Culture
avengers
“Endgame” matters, whether you like it or not (I did)
“Avengers: Endgame” succeeds as a “Marvel movie” more than as a “movie” in the general sense. I don’t mean to say by this that I thought it was poorly made. But that’s not why I saw “Endgame,” and if you’ve already watched it yourself, that’s not why you saw “Endgame,” either. 21 films into the […]
bookstores
Browsing through Rochester’s used bookstores
There are few things like a used bookstore. There’s the distinctive smell, probably a cat slinking around, old records in the corner, or maybe a weird sculpture. Piles of books are scattered or spilling off the shelves, the atmosphere is nearly always subdued and warm, with most likely an aging owner presiding over their domain […]
drama
Todd’s ‘The Conduct of Life’ depicts abuse and power
Todd Union’s final production this semester, “The Conduct of Life” from Cuban-American playwright Maria Irene Fornés, opened last Thursday to a rapt audience. The play has been met with controversy and criticism since Fornés first published it in 1985, but was also wildly successful and won a prestigious Obie Award — given to productions premiering […]
concert
Armed with down-to-earth energy, Neon Trees keeps the rain off D-day’s parade
In short, the name of the game was energy. Glenn came prepared. Read More
anime
‘Sarazanmai’: beneath the surface
“Sarazanmai,” a newly released anime, has quickly gained popularity for its exploration of human suffering, told through powerful fighting scenes and unique symbolism. The anime centers around kappas — a Japanese folklore figure resembling a toddler-size frog with a plate on its head. After they break a golden statue, the three main characters — […]
hip hop
Rice Crew’s idolic showcase
Rice Crew was a bit late to start presenting their annual showcase, “IDOL ROOM,” to a fairly large crowd in May Room on Thursday. The tardiness didn’t faze the audience one bit, considering the cheers throughout the first number: a cover of “IDOL” by BTS. The group performed to over two-dozen songs, including hits like […]
anime
‘Senryu Girl’: a return to simplicity
Out of the many new releases this spring anime season, “Senryu Girl” is a breath of fresh air. Based on the eponymous manga series by Masakuni Igarashi, the anime revolves around Nanako Yukishiro, a cute and cheerful girl who struggles with normal conversations and often fails to translate her thoughts into words. Yukishiro devises a […]
comedy
Not Vanilla: New tricks, old trade
The way me and younger generations consume has dramatically changed. A great example is with comedy. We are used to what I call “quick comedy” where the premise, set-up and punchline all happen within a matter of seconds. The quintessential example of this is the dear departed app Vine (may she rest in glorious peace). […]
Music
Midnight Ramblers not only survive, but thrive in spring show
The Midnight Ramblers showcased their final performance Saturday to a substantial audience in Strong Auditorium. 14 of the Ramblers started the show with the rattling harmony “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse. The Ramblers also included complex and fairly synchronized dancing, plus an array of strobe lights, and fog that blanketed the concert throughout the evening. Humor […]
spring showcase
‘X’ marks the nostalgic spot in Louvre’s spring show
Spring often brings an air of nostalgia — with the changing weather, the approaching graduation, and the anticipation of new summer adventures — and Louvre’s performance of “X” on April 7th fits right in. The lights went off and a line of shadows holding hands walked onto the dance floor in Spurrier. The scene, you could […]