Oldboy leaves viewers contemplating mortality

Atlanta flourishes in its cinematography

Donald Glover, better known as rapper Childish Gambino, has a line in his song “Bonfire”: “Why does every black actor gotta rap some? / I don’t know, all I know is I’m the best one.” His new comedy, Atlanta on FX, which premiered on Sept. 6, just might be actual proof of this claim. The show’s amazing writing and production combined with its unique vision puts Glover back on the map as one of today’s most valuable creative minds. Atlanta could change the face of television.

De La Soul’s new release is a mixed bag

After a nearly silent eleven years, broken only by several strong feature appearances and a couple of recent mixtapes, the legendary hip-hop group De La Soul released their Kickstarter-funded album and the Anonymous Nobody on Aug. 26. Liberated from the oppressive forces of a record label, the quirky, creative collective planned to create an experimental comeback album.

Hopkins and the Great War examines the past

Imagine Homewood Campus one hundred years ago, as Europe was torn asunder by the First World War and American students and medical staff sailed to Europe to treat the wounded.

Our New Semester Playlist

1. A$AP Ferg – “New Level” feat. Future

Stranger Things characters revive ‘80s sci-fi

Summer sensation Stranger Things is the sci-fi show you never knew you needed. Set in 1983 in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the Netflix original drama is truly for audiences of all ages. Those who lived through the eighties will enjoy certain throwbacks like Dungeons & Dragons and Eggo waffles while younger audience members will be compelled by the eclectic cast of characters.

Island: Huxley’s optimistic Brave New World

Buttered Niblets strike back with strong O-Show

The Buttered Niblets delivered a hysterical and high-energy performance to a packed crowd on Friday Sept. 9 in the Arellano Theatre. The Buttered Niblets are Hopkins’ only improv troupe, so they took on the full responsibility of keeping the audience engaged throughout the night. The Arellano Theatre provides a small yet intimate theatre experience and the Buttered Niblets took advantage of this in order to play off of the audience’s energy.

Revival Series showcases Multiple Maniacs

Rosary beads turned sex toy. Consumption of human entrails. Sexual assault perpetrated by a lobster. A bloodied murderer terrorizing Baltimore in a mink coat.

The Sun’s Tirade explores addiction

Finally coming out of his exile and straightening his life out, Isaiah Rashad released his first studio album, The Sun’s Tirade, to the delight of many loyal Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) fans. This album is more than a statement of Isaiah’s return; It is the journey that he took during his hiatus from music, a journey that started with his addictions to Xanax and alcohol almost getting him kicked out of TDE. A journey that culminated with him becoming a rising star in his own right. The songs on this album can be broken down into two main categories: Isaiah’s drug addiction and his growth from overcoming the addiction.

A mother’s reaction to Eric André’s show

“Your student body is so white.”

Mia Madre finds love in suffering, family strife

Italian dramatic-comedy Mia Madre finds very little humor in the serious topic of caring for the elderly, and maybe that’s a good thing.

John Waters crafts the classic Female Trouble

Students complete summer art internships

Finding a summer internship isn’t easy, especially for those students majoring in things like creative writing and philosophy. But it is possible to find an internship within the arts, and a good internship at that. The News-Letter reached out to two upperclassmen who were able to make it happen.

Netflix changes formula with Narcos season two

Perhaps a quick preface: drugs aren’t cool–mostly– and it would be difficult to argue that cocaine, the esteemed schedule I narcotic, has offered anything positive to the human race. However, its nefarious trade makes for great cinematic context, as the creators of the Netflix original series Narcos have shown their many avid viewers. The show’s first season was met with largely positive reviews and drew a following amongst Netlfix users. Riding that wave of success, creators Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro released the second season of the show Sept. 2.

The Return of Bruno parodies music history

Don’t Think Twice finds the drama in improv

Don’t Think Twice is a bittersweet film about the breakup of an improvisational comedy group, as well as a smart and earnest look into the lives of funny people. A serious comedy infused with heart and honesty, the film is a tribute to improv, as written and directed by Mike Birbiglia. The film offers an honest reflection on the uncertainty, frustration and ambition of striving to make a life in a creative field.

Gospel sounds influence Chance’s new mixtape

Chance the Rapper refuses to stay inside the lines of conventional rap music in his latest release, Coloring Book. The Chicago rapper’s third mixtape that dropped May 12 guides listeners through both a playful and spiritual journey. Are you ready, Big Fella?

Our Election Year Playlist

1. “Reagan Youth” by Reagan Youth