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Northern Star

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

From left: Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel and Teyonah Parris as Captain Monica Rambeau stand next to each other in a scene from "The Marvels." The film was recently released in theaters and continues the Marvel franchise. (Laura Radford/Disney-Marvel Studios via AP)

‘The Marvels,’ good leads, mediocre plot, fun times

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | November 14, 2023

Marvel delivers another flashy film led by powerful women with a delightful cast that works well together that is visually stunning. The latest Marvel film , "The Marvels," directed by Nia DaCosta, features an ensemble cast of characters from previous...

Director Alexander Payne speaks to an audience at the premiere of "The Holdovers." The film's plot may seem fast-paced at some moments, but the emotional elements drive the story forward. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)

‘The Holdovers’ hits emotions, too slow

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | November 12, 2023

“The Holdovers” is essentially “Catcher in the Rye” if Old Spencer really cared about Holden.  When angsty student Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) has to stay at Barton Academy over winter break, the cantankerous teacher Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti)...

People march in New York City in support for the actor's strike. Because of the strike, the release dates for several films have been pushed back. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Productions delayed by SAG-AFTRA strike

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | November 9, 2023

Movie and TV show productions are experiencing delay due to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists continuing their strike even after the end of the Writers Guild of America strike on Sept. 27. The actors’ strike...

Actor Matthew Perry poses at the premiere for "Ride." Perry died at the age of 54 and was most known for his role as Chandler Bing on the show "Friends." (Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File)

Remembering everyone’s ‘friend’ Matthew Perry

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | November 8, 2023

Charismatic actor Matthew Perry died on Oct. 28. Best known for portraying Chandler Bing on the 1994 hit TV series “Friends,” Perry is a remarkable actor who has left a lasting impact on the world. Perry skyrocketed to fame in the mid-1990s when...

From left: Sofia Coppola, Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi pose at the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. The A24 film delves into the life of Priscilla Pressley. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File)

‘Priscilla’ highlights power imbalance

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | November 7, 2023

Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” feels real; and while it may be a little trim at times, the film is important, if only for the story it’s telling. “Priscilla” tells the story of Priscilla Beaulieu, a 14-year-old girl who met Elvis Presley during...

Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren kneels, facing a Mandalorian helmet in "Ahsoka." Season 1 of the series can be streamed on Disney+. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘Ahsoka’ provides some critical answers

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 7, 2023

Since the early days of the franchise, Star Wars has introduced an enormous collection of beloved heroes and villains, with some of their fates shrouded in mystery.  However, in the recently launched “Ahsoka” series, which features some characters...

A man reaches for dozens of blue orbs above him in a scene from "Wish." The Disney film celebrates 100 years of Disney animation, and fans are already noticing problems with the animation and plot. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Disney may have another animated flop

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | November 6, 2023

Disney’s new animated feature “Wish” has audiences wanting more from the major studio. Disney has been criticized recently for its use of similar character types in their heroines. Referred to on the internet as “adorkable” protagonists,...

The title art for the game "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2" depicts a gold ball with two red stars inside white lettering. The game recently got an update that includes a new battle mode and tournament. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Unique addition to Xenoverse 2

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 5, 2023

As of Oct. 12, fans of the action RPG Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are able to experience an abundance of new content in one of the biggest free updates the game has ever seen.  Xenoverse 2 is a game that’s part of the Dragon Ball franchise and grants...

A man with a split skull looks down. Roger Corman has directed some of the best horror films in the 1960s and onward. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Three eclectic Roger Corman classics

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | November 2, 2023

There are two types of horror fans: those who want to be scared and those who want to have fun. With his low-budget production values and dated special effects, it’s unlikely the classic films of director-producer Roger Corman will fuel any nightmares,...

Jack Cutmore-Scott (left) and Kelsey Grammer sit next to each on a bed. The "Frasier" reboot is streaming on Paramount+ with episodes releasing weekly. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘Frasier’ reboot: Masterclass in bad writing

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | November 1, 2023

The Paramount+ reboot of “Frasier” twists one of the most beloved shows of the ‘90s into an excruciatingly painful caricature of itself. Bloated with shoddily written jokes that would feel more at home in children’s sitcoms like “iCarly”...

The Beatles song "Now And Then" cover art against a blue and green background. The Beatles return for one last song which will release on Nov. 2. (Graphic via Business Wire)

The Beatles return for one last song

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | October 31, 2023

Against all odds, The Beatles have announced a new single. Releasing Nov. 2, the track “Now and Then” is being promoted as the band’s final offering. With members John Lennon and George Harrison having died in 1980 and 2001 respectively, it might...

"1989 (Taylor's Version)" album on vinyl and CD sit next to each other on a stand in Target. Taylor Swift's re-recorded album features five new tracks, or "vault songs." (Sarah Rose | Northern Star)

Unlocking the ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ vault

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | October 29, 2023

Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” vault songs are the Harry Styles diss tracks fans were hoping for in 2014 with the original release of “1989.” Swift continues her re-release tour with the drop of “1989 (Taylor’s Version).”...