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When Ejun Hong (C '25) was ten years old, she struggled with an unidentifiable eye disorder that threatened her academic journey. However, as she watched various animated films, she found herself inspired. Animation felt empowering—in it, she saw something that “delivers hope, happiness, and inspiration" not only to her but to others around the globe.
Just last year, being in the Hype House—a $5 million content house that once housed social media superstars such as Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae—seemed like a teenager’s wildest dreams. From living with young, attractive, and successful influencers to being given the opportunity to work with up–and–coming social media stars, the allure and clout of the Hype House was simply unquestionable. In fact, Hype House–adjacent influencer Nikita Dragun described it best: the Hype House is “a fraternity filled with people who have millions of followers and dollars at their fingertips with high school drama and like… a ring light.”
It’s likely that, on an average stroll down Locust Walk, a Penn student might be walking alongside future billionaires, government leaders, or technology geniuses. But what most Penn students might not know about their campus is that they are also walking around a film set every day.
When I first imagined attending an advanced screening, I anticipated long lines and crammed theaters. Press, celebrities, and dedicated movie–goers contend for a coveted seat, and a few unlucky individuals are turned away. Rather, when I attended an advanced screening of Apple TV’s Servant, I was hunched over my twelve–inch computer screen in pitch black. My best friend and I spoke animatedly, ready to decode the season three premiere. Despite the widely different reality compared to my expectations, there was a certain intimacy to it.
(Ed. note: This article contains spoilers for 'Encanto.')
Typewriters; wax seal stamps; vintage outfits with an emphasis on beige and brown hues. You’ve seen it all before, and probably imagined it too—attending boarding school in New England, penning (or receiving) love letters, spending your days surrounded by books and Gothic architecture. Originating on Tumblr in 2012, the subculture of dark academia has long fascinated a particular kind of young person.
The 2021 movie lineup featured a plethora of well–reviewed theater–only movies such as West Side Story, The Last Duel, and Nightmare Alley. But while all of these films might have superb visuals, immersive production, and gripping musical scores, they also share one major similarity: they're all box office bombs.
On Dec. 31, 2021, Betty White passed away, just two and a half weeks shy of her centennial birthday. She was 99 years old, yet her death sent shock waves through the entertainment world; many, including myself, couldn’t fathom that such an ever–present force in Hollywood was gone.
Entertainment has been a crucial part of the transition this year from isolation to pseudo–normalcy. Last winter, we snuggled up in bed binging tried and true comfort shows (Community for me), while major blockbusters like Dune were postponed due to COVID–19 concerns.
I walk towards Houston Hall on a windy, brisk fall day in November. College senior Eli Ricanati calmly waits for me on a bench, in a confident manner. His confidence is warranted, given the success of his first short film released in October: The Frontiers Are My Prison.
When Oscar–winning Nomadland director Chloé Zhao was chosen to direct Marvel’s latest attempt at reinvigorating the Marvel Cinematic Universe post–Endgame, fans were quick to express their excitement at the implications of such an incredible talent. However, when Eternals was released on Nov. 5, 2021, Zhao’s blockbuster quickly became one of the most divisive films that the franchise has ever seen, receiving the worst CinemaScore grade in the MCU’s history. Now, for all of its cinematic charm, Zhao’s ambitious entry into the MCU may falter in its attempt to deliver the witty, action–packed narrative that longtime fans are accustomed to; but does the film really deserve worse reviews than any of its recent counterparts?
Todd Haynes’ The Velvet Underground translates the band into energy, embodying the people, art, and sounds of New York City during the rise of experimental rock. The 2021 documentary mimics the hypnotic nature of Andy Warhol’s influence and The Velvet Underground at its height. Similar to Warhol’s work, Haynes’ documentary holds the potential to “extend time,” drawing out the narratives of each band member and their respective contributions to the group. Rather than creating a chronological—or purely historical—account of The Velvet Underground, Haynes recreates the same temporal dissonance that is emulated in their music. By doing so, Haynes expands the definition of the band, whose influence has extended beyond the music industry and into a cultural phenomenon.
It’s that time of the year again—November means Thanksgiving, daylight savings, and the return of Mariah Carey’s Christmas album. For the unlucky high school seniors, it marks the beginning of the dreaded college application season. It might feel like a lifetime since you had to submit a college essay, but I think it’s time we revisit the age–old question of "Why Penn?" In fact, why go to college at all?
There are many ways for an actor to advertise a show. Saying “I was a little bit relieved when I saw my character jumping out the window” is not one of them. Sam Witwer, who portrayed Mr. Chipping in Riverdale, is not the first cast member to convey more than a slight disdain for the teen drama.
Watching female protagonists girlboss their way through academic life, the workplace, and relationships, one can’t help but adopt their mannerisms in hopes of emulating their success or sense of security. Gone are the days of damsels in distress waiting for their knights in shining armor to save them from their woes, exemplified by Mary Jane in the Spider–Man Trilogy and the Bond girls. In their place, we have independent, witty, and badass female protagonists who are characters in their own right as opposed to mere dramatic devices.
Six friends, all spunky twenty–somethings, are living together in a vibrant city facing relationship drama, job struggles, and wacky hijinks. But no matter what happens, their bond remains strong. Any guesses on the sitcom’s name? Here’s a hint, it’s not Friends.
Princess Diana, née Spencer, is one of the most beloved and adored figures of the last century. Commonly referred to as the “People’s Princess,” Diana lived a tragic yet iconic life where every decision of hers was scrutinized.
Once upon a time, forbidden relationships between brooding vampires and angsty humans was the standard for romance among adolescents—teenage girls in particular. The Twilight Saga, which ran from 2008 to 2012, is notorious for its ridiculous premises, cringeworthy lines, and unrealistic depictions of romantic relationships. Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s brave defiance of social norms in the name of love is heavily undermined by their intensely codependent relationship and frequent acts of gaslighting—like in the first movie, when Edward makes Bella question her sanity when she notices his vampiric tendencies and behavior.
All the President’s Men, Alan J. Pakula’s 1976 hard–hitting film on the Watergate scandal, is often considered one of the quintessential odes to journalism in film. However, the past decade has seen many journalistic tributes come out of Hollywood, from Oscar–winner Spotlight to Wes Anderson’s newest work, The French Dispatch. Here are four of Street's favorites.
Millions of teenagers fawn over their sexy TV counterparts. The teens featured in popular series like Riverdale, Pretty Little Liars, and more are sultry, mysterious, alluring—the perfect bait for a hormonal teen audience. However, there’s a strange dissonance bubbling under the surface—they’re not actually teenagers. Oftentimes, the actors in these series are played by adults in their mid–twenties. With older casts, teens on television are oversexualized, leading to many teens initiating sexual activitiy earlier in their lives.
Solutions by The State News