Hi guys! And welcome to your weekly column of new media, brought to the Andrews University students by yours truly, Arts & Entertainment editor Solana Campbell. The following is a list of brand new music, movies, books, and TV to consume. So next time you’re aimlessly scrolling through Netflix looking for a new show to be obsessed with or hankering for a new favorite album to jam to, look no further than Currently… a brand-new weekly column from the Student Movement to help you waste less time :)
Movies
A new August release only in theaters, “Bullet Train” hails from director David Leitch, most notable for action-packed comedic hits like “Deadpool 2” and “Hobbs & Shaw.” Starring Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Bryan Tyree Henry, as well as Bad Bunny’s first time in a major role on-screen, the film is packed with great stunts and fight choreography, excellent comedic breaks, and has potential for a meaningful storyline. Catch it in Niles’ Wonderland Cinema for only $5!
Do you love the thrilling Netflix whodunit “Knives Out”? Did you catch the Gal Gadot-starring Agatha Christie- remake “Death on the Nile” in February? If you love a good Victorian mystery, you’ll love this Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell extravaganza from director Tom George! See it in your local theaters tomorrow, September 16.
Released on August 26, The Invitation'' is an American supernatural horror film that darkly echoes Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic hit “Dracula.” That’s right, folks, this is a vampire movie. The film stars Thomas Doherty and Nathalie Emmanuel as the titular characters, and promises lots of jumpscares and vampire-appropriate fashion choices. It’s also directed by a woman: Jessica M. Thompson. Check it out for lots of feminist, fashionable, scary fun. See it in your local theater as soon as possible.
Already promising Oscar nominations for this film’s powerful lead, Viola Davis, “The Woman King” opens in theaters this Friday, September 16, and is definitely a must-watch. The film tells the story of the Ajogie, an all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. It promises to be ground-breaking, inspiring, and full of fantastic action moments all in one swing. Catch it in theaters this Friday!
TV Shows
Are you really a true Marvel fan if you don’t painstakingly consume every piece of content they put out? I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve gotten to the point that there’s so much new Marvel content, I can’t keep up. I’m still trying to get through “Ms. Marvel”, but, you know, ya girl’s a college student. Either way, “She-Hulk” belongs on this list! Episode 5 dropped literally last night at midnight, and you’re totally missing out on all the cultural commentary if you aren’t tuning in. So if you’re like me, and you’ve forgotten which Phase we’re in, take a moment to play catch-up and stream some quality episodes of Marvel’s “She-Hulk”.
Is this even a list of current faves if I’m not naming the long-awaited Game of Thrones prequel, “House of the Dragon”? Ever since GOT absolutely bombed their finale (please tell me that’s something we can all agree on), fans have been waiting expectantly for another chance to jaunt into Westeros. And “House of the Dragon” delivers. Unlike everything on this list, I have caught up on the four episodes of this show, and what can I say, I highly recommend. Check this one out Sundays on HBO Max.
Music
If you’re anything like me, you were immediately enthralled by Blackpink’s light pop sound and penchant for making hits that can’t get out of your head. And tonight at midnight, you’ll have the chance to listen to a whole new collection of hits. They’ve already released the catchy single “Pink Venom”, enthralling their fans with a performance (and win) at the 2022 VMA’s. Stream in Spotify by clicking the link above.
Aside from the fact the name is a little kitschy, John Legend, icon extraordinaire and EGOT winner (that’s an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, folks), has finally released a new album. “LEGEND” is a 24-song R&B delight (at least, according to Twitter) that you have to at least check out. The album features everyone from Saweetie to Jhene Aiko, and three songs were co-written/produced with Pink Sweat$. The album is smooth, soft, and sexy, bringing us back to the OG sound of Legend’s famed hit “All of Me.” Stream in Spotify by clicking the link above.
"Hold the Girl"; Rina Sawayama
Rina’s new album, which releases tomorrow: Friday, September 16 on all platforms, already promises a change and growth in her voice as a musical artist. She moves toward a more pop-rock sound and away from her alternative-pop sound, while still staying true to her edgy roots with the album’s title single “Hold the Girl.” Her album promises deeply personal lyrics and explores the darker themes of her life, while trying to be raw, honest, and vulnerable. Stream tomorrow.
It might seem a little unfair to put this personal of a pick on Currently… but what can I say, a little promotion doesn’t do any harm. Ashtenn, a new artist on the scene (who is also a friend of mine), released the alternative, smoky, girl-anthem Persephone two weeks ago on Friday, September 2. The lyrics and tone have a spiritual essence to them, and the notes of the sitar combined with her haunting melody give the song a hazy effect, like you’re experiencing something instead of just listening to it. If you love alternative indie and strong melodics, check this one out.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.