After hitting theaters on Friday, Nov. 11, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” proves an instant success for the MCU franchise. An unsurprising verdict, the sequel follows the fan-favorite “Black Panther,” which broke theaters in 2018 with its very-needed inclusion of an African MCU superhero. “Wakanda Forever” now pays tribute to late actor Chadwick Boseman (T’Challa) whilst introducing a new Black Panther in his place.
Whether in theaters or on streaming platforms, this summer had a lot to offer when it comes to great entertainment. After spending summer break away, The Seahawk decided to take a look at some of the films and TV we were unable to cover. Staff writers Anna Ford, Bradley Earnshaw, Eriq Dixon and Lanie Padgett have compiled a list of the best of the summer, each with a summary and spoiler-free review.
Eriq Dixon, Emma Geiszler, and Boyce Rucker
• April 7, 2022
After a week of being in April, The Seahawk decided to take a look at a few of the films, TV shows and albums we did not cover during March. Staff writers Eriq Dixon, Emma Geiszler and Boyce Rucker reflect on some gems from the past month, determining in these mini reviews whether the experience was worth it.
Going through “Euphoria” withdrawal? Not to worry, there are plenty of other options to hold us over until the show returns. Whether we watch “Euphoria” for its adolescent themes, striking visuals,...
“The Batman” is not just one of the best Batman movies in years, but one of the best noir stories in recent memory. With due respect to what came before, Reeves adapts elements of the Batman mythos with sleek precision and care. Pattinson is riveting as the world’s greatest detective, portraying him as a broken man beneath a hard-boiled shell. If one were to watch “The Batman” without seeing its predecessors, they might think this is the first Batman film ever made, as it gives a deeper understanding of the character than ever before.
The Seahawk’s February book club pick “The Christie Affair” is a mystery that will keep you pushing off work for one more page. If you are an Agatha Christie fan, this is the perfect novel for you. Besides the famous author playing a titular role in the plot, the web Nina de Gramont spins in this fictionalized account of Christie’s disappearance is something Christie herself would applaud.
Peacock’s newest original series “Bel Air” reboots “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” for the modern day. At a time where reboots are frequent and subjected to comparisons to predecessors, “Bel-Air” has a lot to live up to for “Fresh Prince” fans. Rather than being a straight recreation, or a sitcom like the original, “Bel-Air” is a grounded and dramatic reimagining that does away with the more comedic aspects. Given the original’s iconic status in pop culture, many may question if this reboot is necessary. The three-episode premiere makes the premise timely and adds more depth than before, but it also makes questionable decisions along the way.
For those who tracked the Weeknd’s progression as an artist right from his early mixtapes, it is clear that he is a storyteller as much as he is a singer. Each album is defined by his own personal experiences and celebrity lifestyle. Each of his eras boast a quality and production design reminiscent of what we see in cinema, as he forms light narrative threads across the diverse tones. If “After Hours” is the dark descent into the artist’s soul, drenched in moodiness, then “Dawn FM” is the brighter and groovy ascent to new heights.
Caroline Straubel, Culture Editor
• January 8, 2022
The Seahawk is kicking off 2022 with a resolution to read more and wants you to join us. We’re beginning a monthly book club focusing on one book per month with a review of the book by one of our writers at the end of the month. Our book for the month of January is “Over the Falls,” by North Carolina author Rebecca Hodge.
Sony’s “Venom” franchise stands out as an outlier for not being officially included in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite its initial disconnection from Spider-Man, “Venom” is noted for its action, humor and Tom Hardy’s performance. Directed by character actor Andy Serkis, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” indulges in the comedic tone of its predecessor and introduces new characters and elements to the franchise, but does it so hastily to the point where the film feels more like a short interlude rather than a major installment.
Alison Fennell, Contributing Writer
• October 2, 2021
UNC Wilmington’s creative writing program develops many successful writers, the latest being a recent graduate that just released her first novel. E.J. Schwartz, originally from New Jersey, graduated from UNCW’s MFA program this year. A competitive gymnast and all-star cheerleader turned author, her novel “Before We Were Blue” was published on Sept. 14.
FX’s adaptation of the “Y: The Last Man” comic series is one of the network’s most anticipated shows in recent years. The series was published by DC Comics’ mature Vertigo imprint and ran for 60 issues from 2002 to 2008. The comic’s critical acclaim may signal the show’s potential for strong impactful storytelling. While the first part of the three-episode premiere focuses too much on exposition to grip viewers right away, it still has the potential to highlight strong acting performances.
