August Media Review
“Blue Beetle” - Angel Manuel Soto; August 18, 2023
Director Angel Manuel Soto's modern live-action adaptation of “Blue Beetle” quickly became a fan-favorite after its August 18 release. The movie delivers messages of socioeconomic disparities and the power of identity. Fans ride a rollercoaster of emotions with Jaime and the Reyes family, ultimately falling in love with the movie and its protagonists. Soto’s “Blue Beetle” has the potential to create more than just a ripple in the entertainment industry.
“Elemental” - Peter Sohn; June 16, 2023
Pixar’s “Elemental” displays a masterfully animated story that leaves moviegoers thinking about the tearful reality of immigrant families. Although marketed as a romance between opposites, the heart of the project lies in the integration of Asian immigrant experiences into its overarching narrative.
“Yellowface” - R.F. Kuang; May 16, 2023
Although the topic of this satirical thriller is controversial, Kuang’s newest novel tackles racism in the publishing industry in a fast-paced and riveting narration of an irredeemable protagonist. As an outside look into the realities of being an author, the too-true commentary makes for a worthwhile read.
“The Good Witch” - Maisie Peters; June 23, 2023
In “The Good Witch”, 23-year-old English singer-songwriter, Maisie Peters, explores the highs and lows of growing up in an ever-changing world. She tells a life story that might not be relatable to some but that still offers an emotional resolution. By the end of it, one is left feeling the same sense of power that Peters has found for herself.
“Snow Angel” - Reneé Rapp; August 18, 2023
Known for her roles in “Mean Girls” on Broadway and “The Sex Lives of College Girls”, Reneé Rapp surprised newer fans by switching her focus to music. From the lighthearted yet angry lyrics of “Poison Poison” to the heartbreaking queer experience discussed in “Pretty Girls”, Rapp’s debut album surprises with its diverse moods and lyricism. The project perfectly encapsulates the struggle of finding emotional maturity as a young adult.
