“King Richard” may simply read like a Venus and Serena biopic when we read the synopsis, but it is also a story of Richard Williams and his drive to see their potential come to fruition. While Williams’ training methods are questionable, the film gives us a closer look into why he is so outspoken and driven. Will Smith gives an enthralling performance that is one part of the film’s selling point, in addition to Serena and Venus Williams’ upbringing.

Looking for something to do this week? The Seahawk has rounded up events at UNCW and in the Wilmington community so you can start making plans.

In a way, it would be difficult to make a wholly unenjoyable adaptation of Jordan’s series. The books themselves were so well-crafted that Amazon already stands on a steady foundation. There are so many plot elements in the series that it becomes more of a matter of what to choose. From the episodes released so far, it is clear that Amazon’s strategy for streamlining the book series is giving the Two Rivers five equal weights. Whether or not this is successful will likely depend on the pace the show keeps, as demonstrated by these first three episodes. While it is no home run, this first season of “The Wheel of Time” seems to be headed in a positive direction.

Hulu’s “Dopesick” is everything a show of its genre should be—real, gritty, gut-wrenching; and yet enjoyable, socially illuminating and ultimately encouraging. It gives form to a drug crisis known only vaguely to some, but so full of meaning for others, both educating and comforting in its approach. Keaton’s Dr. Finnix is not likely to be forgotten with his closing monologue in the final episode—pain is a part of life, and in working to overcome it, we might find our better selves.

In June 2021, the film was selected to compete in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and won a special mention; it also won the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. It’s no wonder why; not only does the film highlight the femicide occurring in Mexico so clearly, but it shows raw human emotion through the eyes of a budding child, coming of age in a place where she could be harmed at any moment. Constant tension keeps everyone in the village on edge, reflecting to viewers the unique type of torture that is witnessed by those experiencing life in rural Mexican villages.

Kim’s travels abroad have helped her create some helpful advice for any college student wanting to travel or study abroad. According to Kim, a student must always carry an open mind, be open to explore new things in life and be willing to broaden their horizons. “One can never be too creative if you are stuck in your bubble surrounded by the same thing day in and day out,” said Kim.

The premise of the film is intriguing and feels new, but the narrative is incoherent and lacks depth. As previously mentioned, aesthetics, world-building and production design are the film’s strong points. But for these elements to be effective, the film needs a deeper narrative to be able to convey these ideas and lend itself to a deeper meaning. The characters are not well-developed either, it seems like they are objects meant to simply advance the film, rather than fleshed out characters we can root for and relate to. Roxy could be an interesting character, but there is no easy way for us to connect with her character, or recognize any development for her beyond sexual desires.

“Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn” strays from what we would expect from Western cinema to deliver a social critique of human apathy. Its themes and aesthetics are effective and present a larger universal theme about the disconnect in human empathy. After watching it, there is no mystery to why it was selected as the Romanian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

The overarching narrative of family, the relationship between mother and daughter, the cycle of nature and life and the power of death, fear and otherness leave lots to think about among viewers. The Adams’ family’s relationship dynamic plays out within the movie, making it all the more memorable.

Looking for something to do this week? The Seahawk has rounded up events at UNCW and in the Wilmington community so you can start making plans.

In justifying the mural, the film and its subjects examine who gets to benefit from art and who gets to be represented in art. It questions the often-elitist notion of art as luxury and instead suggests that art is crucial for misunderstood or underrepresented communities. It is necessary that they feel seen, and in a world that often chooses to look away from those standing on street corners, art can represent people as humans worthy of being admired. The audience takes home a much deeper lesson on the intersection between art, religion and humanity.

Like a “sit-down” between Big Pharma and “The Godfather,” “The Oxy Kingpins,” a documentary directed by Brendan Fitzgerald (also known for Gaycation) and Nick August-Perna (also known for The Swell Season), delivers an in-your-face take on the hypocrisy of capitalism and its ability to skirt justice for the sake of money, causing the intentional pain of millions of addicted Americans, with no hint of remorse insight.

“We’re All In This Together” signals a promising future for star and filmmaker Boland. With this captivating film, Boland can surely harness her vision for characters and story to move forward in the industry as an actress and a director. All in all, “We’re All In This Together” tells a chaotic, humorous, and earnest tale of the mending of familial bonds and the unyielding devotion coming along beside it.

All in all, “Wuhan Wuhan” is a heartfelt and deeply human time capsule that deserves to be seen by many people. The film effectively shows that while the coronavirus affected people on a global scale, the human race is more than capable of overcoming it.

Morality, life, death and hell are in balance in the UNCW Theatre Department's production of “The Christians.” The writer, Lucas Hnath, has shaped each character to have their own questions about religion and their own set of religious beliefs that drives their character’s moral values.