Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College, Author at Study Breaks

5 Films That Demonstrate the Unique Power of Animation

From fantasy lands to the racetrack, these anime features are worth exploring for experiencing a different form of storytelling…

September 24, 2017

‘Sonic Mania’ Proves That Gaming Passion Projects Should Be Rewarded

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

The latest entry in Sega’s classic franchise handed development over to the fans, and the results are convincing.…

September 18, 2017

Why Adapting a Darker Tone Hasn’t Paid Off for ‘Rick and Morty’

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

The beloved Adult Swim cartoon has become noticeably less interesting.…

September 13, 2017

The New ‘Death Note’ Misses the Point of the Original

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

Netflix’s new film adaptation abandons the cat and mouse game that made the original characters so compelling.…

September 8, 2017

The McGregor vs. Mayweather Fight Is As Empty As It Is Hateful

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

The absurd excuse for a fight has been fueled and funded by concerning trends of hate speech.…

August 27, 2017

For Producers, ‘The Dark Tower’ Is a Cautionary Tale

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

Why the Stephen King novel flopped on the silver screen, but will thrive in its television adaptation.…

August 23, 2017

FIU’s Victoria ‘Vikkikitty’ Perez Is the Electric New Voice of eSports

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

Perez is reaching a whole new branch of eSports enthusiasts with her outspoken personality and rousing commentary.…

August 17, 2017

Student Loans Giving You Anxiety? Try ‘Animal Crossing’

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

Who knew Nintendo’s quirky life simulation game could help you deal with impeding student debt?…

August 8, 2017

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ Revels in the Morally Gray

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

The final installment of the simian trilogy is a cerebral exploration of what binds a society together.…

August 1, 2017

A Smashing Success

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

A look into the burgeoning world of eSports through two of the college competitors who are helping shape its future.…

August 1, 2017

How Roger Federer Evolved into a Tennis Legend

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

And what winning his record eighth Wimbledon title means for his legacy.…

July 24, 2017

Samuel ‘Dabuz’ Buzby Dominates the Virtual World of ‘Smash 4’

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

Being ranked the fourth-best player in the world isn't too bad for a full-time college student.…

July 24, 2017

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Will Never Work in Hollywood

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

Due to subtle, yet important, differences in creative philosophies, the live-action adaptation of the beloved anime will lose the qualities that made the series into its own subgenre.…

June 29, 2017

E3 and the Resurgence of Nintendo

Ben Seidel, St. Olaf College

After more than a decade of lackluster development, Nintendo has created its own momentum and plans to capitalize on it. Plus, there's a new 'Metroid' game.…

June 26, 2017