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Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

Williams won a Golden Globe award for his performance in “Dead Poets Society.”

‘Dead Poets Society’s’ impact 35 years later

JOSUE VILLATORO, Film Critic Dec 4, 2024

In Nov., the Film Appreciation Club screened Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society”, a coming-of-age dramedy set in ’59 Vermont at Welton Academy, an elite all-boys preparatory boarding school. The...

Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried acted together to create a meaningful film with a message unlike any other horror movie.

Jennifer’s Body: From flop to feminist cult classic

KELLIE STILES, Opinion Columnist Oct 30, 2024

“Jennifer’s Body,” a 2009 horror-comedy directed by Karyn Kusama, initially stumbled at the box office, but has since emerged as a beloved feminist cult classic. So, what’s behind this transformation?...

Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan share romantic moments throughout the film, but their romance failed to stand the test of time.

Gatsby: Affairs and love in the ’20s

ESTELLE JOHNSON, Campus Life Editor Oct 16, 2024

“The Great Gatsby,” a stunning motion picture directed by Baz Luhrmann, is based on the 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Luhrmann is well-known for “Moulin Rouge” and the 1996 “Romeo and Juliet”...

Kirsten Dunst as Lee Smith documenting warfare through her camera.

Civil War: photojournalism in war-torn America

JOSUE VILLATORO, Film Critic Oct 9, 2024

Renowned film studio, A24, has stepped into big-budget movie territory as of this year with their latest film, “Civil War,” from acclaimed director and screenwriter, Alex Garland. 2024 has graced us...

Main characters Andy Dufresne and Red standing together in the jail courtyard.

Shawshank Redemption’s 30th anniversary

JOSUE VILLATORO, Film Critic Oct 2, 2024

It’s been 30 years since Frank Durabont’s cult classic graced the big screen and gave us one of the best films of all time. “The Shawshank Redemption” is set in 1940 in New England, and follows...

According to Villatoro, by taking a risk with the X-Men franchise, Disney has returned the franchise to it’s glory days. With the X-Men now under Marvel’s ownership, Villatoro hopes this trajectory of success for the franchise can continue.

2024: Year of the X-Men

Josue Villatoro, Film Critic Sep 25, 2024

2024 is truly the year of the X-Men. Out of all superhero series to come out via streaming with Disney+ this is, without a doubt, the best series to emerge from Marvel Studios. Serving as a continuation...

Austin Butler as Benny riding alongside fellow members of The Vandals M.C. within “The Bikeriders Official Trailer 2.”

The Bikeriders: A perspective into the golden age of motorcycle clubs

JOSUE VILLATORO, Film Critic Sep 11, 2024

After being delayed from the SAG-AFTRA strike, Director Jeff Nichols' long awaited period crime drama finally graced the big screen on June 21, 2024. “The Bikeriders” follows the chronology of a Chicago...

Film critic Josue Villatoro ranks his favorite five movies from 2023.

Five of the Best Films From 2023: A Review

May 5, 2024

5: Wonka    Your craving for chocolate will skyrocket after watching this. Timothee Chalamet delivers a performance that rivals Gene Wilder’s classic portrayal and serves as a pleasant adaptation...

“Elvis” is an emotional watch, for different reasons than “Priscilla." The two films draw contrasts between the different angles of
the relationship. “Priscilla” shows more behind the curtains of Elvis Presley’s relationships. Not just with Priscilla, but with his family and daughter, too.

Priscilla v. Elvis, which is better?

CALLEE FAIR, Staff Writer Mar 6, 2024

Many fans of the Presely’s were not only blessed with one biography picture, but two the last couple years with Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” coming out in 2022 and Sophia Coppola’s “Priscilla”...

According to Fair, Holland is the best Spider-Man because of his social awkwardness combined with his nerdy charm. When bringing Spider-Man from the comics to the big screen, Holland trumps the others.

Who is the best Spider-Man?

CALLEE FAIR, Staff Writer Feb 21, 2024

It has been 22 years since the first “Spider-Man” was released in theaters on May 3, 2002. Witnessing copyright wars and three other “Spider-Man” series in between, fans of this famous superhero...

“Titanic” tops the list as one of the best movies to watch on Valentine’s Day. Filled with romance and heartbreak alike, the acclaimed film offers
something for all viewers.

Ranking Valentine’s Day films

JOSUE VILLATORO, Film Critic Feb 13, 2024

Ah, Valentine’s Day. The day of rich milk chocolate, a day of candles, the day of champagne & wine, bittersweet dinners, but most importantly, the day of love and companionship. When it comes to...

Margot Robbie was not nominated for Best Actress this year, causing an
outpouring of criticism from fans.

An investigation into this year’s Oscar snubs

CALLEE FAIR, Staff Writer Feb 7, 2024

‘Tis the season of red carpets, glamorous looks, and recognizing artists from TV, movies, and music– that’s right– it’s awards season. There is no doubt that with all of the masterfully made...

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