The Stargazer

When I first heard that Zack Snyder would be getting a second chance at directing Justice League, I was hesitant, but I was also looking forward to seeing what the new version of the film would deliver. I, like many other fans, found the original 2017 theatrical release to be extremely underwhelming. DC films have been very inconsistent with multiple productions failing to live up to their potential, especially Suicide Squad and Batman vs. Superman. However, there have been some releases that I enjoyed, like Wonder Woman, Joker, and Birds of Prey. These gave me hope for Zack Snyder's Justice League. Snyder was given freedom to use deleted footage and shoot new scenes, along with a $300 million budget. And with a four-hour run time, Snyder leaves no stone unturned in making sure the story is told exactly the way he had originally envisioned. Now the question is, did it live up to the hype? Is it really that much better? Did DC fans finally get the movie they deserved?

Unfortunately, mainly due to human activity, many species of shark are considered endangered. This is partly due to things like overfishing or habitat destruction, but fear also plays a large role in the ongoing hunting of sharks that is causing their numbers to dwindle. Through popular culture, we have been programmed to view sharks as vicious, bloodthirsty killers, always looking for a next victim, but this is very far from the truth. So in honor of the ASLC’S screening of Steven Spielberg’s classic, Jaws, on April 8th, why don’t I share a few facts about sharks with you, to try and ease your fear and show you how wonderous and important these oceanic residents are.

Rising Stars is The Stargazer’s interview series where we sit down with young entertainment professional to discuss their projects, inspirations, and goals. We recently had the opportunity to speak with writer, director, and producer Ashley James about her time at Florida State, her short films, and her theatre work. Note: The following are excerpts.

Content Warning: brief mentions of miscarriages, abusive relationships

The advent of cinema was a liberating experience. Men and women alike were given keys to this new medium, allowing for female filmmakers like Lois Weber to make statements through her work. However, as film became more lucrative and industrialized, filmmaking became a boys’ club. By introducing major production companies and restrictive content laws,  few female filmmakers were able to slip through the cracks, creating an imbalance in the stories being told.  

Writers and artists at The Stargazer love entertainment media, so we go through a lot of it. Want to know what we’ve been watching/reading/playing recently? Interested in what we have to say about it? Check out What’s in Our Orbit.

The advent of cinema was a liberating experience. Men and women alike were given keys to this new medium, allowing for female filmmakers like Lois Weber to make statements through her work. However, as film became more lucrative and industrialized, filmmaking became a boys’ club. By introducing major production companies and restrictive content laws,  few female filmmakers were able to slip through the cracks, creating an imbalance in the stories being told.  

Judas and The Black Messiah, one of the most anticipated releases of 2021, premiered in theaters and on HBO MAX on February 12th. This biographical drama centers on the betrayal of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in late-1960s Chicago, at the hands of longtime party member William O'Neal (Lakeith Stanfield), an FBI informant. I was deeply moved by the screenwriting, cinematography, and above all, the acting. While there are numerous stellar performances, such as Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton, the standout performance was Lakeith Stanfield as William O’Neal. While Stanfield does not play the lead in many of his most well-known films, such as his roles in Sorry to Bother You, Get Out, Dope, and Uncut Gems, he always manages to leave an impression on me whenever I watch him.  

Community was one of those shows that I knew I had to watch but never had the time to. While quarantine wasn’t good for much, It did give me the chance to finally watch the 2011 sitcom I had heard so much about. While the show may not have the sizable fandom of other sitcoms from the same era such as The Office and Parks and Rec, it does have a very passionate fanbase and is considered to be extremely underrated by fans and critics alike. After finishing all six seasons, it definitely stands out from any other sitcom I have ever watched, but in a good way.

Writers and artists at The Stargazer love entertainment media, so we go through a lot of it. Want to know what we’ve been watching/reading/playing recently? Interested in what we have to say about it? Check out What’s in Our Orbit.

From Battleship Potemkin to The Pursuit of Happyness, the labor film is a genre that continues to resonate deeply with audiences. Conceived by Jane Fonda after interacting with a group of women office workers, 9 to 5 captures the oppression and rage that women in the workplace feel. The 1980 film features Dolly Parton in her first film performance as Doralee, Jane Fonda as the jumpy new employee, Judy, and Lily Tomlin as the cynical and sharp long-time employee, Violet. Their boss, Mr. Hart, becomes the object of hatred for the crew after his consistent belittling, harassment, and malice reaches a peak. In an alcohol-fueled smoke session, the three women giggle over how they would “get” the boss if they had the chance, all of which play in the film like scenes from Looney Tunes.