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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Maggie Smith looks at the camera. The beloved British actress will always be remembered for her iconic role as Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" franchise. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Remembering Dame Maggie Smith

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | August 31, 2024

A shining star has faded; actress Maggie Smith died Friday at age 89.  The famed British actress had a long and prolific career that spanned generations. Her first movie role was in the 1956 film “Child in the House”, a movie about an 11 year...

This image released by Country Love Train/XL Recordings shows "Romance" by Fontaines D.C. This Aug. 23 album release highlights the Irish band's versatility. (Country Love Train/XL Recordings via AP)

‘Romance’ delivers addictive versatility

By Brynn Krug, Lifestyle Editor | August 28, 2024

Fontaines D.C. brings a rare sense of tonal versatility in their latest album, “Romance.” Beginning with a song of the same name, an eerie melody strikes the listener. The following tracks switch from down to Earth to eagerly energetic, ending with...

A player shoots their weapon in "Helldivers 2." The newest update of the game, "Escalation of Freedom," introduced disappointing updates. (Sony Interactive Entertainment under Fair Use)

‘Helldivers 2’ update riddled with odd changes

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | August 26, 2024

“Helldivers 2” has been one of the most controversial games of 2024 with a severe roller coaster of highs and lows that have given fans more than a few cases of whiplash.  From its astounding spike in popularity on launch rocketing past 140,000...

The Disney Launchpad logo sits in front of a black screen. Applications for the third season are now open. (Disney+ Press)

Disney Launchpad opens new applications

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | May 5, 2024

For those anticipating the next season of the Disney shorts incubator, Launchpad, applications for the third season have now opened.   Disney announced the opening via an Instagram post and revealed the deadline for entries is June 2.  Launchpad...

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt look at each other in the new film "The Fall Guy." This film follows a stuntman as he returns to stunt acting after a disastrous injury. (Universal Pictures via AP)

‘The Fall Guy’ stunts on other films

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | May 5, 2024

An ode to the stunt person, “The Fall Guy” follows stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) as he returns to stunt acting after a disastrous injury. Lulled into coming back by his on-screen counterpart Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his agent/producer...

Loki stands in front of a white background in the "Marvel Rivals" trailer released on April 23. Loki is a new character to the game with lots of unique abilities. (IGN under Fair Use)

‘Marvel Rivals’ showcases Loki’s charms

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | May 1, 2024

Marvel’s newest game, “Marvel Rivals,” has caught the attention of many fans with its Overwatch-inspired gameplay and newly dressed, fan favorite characters.  To further showcase some of the gameplay, a 41 second trailer was released April 23...

A photo of a pair of sunglasses in sand sits in front of a blue background. As summer approaches, there are songs with summer vibes you should listen to. (Northern Star Graphic)

Summer songs to chill with

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 30, 2024

As the spring semester slowly comes to a close, every student's favorite time of year eventually takes its place.  Summer is closer than ever and here are some old school songs to prepare for those sweet summer vibes.  “Life is a Highway” An...

Mike Faist (from left), Zendaya and Josh O'Connor sit in a scene from "Challengers." This new Luca Guadagnino film released on April 26. (Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures via AP)

‘Challengers’ hangs beauty out to dry

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | April 28, 2024

The newest Luca Guadagnino film, “Challengers,” released Friday.  With an all-star cast – Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor are all in lead roles – and a soundtrack by two of the best film composers in the game, “Challengers” was...

Members of NIU's School of Theatre and Dance pose across a stage. The Spring Dance Concert is the last show of the SOTD's 2023-2024 production season. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Spring Dance Concert leaps into action

By Brynn Krug, Lifestyle Editor | April 25, 2024

As audience members flipped through their playbills, soft orchestral music played while a crimson curtain shielded the dancers awaiting behind it. Thursday was the first night of the School of Theatre and Dance’s Spring Dance Concert, the last production...

A poster for the Spring Dance Concert hangs in the Stevens Building. This will be the School of Theatre and Dance’s last show of the 2023-2024 production season. (Brynn Krug | Northern Star)

Spring Dance Concert begins Thursday

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | April 23, 2024

The annual Spring Dance Concert is taking place this weekend, starting at 7:30 p.m. on April 25 in the O'Connell Theatre in the Stevens Building.  This year’s program, “The Continuum of Change,” will feature four distinct works, “Cog/nition,”...

Characters from the upcoming "Star Wars" game talk to each other. Ubisoft released a cinematic trailer for "Star Wars Outlaws" on April 9. (Ubisoft under Fair Use)

‘Star Wars Outlaws’ fantastic or flop

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 23, 2024

Since its announcement in 2021, “Star Wars Outlaws” has been surrounded by mixed opinions on whether it will be good, and the new trailer doesn’t help the game’s case.  On April 9, Ubisoft released a cinematic trailer showcasing pieces of...

Actor Henry Cavill attends the premiere of "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare," at AMC Lincoln Square, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. Both "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" and "Abigail" succeed at being fun cinema. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

‘Abigail,’ ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ master fun cinema

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | April 22, 2024

After a decade of multi-hundred million dollar budget superhero movies making up the cultural zeitgeist, the mid-budget is slowly making its comeback.  Mid-budget movies have a budget between $10 million and $75 million.  This weekend alone two...