The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: television

  • New Netflix series ‘Thirteen Reasons Why” sparks controversy

    New Netflix series ‘Thirteen Reasons Why” sparks controversy

    By Erin Chessin

    Last month, Netflix turned Jay Asher’s New York Times Bestseller, “Thirteen Reasons Why”, into a popular new series, but not everyone is excited about the outcome. The show has received high ratings and critical acclaim for its cinematography, but people are having different interpretations based on whether they read the books prior to watching the series. Those who have only watched the series are not grasping the brutal struggle with mental illness compared to those who read the books–the extreme differences between the series and Asher’s 2007 novel are apparent.

    The biggest changes are within the main character’s portrayal, Hannah Baker, something fans of the book are displeased with. Netflix’s “Thirteen Reasons Why” tells the story of a high school teenager, Clay Jensen, who finds a box of tapes mysteriously on his doorstep one day. He listens to the tapes, which turn out to be a recorded suicide confession from Baker, who committed suicide two weeks prior. There are thirteen tapes, each are meant for a specific person who contributed to her decision to take her own life.

    Grace Hall, a freshman environmental science major at HSU, is disappointed to see various differences between the series and the novel she admires.

    “The series portrayed the story a lot differently,” said Hall. “People are watching it and are not having the right discussions about it later.”

    Hall believes Baker is depicted as “whiny” and “a drama queen” in the series, which is not the same character she remembered from the book.

    “It doesn’t highlight the fact that she has a mental illness,” said Hall. “In fact, it’s never even mentioned that she was depressed.”

    Some argue Netflix changed too much within the plots, characters and storytelling. For example, the story is told by Jensen in the TV series, whereas Baker narrates all thirteen episodes in the novel. Also, Jensen and Baker are not close in the book, but they are undeniably friends in the series.

    Taylor Walters, a freshman business major at HSU, did not read the novel and said she did have a good impression of Baker’s character.

    “What I gathered from the show was that she blamed everyone else for her problems when she was the one who caused them,” said Walters.

    Walters said the issues that Baker dealt with are common and happen to a lot of teenagers.

    “Watching this made me angry,” said Walters. “These are things that happen to a lot of high school kids.”

    HSU senior and environmental science major, Andie LeDesma, is upset with how Baker is portrayed on the show.

    “Because they didn’t mention that the girl had a mental illness, I wouldn’t be surprised if people said she was whiny or overdramatic,” said LeDesma. “A person who has depression is going to react differently to bullying versus a person who doesn’t have depression.”

    LeDesma believes it is important for Netflix viewers to be aware of the main character’s mental illness, otherwise the story gets misconstrued.

  • “13 Reasons Why” review

    “13 Reasons Why” review

    By Liam Olson

    The first two episodes of “13 Reasons Why”, “Tape 1, Sides A and B” are a strong and well done start to the story of high schooler Hannah Baker. What makes this show so great is the diverse cast of characters, well thought-out plot, and emotional and convincing acting. “Tape 1, Sides A and B” is so heart wrenching and intriguing, it will keep audiences pressing play to find out each reason why.

    The Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” was released on March 31. The show is adapted from the young adult book, “13 Reasons Why” which was written by Jay Asher. The show was created by Brian Yorkey and the first two episodes were directed by Tom McCarthy. Another well-known public figure who had a hand in the making of the show is Selena Gomez as an executive producer.

    The show’s engaging and thorough plot is one of the many reasons this show is so great. The show follows along each of Hannah’s reasons for committing suicide, but shows some of them out of order causing some differentiation from the book. Furthermore, while the book only goes into the tapes and each reason why Hannah ended her life, the show expands beyond that. It explains how the characters are reacting to Hannah’s suicide, such as her parents searching for the reasons Hannah ended her life and her friend’s interactions with people who are on the tapes Hannah left behind.

    “13 Reasons Why” begins with Hannah’s friend, Clay Jensen, finding a package at his door full of cassette tapes and a map. Clay puts the first cassette tape into his parents’ cassette player and begins to listen. He is shocked to hear the voice of his friend Hannah Baker who ended her own life not long ago. The recording of Hannah tells Clay that the set of tapes contains the 13 people who influenced her decision to take her own life, one side for each person, and that everyone who is on these tapes must listen to all 13 tapes. Not only does each person have to listen to the tapes but they must pass it on to the person after them on the tapes. Also, if one person refuses to pass on the tapes or refuses to listen to them, then a person Hannah entrusted with a second set of the tapes will release them publicly. After hearing the instructions, Clay begins to follow the tapes and find out the answers to why his friend ended her life.

    One of the reasons that “13 Reasons Why” is such a powerful show is the fact that it brings awareness to issues such as bullying, suicide, and other issues that are prevalent in the dark side of high school social culture. In the first two episodes alone, the viewer learns that one of Hannah’s classmates cyber bullied her and that one of her close friends betrayed her and isolated Hannah from her peers. This is just the beginning to the bullying that Hannah Baker experienced.

    Another reason why the show is so amazing is the wide variety of characters throughout the show. Even though there are many characters within the show, it does an amazing job at introducing each character and gives the audience enough background and time to understand each character. Some of these characters include Hannah Baker’s grieving parents, played by Kate Walsh and Bryan d’Arcy James, Clay’s calm and collected friend Tony, played by Christian Navarro, and popular girl and Hannah’s former friend Jessica played by Alisha Boe.

    With so many actors and actresses in the show, all of them gave outstanding performances but it is best to focus on the performances of the actors who play two main characters, Clay and Hannah.

    Dylan Minnette does a phenomenal job of bringing Clay Jensen to life. He perfectly captures the lost and confused feelings that Clay has after finding out that he is one of the 13 reasons why Hannah chose to end her life. In one scene, Minnette was able to show the mixed emotions Clay was feeling while he was riding his bike listening to one of Hannah’s tapes.

    The one person who by far has an outstanding performance in the show is Katherine Langford as Hannah Baker. Langford marvelously narrates the tapes explaining the tragedy contained in each one. Not only that but she perfectly captures the emotions Hannah feels after being betrayed by her close friend.

    “13 Reasons Why”, “Tape 1, Sides A and B” are an amazing start to the tragic and heart wrenching story of Hannah Baker. With outstanding acting, interesting plot, and a wide variety of characters, “13 Reasons Why” will keep audiences wanting to press play to find out each reason.

  • My Jeff Corwin Experience

    My Jeff Corwin Experience

    By | Ali Osgood

    Super-star naturalist Jeff Corwin walked out onto the stage at HSU’s Van Duzer Theatre to a cheering and excited crowd. Immediately, the child in me bubbled over and I was thrown back to my younger years when the world was for exploring and Jeff Corwin was showing me how. This particular evening would be very similar, only my childhood hero would be talking less about exotic animals and instead be tackling climate change.

    Corwin visited HSU this past Saturday as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series: Tales From the Field. He is an emmy award winning television host and wildlife biologist who has been on the Discovery Channel, CNN, Disney Channel, NBC, Animal Planet, and even the Food Network. Currently he is the host of the television show “Ocean Treks”, but he is best known for his show in the early 2000s, “The Jeff Corwin Experience”.

    I grew up watching Corwin travel the world talking about wild animals and nature. I have looked to him for guidance as an adult conservationist, and he has inspired my wonder for the natural world. I had been looking forward to seeing him in person for the first time in my life, and anticipated he would give the crowd something to walk away with.

    “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors,” Corwin said. “We borrow it from our children.”

    Corwin spent over three hours talking and answering questions about his career and his concerns on climate change. He reminded the audience of the dangers it poses to our planet. But unlike so many climate change talks I have witnessed, Corwin had a sense of optimism despite the alarming figures he shared.

    He used multiple examples of endangered species to move through his points. He profiled species that were on the brink of extinction that recovered because of the efforts of humans. Corwin seems to believe that with the right amount of passion and scientific approach that humankind can slow climate change and save wildlife.

    “We can do amazing things,” Corwin said. “I don’t think conservation is about politics. You can look at incredible conservation stories, successful and disastrous, that happened from both [political parties].”

    Throughout the evening Corwin took the audience through his life as a television host. I have always loved the energy and sense of humor Corwin has brought to his adventures, and to hear about what was going on behind the scenes was very special.

    The charismatic television host spoke for about an hour before taking questions from the audience. As the night pressed on, he continued taking questions until he had answered every last one, over 25 personal questions. Corwin did an excellent job combining inside facts about his life while inspiring his audience to continue defending the environment.

    “The best thing you can do is begin in your community,” Corwin said. “Find some level of passion in whatever you do.”

  • This week in entertainment

    This week in entertainment

    By | Liam Olson

    Movies and Television

    “Venom” possibly to be a Horror/Sci-fi Film

    Sony Pictures is currently planning to film a new movie centered around one of the most famous villains in the Spiderman universe, Venom. Not much is currently known about the film. All that is known is that according to the casting website, myentertainmentworld.com, the film is listed as an action/horror/sci-fi film and that it will be filmed in the fall of 2017. It has also been confirmed by Sony that the movie will not be connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which the new upcoming “Spiderman Homecoming” movie will take place. It is currently being speculated that the “Venom” will be R-rated due to the precedent of R-rated superhero movies with “Logan” and “Deadpool”. “Venom” is set to release in theaters on October 5, 2018.

    Source: ScreenRant

     

    Popular Anime Shows Returning in April

    For all those anime fans out there. Multiple popular animes are returning for their second seasons in the month of April. After three years, the long-awaited season two of the popular action, post apocalyptic anime “Attack on Titan” airs on April 1. On the same day, the successful 2016 superhero anime “My Hero Academia” airs. Two other well-known animes “Berserk” and “Eccentric Family” will air their second seasons in the second week of April.

    Source: IGN

     

    Music

    Adele might not tour ever again

    During her Auckland, New Zealand performance for her 15-month “25” tour, Adele said that she may not tour ever again. The Grammy winner told the crowd that she was not very good at touring but she tours for all of her fans. She thanked the crowd and her fans for their support but she is excited to return home to England.

    Source: TIME and The Guardian

     

    The Growlers Performing at Humboldt State

    On March 30, The Growlers will be performing in the Humboldt State University West Gym as part of their City Club Spring Tour 2017. They are going on tour after the release of their most recent album, City Club. This is not the first time The Growlers have performed at Humboldt State University. The Growlers have performed in Humboldt during the 2015-2016 school year.

    Source: AS Presents

     

    Video Games

    “Destiny 2” Announced

    Well-known video game developer Bungie confirmed that the sequel to their popular action, first person shooter game “Destiny” will release in 2017. The title of the sequel was revealed in a tweet featuring a poster/logo picture. The game, “Destiny 2”, is set to release in the fall of 2017. So far it is known that character powers and equipment from the game, “Destiny” will not transfer over to “Destiny 2” and the planets that players are able to explore will be larger than the previous game. Although “Destiny” is a console only game, it is speculated that “Destiny 2” will release on both consoles and PC.

    Source: GamesRadar

     

    “Mass Effect Andromeda” Animation Issues
    Mass Effect Andromeda released on March 21 with multiple animation issues. Developer of Mass Effect Andromeda, BioWare, is aware of the issues and are currently working on fixing the issues. Some of the issues include squad members spawning on top of players and not listening to player instructions. Not only that but audio is known to cut out and when the player runs in a zigzag pattern, there is a chance that the player can end up in an “unintended animation state”.

    Source: GameSpot

  • Review: Time After Time

    Review: Time After Time

    By | Liam Olson

    The pilot episode of “Time After Time”, a new show on ABC, is a great introduction to the story of H.G. Wells’ pursuit to stop Jack the Ripper. Filled with lovable and interesting characters along with intriguing plot, the first episode shows promise for future episodes. Even though the show starts well it does have a few issues with rushing various points of plot.

    “Time After Time” first aired on March 5 on ABC. According to IMDb, the show is based off the 1979 book and movie of the same name. The book is written by Karl Alexander and within the same year was made into a movie which was directed by Nicholas Meyers. Marcos Siega directs the television version while Meyers, the director of the movie version, writes the teleplay. Kevin Williamson develops the show.

    The show begins in 19th century England where H.G. Wells is discussing his work with some of his colleagues. Around the same time, Jack the Ripper, also known as Dr. John Stevenson, murders a woman on his way over Wells’ home. After Stevenson arrives at Wells’ house, Wells shows Stevenson and his colleagues the time machine that he is building. Soon after, the police come to Wells’ house to do a search to investigate murder of the woman Stevenson killed earlier. The murder weapon is discovered in Stevenson’s bag and Stevenson uses Wells’ time machine to escape to the modern day. Wells follows Stevenson to the future to stop him and bring him back to past where justice will be served.

    Upon arriving in modern day, Wells is taken by the security guards of the museum in New York where his time machine is displayed. There he meets assistant curator, Jane Walker, who at first does not believe who Wells actually is but after Wells proves that he is from the past, Walker joins Wells quest to stop Jack the Ripper. In the first episode, Jack the Ripper begins his murderous rampage killing women at nightclubs. With the time machine as his advantage, Wells  is able to prevent some of the murders.

    Altogether the plot of the show is interesting but the plot points feel too rushed and forced in the first episode. Giving each point more time would add great character development and backstory to the main plot. It would be interesting to have spent more time in the 19th century learning more about Dr. Stevenson and why he became Jack the Ripper.

    Furthermore, the romance between Walker and Wells is introduced too early making their romantic chemistry seem forced and underdeveloped. The scene where Walker and Wells share a moment together in the moon exhibit seemed awkward and ungenuine.

    Another plot point that would make the first episode even better would to focus on the adjustment that Wells goes through to modern day. Providing more time on this would open up so many opportunities for comedic plot points. Not only that but it is hard to believe that Wells became so well adjusted to modern technology within a matter of days.

    Throughout the episode, all the actors gave performances that make the characters interesting and likable. The one who gives the best performance is Freddie Stroma as H.G. Wells. Stroma is amazing at making Wells a lovable character. He perfectly captures the intelligence and naiveté of Wells. He is able to show Wells as the brilliant writer and inventor while also showing that even the most intelligent people can get lost and need to learn more.

    Genesis Rodriguez does well at playing Jane Walker. Her characterization of Walker as a no-nonsense and driven person is a great addition to the show. She is the best person to play as the guide for the modern world for H.G. Wells.

    Finally, Josh Bowman gives an outstanding performance as Dr. John Stevenson or better known as Jack the Ripper. Bowman is able to perfectly capture the ruthlessness and violent nature of Jack the Ripper. In every scene with Bowman as Jack the Ripper the viewer can tell his malicious and intimidating presence.

    “Time After Time” shows promise with its lovable, interesting characters and intriguing plot. Although it has some issues, the pilot episode is sure to keep audiences wanting to see what the future holds for H.G. Wells and Jane Walker in “Time After Time”.

  • This Week in Entertainment

    This Week in Entertainment

    By | Liam Olson

    Movies and Television

    Oscar’s Best Picture Mix Up

    During the 89th Academy Awards, there was a mix up for the Best Picture winner. It was falsely announced that “La La Land” won Best Picture; in actuality, the winner was “Moonlight.” A mix-up with the envelopes resulted in the mistake.

    The Academy Award Presenters Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty were accidentally handed the envelope for Best Actress that awarded Emma Stone for her performance in “La La Land.” The presenters falsely took it to mean that “La La Land” had won Best Picture.

    Resulting accepting speeches given from the “La La Land” cast were short-lived as the cast was soon informed by an onstage Oscar producer of the mistake. “La La Land” producer Jordan Horowitz opened up the correct envelope and showcased it to the audience that “Moonlight” had indeed won Best Picture. The cast of “Moonlight” was called onstage to give their acceptance speeches and the “La La Land” cast gave the Best Picture award to the “Moonlight” cast.

    Source: ABC News

    Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki is out of retirement

    During a pre-Oscars interview having to do with Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-nominated film, “The Red Turtle,” anime film producer Toshio Suzuki announced that Studio Ghibli director, producer, animator and screenwriter Hayao Miyazaki has officially come out of retirement.

    Miyazaki is most well-known for his Oscar award winning movie, “Spirited Away.” Suzuki said that Miyazaki has come out of retirement to make a feature movie. Miyazaki recently learned computer-generated animation techniques and hopes to make the feature film using these new skills.

    Source: Kotaku, The Verge

    Music

    Rihanna Awarded Humanitarian of the Year by Harvard University

    On Feb. 23, Harvard University announced that singer Rihanna would be named as the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year. Rihanna was recognized on Feb. 28 for her charitable work improving cancer treatment in Barbados. She also created scholarship programs that help students from Caribbean countries attend college in the United States.

    Source: Rolling Stone

    Beyoncé Cancels Coachella Performance due to Pregnancy

    Beyoncé announced that she will not be headlining the 2017 Coachella music festival. She cancelled her performance due to her doctor’s recommendation to keep a calm schedule during her pregnancy. She is currently carrying twins which could lead to complications if under a stressful schedule.  Beyoncé was supposed to be headline Coachella with Kendrick Lamar and Radiohead, but decided to postpone her performance to 2018 after the birth of her twins.

    Source: USA Today

    Video Games

    New Overwatch Character Teased by Blizzard Entertainment

    For the past week, the video game company Blizzard Entertainment has been releasing various blog posts related to the upcoming new character coming to “Overwatch.” Even though Blizzard Entertainment has made in-game changes and left clues in videos to tease the release of the long awaited character Doomfist, they released a statement saying that the new character is not who everyone thinks. In the recent blog posts, Blizzard features an 11-year-old inventor and artificial intelligence genius named Efi Oladele from a location in the game called Numbani. Although Efi is not the new character, Blizzard Entertainment said that she has connections to the new upcoming character.

    It was speculated in a community post from January featuring other leaked game content that the upcoming character is a four-legged robot spider tank from Numbani that has been seen in multiple past photos and videos. There is a possibility that Efi is the one who created this new upcoming character.

    Source: Polygon

    20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards

    The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences held its 20th annual D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Awards on Feb. 23 in Las Vegas, California. The awards ceremony was held to recognize 2016’s top video games in 24 different categories. “Overwatch” took home the award for Game of the Year, Action Game of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay and Outstanding Achievement in Game Design. “Overwatch” was not the only game to win many awards. “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” won Adventure Game of the Year and three other awards. The popular indie game, “Inside,” also won three awards during the awards ceremony.

    Source: Interactive.org

  • “Legion” review

    “Legion” review

    By | Liam Olson

    “Legion”, “Chapter 1” brilliantly introduces audiences to the world and mind of David Haller, one of the most powerful mutants in existence. With interesting and in depth characters, great acting to bring these characters to life, and unique story progression, “Legion” will make the viewer want to delve deeper into David’s mind.

    The first episode of “Legion” aired on FX on Feb. 8. Noah Hawley directed “Chapter 1” and also assisted in creating and writing the show. The show is based on the “Legion” comic book series which written and drawn by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz.

    From the beginning to the end of “Chapter 1”, reality and fantasy are hard to discern going back and forth between the mind and world of David Haller, played by Dan Stevens. However, the back and forth create pieces of the story that all come together at the end of the episode. Although some pieces of the first episode are to be connected later episodes, the parts that you are given generate interesting discussion with friends at the end of the episode.

    The plot of “Legion” begins in the mind of David Haller where you learn about the memories of his youth. In his youth, he slowly begins to realize his telekinetic powers until his breaking point during his college years where his powers came in at full capacity.

    After his breakdown,  he was admitted to a mental hospital where doctors misdiagnose him with schizophrenia, but in reality he is a powerful telepath that cannot handle his abilities. In the hospital, David spends his days in his daily routine with a fellow patient and friend Lenny, played by Aubrey Plaza. However, everything changes as soon as a mysterious new patient named Syd, played by Rachel Keller, arrives at the mental hospital and Danny immediately falls in love with her. Keller is able to show versatility in her acting by switching between the various sides of her character Syd with ease.

    For some viewers, the story of the hospital seems like the main plot, however, these are just the memories of Danny. The actual plot of the main story begins in an interrogation room. In the room, Danny is monitored and questioned by government agents to determine how much of a threat he actually is to the world.

    In the first episode alone, Stevens does a phenomenal job at bringing the character of David Haller to life. He conveys the instability and insanity that David’s character represents in fun and interesting ways. Plaza channels the laid back and oblivious characterization of Lenny. Plaza’s choice to play Lenny is a great change from the more comedic roles that she has played in the past such as April from the show “Parks and Recreation”.

    The show itself is well done, however, there is one issue that needs to be mentioned. The lighting was overbearing in some shots and, at some points, got in the way of the visuals. One example that stood out among the rest is the scene where Syd walks in on David’s group therapy session, in the background behind Syd there is lots of light that causes Syd’s face to not be visible. Due to the length of this scene, the light was so bright that it made it hard to look at the scene.

    “Chapter 1” of “Legion” is complex and intriguing. Through the unique and interesting characters and storytelling, audiences will want to delve deeper into the insane mind of David Haller.

  • A “Taboo” to talk about

    A “Taboo” to talk about

    By | Liam Olson

    First impressions are important when it comes to a new television series. “Taboo” is a new program produced by FX and BBC One that gives a great first impressions in their first episode, “Shovels and Keys.” The episode is an introduction to different portions of the plot and the characters give the viewer many reasons to keep watching.

    The first episode of “Taboo” aired on FX on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Kristoffer Nyholm directed “Shovels and Keys” and Steven Knight wrote the script for the show. Knight worked with actor Tom Hardy and his father, Edward “Chips” Hardy, to create the script.

    Right from the start of the show, there is an eerie and dark tone. The show opens with James Delaney, played by Tom Hardy, riding in on a horse through the rain in order to bury an object in the middle of nowhere. This is just the start to the mysteries this show contains.

    The plot of the episode is complex with the various parts of the overall story being introduced. However, the base of the story is that James Delaney returns to London in 1814 after the death of his father, who left him a piece of land called the Nootka Sound. James had been presumed dead for more than 10 years but was actually in Africa for unknown reasons. James must navigate through the cutthroat business world of London to run his father’s shipping company and protect the Nootka Sound from his half-sister’s husband and the East India Company.

    The snippets of each part of the story is what makes the viewer even more enticed to find out answers to the questions this episode creates. What did James do in Africa for 10 years that gave him supernatural abilities? What is the importance of the Nootka Sound? To what extent will the East India Company go to take Nootka Sound from James? These are just some of the questions created by “Skulls and Keys.”

    One major point of the show worth mentioning is the relationships that James Delaney has with other characters. Throughout the episode, James finds himself face-to-face with old friends and acquaintances, as well as enemies old and new.

    With characters such as the loyal family servant, Brace, played by David Hyman; James’s half-sister Zilphia, played by Oona Chaplin; and the ruthless East India Company Chairman, Sir Stuart Strange, played by Jonathan Price; this diverse cast of characters will play essential parts in the story of James Delaney.

    Since a majority of the first episode was introductions, there was not enough screen time  to give a fair review of the actors’ performances, except for Tom Hardy. Hardy gave an excellent performance as James Delaney. He perfectly captured the brutal, composed and mentally unstable characterization of James. With his portrayal, he effortlessly went through scenes as though he was the character himself.

    “Shovels and Keys” is a slow but great start to “Taboo,” with the introductions out of the way. Viewers will want to dig deeper into the many mysteries and characters “Taboo” has to offer.

  • Why Netflix Might Just Edge Out Hulu with their New Original Series

    Why Netflix Might Just Edge Out Hulu with their New Original Series

    By: Erin Chessin

    It is a combination of mystery, adventure and that ‘80s nostalgia all in one – we’ve never seen anything quite like “Stranger Things.” Netflix is rising to the top as a contender for who can make the most addictive original series. It is impossible to not get hooked on at least one of the many original series they have spit out recently. I would call “Stranger Things” a mix between Stephen King and Steven Spielberg; you get that perfection combination of ‘80s sci-fi and horror.

    The story starts off with a missing boy named Will Byers, and the audience thinks, “oh great another cheesy ‘80s horror series.” But then you have Byers’ mother, brother, three best friends and the police chief involved, who end up discovering more than they wanted to know about what is out there in the world. You fear the head of the Hawkins Laboratory, who is conducting inhumane practices in efforts to stop the horrific monster they allowed to exist.

    There are unexplainable tragic events, people going missing, lights flickering and dark elements – it’s quite the adventure three little kids go on. We have Dustin, nicknamed Toothless, who strikes his audience as geeky and innocent. Mike might have to be everyone’s favorite, just because he is probably the most compassionate of all the characters on the show. Lucas has to be that voice of caution, warning his friends of the dangers they could be accidentally getting involved in.

    In their small town of Hawkins, Ind., everyone knows everyone. It is a matter of all the characters figuring out how all the strange things that have occurred are connected; and better yet, why they are even happening.

    There is no doubt that I give this new television series a glowing review; I mean, it has to be one of the most compelling series that Netflix has created. However, those who have never seen “The Shining” or are simply not into entertainment that haunts you, the storyline might not be as intriguing to you as it is to that sci-fi/horror genre fanatic. “Stranger Things” is perfect for those popcorn and warm blanket nights. It is enough to give you a scare and provoke that sense of fear in you that you haven’t grasped since you last watched “The Shining.”

  • A good start to “A Series of Unfortunate Events”

    A good start to “A Series of Unfortunate Events”

    By: Liam Olson

    “A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Bad Beginning: Parts 1 and 2” are definitely a good start to the new Netflix series. From the wide variety of different characters to the beautiful sets of these episodes, “The Bad Beginning” definitely will make the viewer not want to look away from the rest of the season.

    The first season of the show was added to Netflix on Friday, Jan. 13. Barry Sonnenfeld directs “The Bad Beginning” and Daniel Handler (who plays Lemony Snicket) adapted the books for television.

    The adaptation stays true to the book, however, some plot points that make the book more dramatic are replaced for comical scenes. To a person who read the book series, this may be disappointing, but for those who have not, it is enjoyable.

    In order to make the show more lighthearted, comical tropes were added such as defining vocabulary words to explaining the difference between literally and figuratively. Although these pauses are fun, they become more excessively used as the show goes on and create unnecessary pauses in the plot.

    Most of the plot follows the books with the Baudelaire children, played by Malina Weissman (Violet), Louis Hynes (Klaus) and Presley Smith (Sunny), escaping the grasps of Count Olaf, played by Neil Patrick Harris, who wants their parents’ fortune.

    With the extra time the show had due to each books being split up into two parts, plot that was never mentioned by the books is explained in the show, making it more interesting for fans of the book series.

    As far as the acting goes, a majority of the actors do well. Patrick Warburton gives an amazing performance as the solemn narrator, Lemony Snicket, for the story of the Baudelaire children. K. Todd Freeman’s performance as Mr. Poe seems to be the weakest of the main characters. Much of his acting makes the character feel fake and unbelievable, and the coughing gag for Mr. Poe becomes excessive over time.

    Weissman and Hynes do well as Violet and Klaus Baudelaire; they perfectly capture the clever and sincere personalities of the characters. However, they do sometimes fall flat in their interactions with Neil Patrick Harris’s Count Olaf often looking lost on how to respond to him. Harris’s performance as Count Olaf gives a humorous take on the character compared to Jim Carrey’s darker version of Olaf in the 2004 film. Although Harris’s Count Olaf is not very intimidating as a villain, he does make up for it in his outrageous and entertaining antics on screen, though they sometimes drown out the other characters who struggle to react to his strong personality and actions.

    One of the most prominent elements worth mentioning in the show are the set designs. There is a wide variety of set designs from the dark and dreary mansion of Count Olaf, to the peaceful and colorful house and library of Justice Strauss. All the different locations in the show add to the overall atmosphere to the scenes.

    “The Bad Beginning: Parts 1 and 2” are good starting points for “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” While there were a few issues with the first two episodes, the series shows promise. Viewers will want to keeping looking to see what happens next in “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”