How to Blow Up a Movie

“How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (2022) falls far short of its explosive title, writes Miles Garcia ’25, wasting the potential to stoke a cinematic fire under the climate fight.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episode 9

In the recent episode of “Survivor,” Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps this week’s idol drama and competitive immunity challenges.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episode 8

This week’s episode of “Survivor” included rare relaxation time and a grueling immunity challenge. Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 recounts the episode’s heartfelt moments and thrilling competitions.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episode 7

This week’s episode of “Survivor” was filled with physically taxing challenges, emotional moments, and classic dilemmas. Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 details the latest season’s exciting progress.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episode 7

This week’s episode of “Survivor” featured an uncharacteristic twist, and the consequences took viewers by surprise. Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 recounts the alliance-destroying challenge.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episode 6

This week’s episode of “Survivor” saw the tribes merge in one of the most anticipated moments of the season! Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 details the conflicts and alliances that deepened with the merge.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episode 5

In this week’s “Survivor,” competitors strengthened bonds and missed valuable opportunities. Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 details the tensions within the tribes.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episode 4

“Survivor” expert Vaughn Armour ’25 breaks down this week’s episode, which took a sudden turn when contestants were forced to swap tribes.

“Survivor”: Season 44, Episodes 2 & 3

You may have survived spring break, but did you survive without last week’s “Survivor”? Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the last two episodes, which solidified some relationships and tensions in this season.

The Oscars in Miniature: The Nominated Short Films

On Sunday, the Academy Awards will laud winners for short films. Ruth Zuraw ’25 reviews each film in the live action and animation categories, providing her recommendations for short movie nights.

“The Milk Man” Brings all the Viewers to the Yard

AC Production Company premiered its first film “The Milk Man” on Saturday, Feb. 18. Staff Writer Joe Sweeney ’25 is ambivalent towards the mockumentary, which follows a student who makes the best milkshake Amherst College has ever seen.

“Survivor” Season 44, Episode 1, Reviewed

“Survivor” returns with a brand new season! Resident fan and Staff Writer Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the episode, filled with unexpected medical incidents and drama from the get-go.

Save Cinema from the White Savior

White saviors are a common trope in the entertainment industry. Contributing Writer Mackenzie Dunson ’25 analyzes the problematic history and consequences of Hollywood’s reliance on white saviors, derailing narratives that should be centered around people of color.

“Turn Every Page” Fills Every Seat

On Monday, Amherst Cinema screened “Turn Every Page,” a documentary about the long-running professional relationship between editor Robert Gottlieb and writer Robert Caro. Managing News Editor Leo Kamin ’25 recaps the event, which included a discussion with director Lizzie Gottlieb ’93.

“Gods and Monsters:” DC Studios’ Last-ditch Expansion

Last month, DC Studios announced the first chapter of their upcoming extended universe, with plans for ten new projects. Vaughn Armour ’25 sees this as the studio’s final attempt to shift towards a more cohesive and distinct cinematic universe.

“Avatar: the Way of Water” is an All-American Blockbuster

“Avatar: The Way of Water” is the eagerly anticipated sequel to “Avatar,” but it left some fans wanting more. Ross Kilpatrick ’24E criticizes the film’s use of propaganda and uninspired writing.

“Hostages” Documents Iranian Hostage Crisis

On Nov. 29, Shahruz Ghaemi ’19 hosted a screening of “Hostages,” a documentary series about the Iranian hostage crisis. Senior Managing Editor Theo Hamilton ’23 reflects on the series, on which Ghaemi worked as an archival producer.

“Wakanda Forever” Fumbles the Legacy

“Wakanda Forever,” the much-anticipated sequel to “Black Panther,” is a film that delves into the complexities of Black grief. While largely successful, Mackenzie Dunson ’25 says the film could have had a stronger antagonist, rather than pitting POC communities against one another.

“The Banshees of Inisherin” Screams Out

“The Banshees of Inisherin” follows a man who cuts off his best friend for reasons seemingly unknown. Ross Kilpatrick ’24E reviews the darkly humorous and deeply reflective film.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 11, Reviewed

In episode 11 of “Survivor,” the contestants faced one of their most strenuous challenges to date. Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the episode, which featured the downfall of one of his favorite players.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episodes 9 & 10, Reviewed

Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the last two episodes of “Survivor,” detailing the rise and fall of one competitor and some of this season’s best strategic plays.

Memories and Nostalgia in A24’s “Aftersun”

Charlotte Wells’ new film “Aftersun” is a visual representation of the cracks in our memories. Cole Warren ’24 reviews the movie, which follows a daughter reflecting on her father’s death upon becoming a mother herself.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 8, Reviewed

In episode eight of “Survivor,” this season’s potential victors begin to reveal themselves. Vaughn Armour ’25 tracks the up-and-coming competitors and one contestant’s personal backstory.

“Wendell & Wild” Diversifies Stop-motion Genre

Henry Selick, creator of iconic stop-motion animation films like “Coraline,” teamed up with Jordan Peele for “Wendell & Wild.” Erin Williams ’26 reviews the movie, which can sometimes feel bloated but is nonetheless an enjoyable ride.

“Survivor”: Season 43: Episode 7, Reviewed

In episode 7 of “Survivor,” castaways voted out the last member before jury. Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the hilarious challenges and unexpected revelations that lead to a shocking elimination.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 6, Reviewed

In episode six of “Survivor,” tensions between contestants intensify as the merge episode approaches. Vaughn Armour ’25 critiques their strategy, and details this episode’s surprises.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 5, Reviewed

Episode five of “Survivor” included a historically loathed twist and narrowed the castaway pool. Vaughn Armour ’25 describes his viewing experience, which was at times agonizing.

A Study of Studio Ghibli’s Hidden Gems

Joe Sweeney ’25 celebrates the end of Ghibli Fest 2022 by discussing some of his favorite Studio Ghibli films and ranking them all for new and veteran fans alike.

An Analysis of the Criticism of Halle Bailey’s Casting as Ariel

Disney’s newest live-action remake, “The Little Mermaid,” starring Halle Bailey, released its first trailer last month to mixed reactions. Mackenzie Dunson ’25 breaks down the racist criticisms against Bailey’s casting and emphasizes the importance of Black representation.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 4, Reviewed

The fourth episode of Survivor was released on Oct. 12. Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the episode’s unexpected outcomes and cursed victories.

Sports Documentary “The Redeem Team” Is a Slam Dunk

Who doesn’t love a comeback story? Assistant Arts and Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 reviews “The Redeem Team,” a documentary that recounts the U.S. Basketball Team’s victory at the 2008 Olympics.

You’ll Fall for Liane Moriarty’s “Apples Never Fall”

Eren Levine ’24 reviews “Apples Never Fall” by Liane Moriarty, a multi-dimensional mystery novel that should be at the top of your reading list.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 3, Reviewed

The third episode of “Survivor 43” is out! Vaughn Armour ’25 dissects the episode’s emotional twists and turns.

“The Bear” Reminds Me of My Outrage as an Amherst Student

“The Bear” has captivated viewers with a grounded, gritty depiction of kitchen work. Mase Peterson ’23E uses the show to reflect on their experiences in food service and their perspective as a student with marginalized identities.

“Thirteen Lives” Tells Story of Hope and Determination

Davis Rennella ’24 reviews Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard’s new movie, “Thirteen Lives,” a dramatized account of the mission to rescue a boy’s soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 2, Reviewed

Season 43 of “Survivor” is in full swing! Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the second episode, which revealed heartfelt backstories and surprising twists.

“Survivor” Season 43: Episode 1, Reviewed

“Survivor” has returned for its highly anticipated Season 43! Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the season premiere, which highlighted the lineup of new players and their diverse backgrounds.

Student Cinema Stuns at Premiere Showing

Piper Mohring ’25 and Caden Stockwell ’25 showed their short film this past Saturday, Sept. 17, to a full house in Keefe Theater. Jacob Young ’25 reviews the film, which was narrated in French by Community Service Officer Merouane Daffar and filmed in Paris.

Retrospective on “The Sandman”

“The Sandman,” a comic series written by Neil Gaiman, recently received a Netflix adaptation. Ross Kilpatrick ’24E reviews the comic, which thrills with cosmic ideology but sometimes suffers from a slow plot.

Disney’s D23 Expo: Sequels, Shorts, and Spinoffs

Disney’s 14th annual D23 exposition featured exciting announcements of upcoming projects but left fans unsatisfied with disappointing omissions of highly anticipated updates. Vaughn Armour ’25 breaks it all down, analyzing casting choices and new trailers, and predicting future announcements.

“Tuca and Bertie”: A Comedic Look at Modern Adult Life

Adult animation has had a resurgence on Netflix, including cult hits such as “Bojack Horseman” and “Tuca and Bertie.” Joe Sweeney ’25 reviews the latter, which follows two birds as they deal with adult problems, such as relationship issues.

The Indescribable Beauty of “Mad God”

Visual effects artist Phil Tippett shines in his sophomore directorial project, “Mad God.” Miles Garcia ’25 takes the reader through the lovingly crafted film, which features incredible practical effects and a transcendent story.

Don’t Say “Nope” To Jordan Peele’s Newest Film

Cole Warren ’24 breaks down Jordan Peele’s new horror film “Nope,” criticizing the movie’s spectacle and suspense, antithetical to the film’s theme of exploitation in Hollywood, while still declaring it the summer’s best blockbuster.

“Where the Crawdads Sing”: The Cinematic Marsh

The anticipated movie adaptation of “Where the Crawdads Sing,” a novel made famous by Reese’s Book Club, was released this summer. Eren Levine ’24 recommends the film for fans of the book, as well as for those who have not read it before.

“HSM:TM:TS” Season 3 Embraces Black Girl Love

The third season of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” premiered this summer to rave reviews. Mikayah Parsons ’24 analyzes the season’s improvement on Gina Wylie’s character arc, following a young Black girl’s journey to self-love.

“My Brilliant Friend”: A Fascinating Adaptation

“My Brilliant Friend” adapts Elena Ferrante’s “Neapolitan Novels” into HBO’s first foreign language series. Kaelyn Milby ʼ22 reviews the series, which follows two friends from childhood to adulthood in twentieth century Italy.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 9, Reviewed

Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the ninth episode of “Survivor,” as the number of castaways decreases and the stakes increase. He notes that one particular player is emerging as the lead competitor.

“Step Into…The Movies”: Doing Dance a Disservice

“Step Into…The Movies” resurrects famous Hollywood dance scenes with a star-studded cast list. But Eren Levine ’24 notes that the TV special lacks the charm, intrigue, and focus on dancing that she expected it to have.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 8, Reviewed

The eighth episode of this season of “Survivor” revealed more strained relationships among the eight remaining castaways. Vaughn Armour ’25 reflects on the history of racial biases in the show and explains how the current cast is flipping the script.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 7, Reviewed

The seventh episode of this season of “Survivor” premiered last Wednesday. Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the episode, which was predictable, yet enjoyable and entertaining.

“The Night House” Shows the Sinister Side of Solitude

HBO Max’s “The Night House” is an unconventional yet terrifying horror movie. Cole Warren ’24 analyzes the film, which follows a distraught widow trying to untangle her late husband’s true identity while being plagued by a supernatural entity.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 6, Reviewed

The sixth episode of this season of “Survivor” aired on April 13. Vaughn Armour ’25 gives us the rundown of the special two-hour episode, which features a merge between the three tribes.

A Balancing Act: “Everything Everywhere, All at Once”

The much anticipated “Everything Everywhere, All At Once,” directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schienert, premiered on Friday, April 8. Miles Garcia ʼ25 covers the twists and turns of the film, which is both a family drama and “an off-the-wall sci-fi multiverse adventure.”

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 5, Reviewed

Things have been heating up in “Survivor” Season 42! Vaughn Armour ʼ25 recaps the action of episode 5 and shares his predictions for the rest of the season.

Two Local Film Festivals Highlight Global Voices

Sarah Weiner ʼ24 reports on two ongoing film festivals, the Ibero-American Hybrid Film Festival and the Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival, which feature global perspectives and often marginalized stories.

Film Society x The Student: “After Yang”

Diego Duckenfield-Lopez ’24 of the Amherst College Film Society explores Kogonada’s “After Yang,” and how the film reimagines common sci-fi tropes of androids to scrutinize social classifications.

“Death on the Nile”: Revival of a Classic Mystery

Eren Levine ʼ24 analyzes the new cinematic remake of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile.” The new adaptation is a fresh twist on the story last adapted in 1978, incorporating the political circumstances of 2022.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 4, Reviewed

Episode four of “Survivor” was less riveting than the last, but still delivered for Vaughn Armour ʼ25. He recaps the building tension and excitement of this week’s episode.

“Licorice Pizza” and the Spectacle of Banality

Cole Warren ’24 reviews the Oscar-nominated, controversial “Licorice Pizza,” which follows the romance of a 15-year-old and a 25-year-old in 1970s Hollywood.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 3, Reviewed

The third episode of “Survivor” Season 42 kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the strategy and drama of this week’s episode.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episodes 1 & 2, Reviewed

“Survivor” is back for Season 42, and Vaughn Armour ’25 summarizes the action of the first two episodes.

“How I Met Your Father”: How I Rebooted Your Mother

Eren Levine ʼ24 reviews Hulu’s “How I Met Your Father,” a spin-off series that cleverly integrates elements of the original show, “How I Met Your Mother,” into a unique, enjoyable new comedy.

“The Batman” Brings Gotham Into a Gritty 2022

“The Batman” began showing in theaters this Friday, March 4. Ross Kilpatrick ʼ24E explores how the character’s latest iteration builds on Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy, adapting to the cynical and pessimistic political climate of 2022.

“Drive My Car”: Meaning and Mourning in Motion

Joe Sweeney '25 reviews "Drive My Car," the first Japanese film to be nominated for a Best Picture, which follows an aging theatre director who bonds with his young chauffeur after the death of his wife.

“The Tragedy of Macbeth”: Finally, a Good Remake

Davis Rennella '24 reviews A24's adaptation, "The Tragedy of Macbeth," directed by Joel Coen. The film's unconventional set design and focus on the inanimate make the film a unique take on Shakespeare's classic play.

The ‘Desencanto’ of “Encanto”: Repression in the Latinx Family

Disney's new animated movie "Encanto" has received widespread acclaim. But for many viewers, it resonates on a personal level. Piero Campos '25 discusses Latinx culture and family dynamics within the plot.

Film Society x The Student: “Whisper of the Heart”

Amherst College Film Society's Aidan Orr '24 and Diego Duckenfield-Lopez '24 explore the ways Studio Ghibli's "Whisper of the Heart" validates anxieties about love, dreams, and the future in adolescents and adults alike.

“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”: Another Unwatchable Remake

As with many other cult classics, Netflix recently remade legendary horror film "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Cole Warren '24 explores all the reasons why the remake is a pale imitation of the original, exploiting sensitive subjects in favor of cheap scares.

Netflix’s “Cowboy Bebop”: An Unwatchable Remake

Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener '23 compares Netflix's live action remake of "Cowboy Bebop" to the original anime show. Despite similarities to the original, the remake is so disappointing that he couldn't even make it through the first scene.

"Dexter: New Blood" Brings New Justice to an Old Story

"Dexter: New Blood" wrapped up the original series in a ten-part sequel with a satisfyingly grim ending. Assistant Arts and Living Editor Brianne LaBare '25 explores the binge-worthy series and its effect on the legacy of the "Dexter" franchise.

"The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window": Strong Storyline, Shoddy Satire

"The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window" attempts to satirize mystery thrillers while playing to the strengths of the genre. Eren Levine '24 reviews the series, an enjoyable show that often fails to make its satirical elements clear.

Featuring a Festival: Sundance Comes to Amherst!

Out of about 6,000 independent theaters nationwide, Amherst Cinema was one of seven satellite screening locations for the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Managing Arts & Living Editor Brooke Hoffman ’23E sits down with Executive Director Yasmin Eisenhauer to discuss the programming.

Succession: An Exploration of Power and Pride

The third season of “Succession” wrapped up on Dec. 12. Managing Editor Theo Hamilton ’23 breaks down the reasons to watch the show — from its sharp wit and fascinating characters to its intriguing themes and brilliant acting.

Sitcoms: The Crux of Comedy and Comfort

Why is it that, when looking for comfort shows, we usually turn to sitcoms? Assistant Arts & Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 analyzes the conventions of television’s most binge-able genre and how streaming reinforces the place of nostalgic sitcoms in pop culture.

Space Space Baby: Villeneuve's "Dune" Falls Flat

With a $165 million budget and an all-star cast, Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic "Dune" is one of the biggest films of the year. Staff writer Miles Garcia '25 gives his review, writing that for all its technical marvels, "Dune's" oversimplified plot leaves a hollow aftertaste.

New Documentary Chronicles the Impact of Boston's Gentrification

Yasmin Hamilton '24 reviews "A Reckoning in Boston," a 2021 documentary that forces viewers to acknowledge the pervasiveness of systemic problems and consider how the construction of the documentary itself reflects inequalities in our society.

Making a Movie Theater: An At-Home DIY

As vaccinations become more widespread, you may have noticed that movie theaters finally begin to reopen. Still, not everyone will feel immediately comfortable attending movies in person. Maybe you aren’t vaccinated yet, still think an indoor, poorly ventilated space seems unsafe or just really like watching movies at home. For those who do opt out of in-person movie theaters in the near future and feel envious of others opting in, here are some ways to make your at-home experience feel just lik

Elon Musk's SNL Performance Crash-Lands

Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) ratings have been dropping since the 2020 election [https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-saturday-sunday-dec-5-6-2020-4101715/amp/] , probably because there are fewer jokes to make about Donald Trump. In an effort to boost ratings, SNL brought business mogul and engineer Elon Musk on as host this past week. With his controversial reputation and significant viewership on Joe Rogan’s YouTube channel, Musk seemed like an apt choice

"Space Jam," Copyright and the Death of Culture

There’s a particular moment in the trailer for “Space Jam: A New Legacy” that encapsulates our current tone-deaf, strangely referential culture. It’s a single detail in the background: As LeBron James plays basketball with a cast of horribly smooth-looking CGI “Looney Tunes” characters, the droogs — a violent gang of murderous rapists from the film version of “A Clockwork Orange” — can be seen jeering from the sidelines. The droogs can appear in the movie because Warner Bros. Pictures, the stud

From Covid Vaccines to YouTube, SNL Thrives With Daniel Kaluuya as Host

In last weekend’s episode of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), Daniel Kaluuya, who has mostly starred in dramatic roles (most recently, “Judas and the Black Messiah”), showed off his natural comedic timing and charisma as a host for the show. While some of the sketches fell flat, others shone through alongside musical guest St. Vincent’s impressive performance. The episode starts with a cold open sketch of Britney Spears (Chloe Fineman) hosting a talk show wild enough to keep viewers intrigued in th

Big Monster Go SMASH: A Retrospective on Godzilla and King Kong

“Godzilla vs. Kong” made landfall in the U.S. on March 31, 2021, having been released internationally seven days prior (Fear not, readers: no spoilers shall darken these pages.) At the time of this article’s publication, it has done well for itself, already sitting as the third-highest-grossing film of 2021 with a cool $297,300,000 made at the box office [https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/]. The movie stands as a sequel to Legendary Pictures’ “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and “Kong: Sk

Watching “Gummo” (1997) in 2021: A Violent Exploration of Class in Contemporary America

Shaky handheld clips of dilapidated homes, power lines and families flip through the screen as a child sings an expletive-filled nursery rhyme. A child starts to mumble: “Xenia, Ohio. A few years ago, a tornado hit this place. It killed the people left and right … Houses were split open … People’s legs and neck bones were sticking out … I saw a girl fly through the sky, and I looked up her skirt.” The narrator jumps between sounding like a child and like he’s spitting prose. The seemingly arbi

“The United States vs. Billie Holiday” is a Misguided Portrayal of the Jazz Singer’s Life Story

Before her 25th birthday, jazz singer Billie Holiday had already earned a career’s worth of artistic accomplishments. After overcoming a shockingly turbulent childhood, she broke through with a number of hit recordings alongside legendary artists Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton, toured with the nationally acclaimed Count Basie Orchestra and even appeared in a film alongside Duke Ellington. She also broke racial barriers by touring with the Artie Shaw Orchestra and becoming the first Black woman