Entertainment

Just three weeks ago on Aug. 28, Halsey, birth name Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, released her debut album entitled Badlands. Her album peaked in the United States at number two and has been getting a lot of attention in the media recently. 

An article I read on Indiewire heralded Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck and Noah Baumbach’s/Greta Gerwig’s Mistress America as the revisionist screwball comedies of our generation, or at least of this summer. In these cases, I refuse to refer to Trainwreck as director Judd Apatow’s film. Though I found the film to be mostly devoid of laughs, any point during which the film could be even remotely funny is completely independent of him and due to Schumer’s so-so screenplay and Bill Hader’s wonderful performance. 

On Aug. 6, Broadway’s newest sensation Hamilton opened to nothing but stellar reports and five-star reviews and praise from critics everywhere. Opening night—along with most other performances that followed—was sold out, and over 700 people lined the block in the hopes of winning lottery tickets.

It’s hard to label Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour as a concert. To some, myself included, it felt more like a two-hour emotional rollercoaster, a motivational speech, dance party, and religious experience.  When you enter the arena of one of Swift’s concerts there is something different about the atmosphere, almost as if you’re about to be wiped clean of any problems or curveballs life has been throwing at you lately. You are now in an environment surrounded by people who just get it.  Whether they are new to the fan base or have been by Swift’s side since “Mary’s Song,” every Swiftie will enjoy her newest venture, solidifying her status as an icon.   

On Aug. 14, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., based on the original television series, was released to theaters. I’m typically not an action fan, but decided to see it, because, well, Henry Cavill. But fortunately I really enjoyed the film and its interesting twists (and that’s coming from a non-action fan).

Mini Recaps of This Summer’s Mega Movies

This summer brought us a huge amount of movies, but what was worth seeing? Here are a few snapshots of the good and the bad from this past season.

Video games, as a newer medium of entertainment, have seen their fair share of controversy. Many are aware of at least some element of this, even if they don’t play video games themselves. I remember hearing from my grandparents (who don’t play video games) about “violent video games” such as the infamous Grand Theft Auto series. But what many non-gamers (and even some dedicated gamers) haven’t heard of are the controversial business practices within gaming.

The snow is finally melted, the UGG boots and winter coats are put away, and the sun is out to play! Now that the weather has finally changed and it is nice outside, put down that television remote, pick up a book, and go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Not sure on what to read? Check out one of these 2015 “must-read” books.

If a loved one was away fighting in a war, wouldn’t you do anything to bring them home safely? That’s the premise of Little Boy, a film about a young boy whose faith is tested as he promises to do everything within his power to bring his dad home safely from World War II.

Elite Dangerous has one of the most impressive foundations I’ve seen in the space simulation genre. The controls are complex yet precise, the sound is phenomenal, and the graphics are riveting.  Put all of this together, and you have one of the most atmospherically immersive space-sims I’ve had the pleasure to play (and I’ve played quite a few). Unfortunately, Elite Dangerous has a substantial fatal flaw: its lack of depth and content.