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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

Dakota Johnson adjusts her hair on the premiere of "Madame Web" in Mexico. "Madame Web" has not been receiving great reviews from critics, but the film has redeeming qualities. (Marco Ugarte | AP Photo)

‘Madame Web’ not that bad

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | February 26, 2024

If one is to truly appreciate the beauty of “Madame Web,” then one must open your mind to the possibilities and challenge your understanding of good cinema.  When life seems out of whack and the world seems to crumble around you, pause, take a...

A poster for the new "Deadpool & Wolverine" film depicts two dangling necklaces. The trailer for the new film brings Deadpool and Wolverine together for the first time ever. (Walt Disney Company)

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ back on the big screen

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | February 22, 2024

The wait is over for Deadpool fans as the first teaser trailer for “Deadpool & Wolverine” debuted Feb. 11 during the Super Bowl. The first installment of the series, “Deadpool,” was released in 2016 after years of the star of the film,...

A screenshot from “Helldivers 2” shows a player fending off a horde of bugs as they finish completing an objective. “Helldivers 2” released Feb. 8. (Jonathan Shelby | Northern Star)

Launch feet first into ‘Helldivers 2’

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 21, 2024

After a long day at work and dealing with the everyday challenges we call life, it is nice to forget all of it, boot up the old PS5 and play some co-op shooter games with friends.  Most co-op games are fairly laid-back, having a team of players fight...

Actors José María Yazpik (from left), Dakota Johnson and filmmaker S. J. Clarkson pose on the red carpet premiere of "Madame Web" in Mexico City. "Madame Web" is the most recent Marvel movie to come out. (Marco Ugarte | AP Photo)

‘Madame Web’ swings and strikes out

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | February 20, 2024

“Morbius” has a new contender for worst superhero movie following the release of “Madame Web.” Released on Valentine’s Day, “Madame Web,” directed by S.J. Clarkson, is the fourth and newest movie to come from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.  The...

A poster for the play "Anxious People!" depicts letters cascading down against a black background. NIU's School of Theatre and Dance will perform five showings of "Anxious People!" (Courtesy of Andy Dolan)

School of Theatre and Dance to perform ‘Anxious People!’

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | February 16, 2024

Doors open today for the NIU School of Theatre and Dance’s first production of the spring semester.  “Anxious People!” is a play written by Seattle-based Parley Productions member Carol Lee. The play will focus on the cascading stories that...

Game character Vegeta floats in the sky as an explosion takes place below him. The new trailer for "Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero" anticipates new attacks and characters to fight. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘Sparking Zero,’ best Dragon Ball game ever

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 15, 2024

With the release of yet another trailer for the next big Dragon Ball game, “Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero,” more details have come to light about what to expect from the game on its release.  The newest trailer, known as “Rivals,” premiered...

Beyoncé combines bluegrass, pop in new music

Beyoncé combines bluegrass, pop in new music

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | February 15, 2024

A screenshot of Ye’s “VULTURES 1” album cover shows a man in black standing behind a woman. Ye’s newest album contains great flow but weak lyrics. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘VULTURES 1’ features interesting samples, questionable lyrics

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | February 14, 2024

With over 10 years of being in the hip-hop fandom, I was extremely excited to listen to the highly anticipated “VULTURES 1” album by musical artist Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The album is in collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign and features musical...

A phone shows the cover of "Rye Lane," a new love story on Hulu. "Rye Lane" is an underrated rom-com, perfect for Valentine's Day. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

Unconventional rom-coms for Valentine’s Day

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | February 13, 2024

Valentine's Day can either be a great day or a horrible day depending on who you ask, so what better way to end the night than with a good movie. Whether you’re with a date, friends or just by yourself, here’s a list of some underrated romance...

Toby Keith holds up a red Solo cup while standing in front of a microphone during a 2019 performance. Keith, known for his song "Red Solo Cup," died on Feb. 5. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)

Toby Keith dies, American legacy stays behind

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | February 12, 2024

Country icon Toby Keith died Feb. 5 after an almost two-year fight with stomach cancer. He was 62. The singer was known for his rampant patriotism, hard-fought political beliefs and fun-loving musical personality.  Like many people born in the...

Two women stand holding a bag of Doritos Dinamita. These women chased after a man who took the last bag of chips in what was one of the standout commercials from this year's Super Bowl. (Frito-Lay via AP)

‘The Big Game’ commercials that crack a smile

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 12, 2024

Commercials are usually regarded as annoyances or a moment to take a break from a stressful game; however, there is an occasion where some viewers actually look forward to the commercials.  The Super Bowl is widely known for its commercials being...

Usher dances in a black and blue outfit during his Super Bowl halftime performance. Usher brought out several musical guests during his show. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Usher rocks Las Vegas stage at halftime show

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | February 11, 2024

Super Bowl LVIII welcomed Usher, who started his halftime performance sitting on a throne-like chair, wearing a white cape. Usher emulated a king, ready to dominate Allegiant Stadium.  While Chiefs fans groaned about the first-half score, Usher opened...