.

    Grace Segers is a student at Tufts University and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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  • This Is Why You Should Watch ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’

    unbreakable kimmy schmidt“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” tells the tale of chronic optimist Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) as she tackles New York after being rescued from a doomsday cult that kept her and three other women in an underground bunker for 15 years. (Tina Fey’s presence as the show’s co-creator is apparent from the opening scenes of the series, when news reporters state that the cult’s leader, Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, is also known to Yelp users in the area as “Durnsville’s worst wedding DJ.”) Kimmy attempts to navigate the Big City while discovering how the world has changed throughout the years, and here are some of the reasons why you should join her on her journey (some spoilers).

    Kimmy Is No Damsel in Distress
    After being kidnapped and placed in an underground bunker for 15 years, you would think that Kimmy would be a psychotic mess. Surprisingly, between her vivacious new roommate, Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), and self-indulgent, socialite boss Jacqueline Voorhees (Jane Krakowski), Kimmy tends to be the only grown-up around most of the time. She’s not a victim. Over the course of a day, she managed to find an apartment, get a roommate (he came with the apartment), get a job, lose said job, and get the job back. All while keeping her cool. You’d expect one of Indiana’s “Mole Women” to spend her days curled up in a ball, but Kimmy tries to enjoy her newfound freedom in various ways, like making new friends or finding the fountain from the opening credits of “Friends.”

    Titus Knows Best
    Titus is perhaps one of the best television characters I’ve seen in a while. This Broadway hopeful usually spends his days partaking in an assortment of antics in an effort to reach stardom (including using copyright law to muscle the owner of a costume rental shop into returning his deposit). Although impractical in his own life, Titus doesn’t tolerate foolishness when it comes to Kimmy. He grounds her and helps her find her way back whenever she is overcome with traumatic memories of the bunker.

    The Apartment
    Decorated with Barbie furniture, a broken TV, and coffin linings as curtains, Titus and Kimmy’s basement apartment is what you’d expect from two people in New York City with horrible job prospects. The place may be a conglomerate of purple and glitter, the ceiling may be missing in some spots, and the walls might be thin enough for you to walk through, but for Titus and Kimmy it’s home.

    The Villains
    The Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne isn’t the only evil Kimmy has to endure. When Kimmy hits New York, she also finds herself up against a GED teacher who wants his class to fail, an overly hormonal teenager, Xanthippe (pronounced “Zan-thip-ee”), and a senile blind date who thinks she’s a German spy from World War II.

    Celebrity Cameos
    The series is filled with special appearances. There’s Nick Kroll as a dedicated spin-class instructor, Dean Norris as Titus’s “straight” acting coach, and Amy Sedaris as one of Jacqueline’s divorced friends. Jon Hamm and Martin Short also provide memorable performances. And who would want to miss Tina Fey herself as half of a lawyer duo who burst out a tag-team routine during opening statements at trial.

    Jam-Packed Comedy
    When you take a 30-year-old woman who hasn’t seen the outside world since Clinton was President and drop her in the middle of New York City, you end up with countless hilarious scenes. Kimmy’s lack of knowledge of up-to-date pop culture references is obvious when two girls in a club ask her if she does “Molly” and she replies that Molly is her favorite American Girl doll. But, Kimmy isn’t the only one to find herself lost in a situation. In Episode 3: “Kimmy Goes on a Date!,” Titus is so caught up in a lie that he is forced to sing Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You” at a Korean stranger’s funeral. Whether it’s episode dealing with a robot who’s a better wife than Mrs. Voorhees or one dealing with the fact that it’s easier to be a werewolf than a black man in NYC, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” never disappoints.

    Toshia Smith is a 1L at St. John’s University School of Law and a contributor to Moviefone’s Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!
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