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The news site of UNC Wilmington

The Seahawk

The news site of UNC Wilmington

The Seahawk

REVIEW: ‘Turning Red’ has a lot of heart but falls short of Pixar greatness

Eriq Dixon, Staff Writer March 13, 2022
"Turning Red" may not be Pixar’s most amazing film despite what it does offer. It’s childishly entertaining, easy on the eyes and features memorable characters that are sure to win the hearts of many. However, because the story fails to make any real attempt at a subtle approach to its theme, it loses emotional impact. It’s truly unfortunate that “Turning Red” is only a good movie when it could have been a great one.

REVIEW: ‘The Batman’ displays ‘the world’s greatest detective’ in his element

Boyce Rucker, Staff Writer March 3, 2022
“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.

Professor Deepak Rauniyar on short film ‘Four Nights’ showing at the Berlin International Film Festival

Abigail Celoria, Assistant Culture Editor February 17, 2022
Rauniyar’s career in film is built on a life-long pursuit. Through first visits to the theatre in his teenage years, he became interested in film as a means of expression. “I grew up in a society that was very racist,” said Rauniyar. “At the time, Nepal was run by a lighter skinned group. At my school, I was alone; I didn’t speak the local language; my classmates and teachers would bully me. I found that even in local films, lighter skinned actors would wear blackface to portray us on screen. No one like me was making these films. I wanted to change that.”

REVIEW: ‘Moonfall’ is a disaster movie in more ways than one

Abigail Celoria, Assistant Culture Editor February 6, 2022
The opening of “Moonfall” seems to offer a movie that isn’t great, but something worth the watch before reality sets in midway through. It is at least entertaining in the sense that it is something to laugh at, but even this is not enough to move past the antsy boredom audiences are likely to feel by the end.

REVIEW: ‘Reacher’ is better this time around, even without Tom Cruise

Boyce Rucker, Staff Writer February 6, 2022
“Reacher,” Amazon Prime Video’s latest TV series is based on the long-running Jack Reacher novel series by British author Lee Child. “Reacher” is not the first live-action adaptation of the character, as Tom Cruise previously starred as him in the films “Jack Reacher” and “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.” While the films were thrilling adaptations of later novels, the eight-episode season is based on the first Reacher story “Killing Floor.” The films were entertaining in their own right, but season one of “Reacher” is a faithful adaptation that acts as a strong entry point into the Jack Reacher franchise and a tightly-knit crime thriller.
Birdies Movie Poster (2022).

Jamie Lane on UNCW alumni project ‘Birdies’ and indie film production

Abigail Celoria, Assistant Culture Editor January 28, 2022
Lane’s experience in acting and film has taught him valuable lessons about the drive it takes to succeed in the industry. “Number one, with anything in art, you’ve got to really want to do it,” said Lane on his advice for aspiring artists. “It’s not about the accomplishment, but the wanting. That is what will carry you to succeed. And then you’ve got to make your own content while you pursue the paycheck. That is what will distinguish you. If you’re pursuing this for the right reasons, you’ll be making your own content anyway.”

OPINION: Reboots are fine, but they need to advance the story in a new way and have a bit of originality

Boyce Rucker, Staff Writer January 27, 2022
Reboots can be tiresome, especially as we approach the second Batman recasting over the past decade, but they can also lead to the most invigorating visions. It is true that movie studios and screenwriters should focus on more original ideas, but movie reboots are not something that should be dismissed immediately. Reboots such as “Batman Begins,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” show us that reboots can be the best thing for a franchise when done correctly. Instead of viewing each reboot with dismay once they come to our attention, we can view it with curiosity. If we ever find ourselves disappointed or unimpressed by a reboot, then we can always go back to the original.

‘Scream’ (2022) is a ‘requel’ that’s ripe with charm and slashes of nostalgia

Boyce Rucker, Staff Writer January 16, 2022
Eleven years after the release of its fourth installment, Wes Craven’s “Scream” franchise makes a triumphant return in “Scream” (2022). As a series known for its metacommentary and satirical spin on horror clichés and stereotypes, the new entry uses this feature to great advantage and maintains a unique freshness. Directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett inherited the franchise from Craven, who passed away in 2015. While the film is dedicated to Craven, the two introduce new characters and ideas to the franchise that remain faithful to the late filmmaker's legacy. As being part of a cross-generational franchise, the film blends together Generation Z culture elements and classical conventions of slasher horror films. The result is an installment that is nostalgic, yet fresh and presents enough twists to not become a cliché itself.

The Seahawk’s most anticipated films of 2022

Boyce Rucker, Staff Writer January 8, 2022
We may still be in the early stages of 2022, but it is hard not to look ahead to what incredible films are in store for the year. 2021 finished up with terrific blockbusters like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and captivating dramas like “Don’t Look Up.” The lineup of films this year is expansive and looks promising. The year features multiple Marvel and DC superhero films, video game adaptations, long-awaited sequels and bone-chilling horror films, two of which were filmed here in Wilmington. This year may be another long one, but a great way to start it off is by looking out for these films coming to the closest theater or streaming service nearby.

REVIEW: ‘The Matrix: Resurrections’ is the meta anti-sequel that stands apart from its predecessors

Boyce Rucker, Intern December 29, 2021
“The Matrix Resurrections” does not recapture the intrigue and mystery of the 1999 film, but it does recognize this in a meta fashion and it shows that it is still a world worth exploring. The film will be divisive among long-time fans, but it stands apart as an interesting approach to the matrix canon.

REVIEW: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is the movie event of the year (Contains Spoilers)

Abigail Celoria, Contributing Writer December 18, 2021
With the success the MCU is accustomed to, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” could have been a throw-away, fan-serving flick. Instead, it is a mature and entertaining film that fans of both the MCU and Spider-Man will not only love but respect. There is excellence in every moment of this film—its choices are deliberate, and it takes bold risks. It is the tribute that the beloved superhero deserves and speaks to the future of the character in the most encouraging sense.

REVIEW: ‘The Unforgivable’ is a gritty film about trauma at a young age and being haunted by the past

Grace Hall, Contributing Writer December 12, 2021
In a world where children are forced to grow up too fast, life doesn’t just go on. The past is carried heavily, and though regrets may be held as well, this doesn’t mean others will forgive you. Everyone is a child in one way or another, yearning for love and attempting to find their way in life. The web of pain spreads from one individual to another, and as the saying goes, hurt people hurt people. “The Unforgivable” really bends down to a child’s level, looks them in the eye, and begs the question, “When does it stop?”
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