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Reality Check


Pixar’s tired formula is given new life in ‘Coco’

‘Coco’ looks fantastic and can be extremely heartfelt at times. The colors are bright and welcoming and the plot is easy to follow. However, there is not too much newness in regards to the plot and the “twist” is easy to spot from a mile away. Because of the beautiful animation and charming characters, these narrative faults are easy to ignore. Overall, the film is a must-see for Pixar fans or anyone who appreciates animated films.



As Accusations Grow, Lauer Releases Apology

Former Today Show host Matt Lauer has released a statement regarding the sexual assault allegations against him. This comes a day after NBC received two new complaints about Lauer’s behavior.


‘Justice League’ gives fans the movie they deserve

Overall, 'Justice League' fixes the many countless issues that fans had with 'Batman vs. Superman'. Despite the lacking plot and some CGI errors, the film excels in developing characters while staying true to the old comic format of the DC universe.



‘Star Wars: Battlefront II’ is a fun experience ruined by corporate greed

‘Star Wars: Battlefront II’ is a fun experience bogged down in an undesirable progression system with pay-to-win aspects. The campaign struggles from a disjointed narrative that plays it safe, but has epic gameplay that immerses you in the Star Wars universe. Starfighter Assault in particular is a hidden gem among the other traditional, but still entertaining, game modes.


Vickie Sampson reflects on a 40-year sound editing career

To get an idea of what it is like to be a sound editor, we got some insight from Vickie Sampson. Though she has recently turned to directing, Vickie has spent over 40 years editing audio for Hollywood hits like Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Donnie Darko, and The Fifth Element



‘Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon’: A tropical copy-and-paste job

'Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon' do very little to distinguish themselves from their predecessors. For a game that came out a year after Sun and Moon, not enough has been done to rectify the many problems with the previous entries. Many areas still feel extremely linear with little in the way of exploration. There are too many cutscenes. Your character is a side character in Lillie’s story. Those who’ve played Sun and Moon can safely wait until the next game arrives on the Switch, but newcomers to Alola should consider 'Ultra Sun and Moon' the definitive games of Pokemon’s seventh generation.


The Walking Dead Season 8, Episode 5: “The Big Scary U”

“The Big Scary U” shows a fantastic new side to Negan, turning a mediocre but entertaining character into a genuinely good character some may find themselves rooting for. Yet the same can’t be said for the rest of the Saviors who show a whole new level of incompetence, making a large portion of the episode almost unbearable to watch. Rick and Daryl’s differences finally come to a head with underwhelming results. Overall, the story as a whole serves to enhance the character of Negan, but not much else.



The media, the holiday season and the story of a child who doesn’t celebrate any of it

I definitely remember my little fourth grade choir class doing Christmas sing-a-long stuff while I sat in the library and wrote an essay on Linkin Park, because my teacher didn’t want me doing nothing. I don’t know who got the worse end of that deal, and I don’t think I ever actually got a grade on my essay. Still waiting on that. I hope I get an A; I need it to pass that class. 


Superhero fatigue: it’s not what you think it is

Has the public finally given into superhero fatigue or is it all a lie? Looking at it, I don’t think it’s superhero movies that have the problem. In fact, superhero movies are the exception considering how well they do. The problem isn't from with superheroes, but with Hollywood itself.