Lancer Spirit Online

‘5th Wave’ presents a heroine who can get things done

Lizy Stubbs, Opinions Editor | February 10, 2016

This film does follow the trend of other dystopian novels like The Hunger Games and Divergent, but what it lacks in originality it makes up for in heart. There are several touching moments, not limited to Cassie herself, and these moments prevent the movie from becoming just another alien horror flick. There are also a few one liners, and while they don’t make the film a comedy, they do bring some lightness to an otherwise heavy tale.

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‘The Big Short’ flawed in direction but excelling with performances

Isaac Owens, Broadcasting Manager | January 8, 2016

Overall, The Big Short is quite a good movie; beholding a compelling story and an excellent ensemble cast. The film falters with McKay’s at times sophomoric direction, but it is a compelling and perhaps needed insight into the U.S.’s economy.

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‘Force Awakens’ reinvigorates beloved franchise

Conor Battles, Editor-in-Chief, Arts & Entertainments Editor | December 21, 2015

Disney didn't have to do much for this film to be a success. The first new Star Wars movie in a decade, no matter if it's good or bad, will make more money than God. That much is more or less certain. But the aim is not to suck in as much cash as possible in one go - Disney has its eyes on a franchise. As such, the pressure on J.J. Abrams and co. to put out a product with staying power was astronomical. Fortunately, this movie has staying power in spades.

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‘Battlefront’ hollow but enjoyable

Mike Weisse, Reporter | December 16, 2015

The studio nailed the graphics, rendering that small puddle on Endor to the iconic AT-AT Walker on Hoth with equal care. The detailed graphics and the immersive fantasy has a certain quantifiable appeal. The game, in all its glory, is still flawed. With the widely different yet similar multiplayer game styles, the game is lively -- for the first week. The thrill of piloting an X-Wing or charging the shield generator on Hoth is undeniable, but the repetitive nature and lack of content causes the game to start to lose its flare rather quickly.

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Bill Murray, Netflix team up for Christmas trash

Isaac Owens, Broadcasting Manager | December 10, 2015

While it is a musical disaster, its tone is also entirely confusing. Murray plays a lonely and depressed version of himself, but as the special carries on it progressively feels less like an act. Murray (and frankly most of the actors) appear confused to why they are there. While that is partially part of the story’s shtick, there is something genuine about it.

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Mockingjay – Part 2: a decent end to a decent franchise

Isaac Owens, Broadcasting Manager | December 7, 2015

While it still has the production feel of a teen dystopian, this last movie loses all of the light of the previous films. With its brooding near two hour and twenty minute run time, the movie can at times be exhausting.

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Classic Review: ‘The Social Network’ (2010)

Isaac Owens, Broadcasting Manager | December 7, 2015

With director David Fincher’s effortlessly cool filmography, his gritty dive into the foundations of Facebook, The Social Network, reigns supreme. Beginning with the dark crime thriller Se7en, Fincher...

‘Spectre’ an enjoyable but empty romp

Riley Walberg, News Editor | December 2, 2015

'Spectre' has almost all of the traits of a classic 007 movie. It has a suave and composed Bond as the focus, well-realized, three-dimensional side characters, and thrilling action scenes throughout it. What 'Spectre' does not have is a compelling villain.

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‘Steve Jobs’ a striking picture of a troubled genius

Isaac Owens, Broadcasting Manager | November 6, 2015

Taking place primarily in only three locations, 'Steve Jobs' is still able to feel like a grand film with a large scale.

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Classic Review: ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)

Isaac Owens, Broadcasting Manager | October 8, 2015

While 'Arabia' is often inspirational and glorious, it also touches on important themes of morality and the consequences of war.

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