Ian Linn, Oberlin College

James Gunn’s sequel to the divisive 2016 film of nearly the same name is well-executed and gives hope to the future of the DC Extended Universe.

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

Michael Sarnoski’s directorial debut is difficult to pin down. Though unsuspecting audiences may have been expecting another ‘John Wick,’ the film more closely follows the trajectory of an anticlimactic drama.

Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

Netflix’s soapy drama isn’t groundbreaking television by any means, but the romance at its center is enough to keep audiences coming back.

Karen Lu, Yale University

Unafraid to showcase intense moral dilemmas and graphic depictions of violence, ‘JJK’ is far from what you might presume it to be.

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Or are they just thrillers? Either way, the success of these films is undeniable.

Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

The FX show dances between intensely dramatic scenes and ridiculous comedic bits nearly every episode but never fully embraces either.

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

Though the pandemic lockdown set many dance companies behind in revenue and left dancers without means of training, they’re finding ways to bounce back.

Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

The Filipino comic series has gained a massive following since its release in the early 2000s, and its recent Netflix adaptation has done it justice according to critics.

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

Jojo Moyes’ most recent novel-to-film adaptation is not as perfect or heart-wrenching as its predecessor, ‘Me Before You.’

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

Here are the must-have fan favorites and the packs you can safely skip, all ranked side by side.

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

Though the saga has been the butt of many jokes throughout the last decade, the books and movies allow fans to escape from reality.

Ariana Quijano, Georgia State University

Her Instagram bio reads, ‘multi-hyphenate powerhouse,’ and that title fits her perfectly. The comedian has made waves on TikTok with PG-13 comedy that doesn’t use marginalized communities or awkward faces as her punchlines.

Beth Nipper, University of Iowa

Western cartoons were once entirely hand-drawn, frame by frame. With the rise of computer-based CGI and the success of movies like ‘Frozen,’ however, the medium has been seeing some drastic changes.

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

This show follows an unlikely trio that uses their true-crime obsession to crack a real murder that happened in their apartment building.

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s magnum opus entered the public domain early this year, and spinoffs of all sorts have been appearing ever since.

Daniel Reed

Listen to your favorite tunes even when you’re away from the video-sharing platform.

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

Programs with lesbians as side characters seem to fare okay on the platform, but series that cast them as the main character don’t seem to last as long.

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

This hilarious satirical comedy follows the lives of two older siblings whose younger brother has become an overnight internet sensation. Meanwhile. they still don’t quite have it together.

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

While the documentary possesses some glaring flaws, both ethically and thematically, it is nonetheless a worthwhile and authentic exploration of the troubled idealist’s life and death.

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

The popular app is fun and addictive, but it may also have some negatives effects on users, especially young people.

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

The upcoming copyright release of these last mysteries may result in the famed sleuth taking on new dimensions in the future.

Brunella Tipismana, Smith College

The social media platform will introduce Post+ to its users as a way to generate earnings for creators. But not everyone is happy about it.

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

With their 10th and final season airing this year, let’s take a look back on this famous family’s best headlines.

Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

The addicting app has boosted the popularity of previously unpopularized movies, music and books, but is it for the better?

Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

With PlayStation 5 availability still limited for most consumers, it’s unclear how Sony’s upcoming lineup will convince players to buy a new console.

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

The actor continues to make a splash in the genre despite often being labeled as the ‘worst’ Chris by social media.

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The latest expansion pack for this iconic game allows players to ‘feed their souls (and their chickens!).’

Alice Han, Pepperdine University

The original game has a special place in the hearts of fans, and although the update hasn’t completely fixed problems like drifting motion controls, it is undoubtedly an improvement.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The show’s finale left the Marvel Cinematic Universe wide open for speculation. The multiverse contains infinite possibilities.

Ariana Quijano, Georgia State University

Social media is in an uproar after uncovering allegations that the beauty YouTuber sent sexually suggestive messages to minors.

Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

The community of book lovers has become more focused on consumerism and less about the pure love of literature.

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

With the success of movies like ‘Joker,’ series like ‘Loki,’ and characters like Harley Quinn, we’ve got to ask — what is it about villains that is so endearing to audiences?

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

By fully embracing its innovative makers and their one-of-kind designs, this reality competition show has successfully built an environment in which creatives can thrive.

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Though casual viewers may not follow the long-running plot of the franchise, the action/horror TV series is a delightful watch for everyone.

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

Nida Manzoor’s Peacock sitcom follows five Muslim women and their punk rock band while advocating that ‘music is about representation.’

Brunella Tipismana, Smith College

Popular among university and high school students alike, the trend promotes productivity while also soothing its audience.

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

In male-centered media, no woman is safe from becoming the next sacrifice in the name of plot progression.

Karen Lu, Yale University

Can the genre function as a way to empower female readers and viewers, or is it doomed to merely satisfy a power fantasy?

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

‘Six seasons and a movie’ has long been the sitcom’s unofficial mantra, and this week the creator gave fans hope that it might come true.

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

This Disney+ docuseries reveals the daily sacrifices and pressures of pre-professional dancers trying to establish their careers in New York City.

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

The popular film’s legacy is one of feminine empowerment and ‘overcoming adversity by being oneself’ — both lessons to be celebrated.

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

The second film in the franchise fails to deliver the depth, intriguing storyline and character development present in its first installment.

Beth Nipper, University of Iowa

With mobile devices, anyone can interact with online spaces in novel ways — a fact that web and graphic designers must keep in mind as they work.

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

TikTok isn’t just for teenagers looking to participate in the latest dance trends. People of all ages are using the app to seek help from licensed therapists.

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

The Cartoon Network series allows children to explore what it means to deal with loss.

Alice Han, Pepperdine University

While the video game console has received plenty of hype from both its company and gamers alike, it may not be for everyone.

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

There’s a reboot of this iconic teen drama in the works, and although we don’t know much about it as of right now, what little information we do have doesn’t bode well.

Daniel Reed

Sometimes you need your mouse to click itself.

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

Although Disney’s live-action remakes have faced criticism for being unoriginal cash-grabs, their nostalgic material and ability to captivate an audience through intricate scenes provide audiences with an exceptional watch.

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

A combination of vintage aesthetics and a loving tribute to a plus-sized star, the influencer’s new short film is clearly revolutionary.

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

The dramedy, based on a real-life Twitter thread, holds viewers suspended in disbelief, outrage and empathy as they watch one weak-willed woman manipulate, deceive and even physically endanger another exotic dancer.

Ariana Quijano, Georgia State University

To quote the patriarch of this reality TV family, ‘Crazy runs deep.’

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

The fan-favorite was once praised for how it treated its female characters, but 15 years later, audiences now react a little differently to what the film was trying to say.

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

The reality show has had a scandalous history, but its latest season reflects a ‘new era’ of combating racism, misogyny and homophobia in its casting.

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

The new film forgoes any charm its predecessor had in favor of excessive references to other WarnerMedia-owned properties.

Karen Lu, Yale University

This personal finance practice is a growing niche on YouTube and a potential answer to preventing unnecessary purchases and impulse buys.

Alice Han, Pepperdine University

With its beautifully rendered animation and seamless, easy-to-understand combat mechanics, the newly released RPG is an impeccable spinoff sequel.

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

After years of waiting, this famous teen film franchise is available to stream, and fans everywhere are remembering why the series has enjoyed such long-lasting success.

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

A spinoff of the beloved teen drama hit screens last week. Do these 2021 New York elites live up to Blair and Serena?

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

After being neglected for more than 50 years, unearthed footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival demonstrates the importance of honoring the music of Black artists.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

This transformation is giving the platform a chance to reach wider audiences and compete with its most successful competitors.

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The inclusion of shopping carts and the return of Brewster are among the many items on fans’ wishlist.

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

The series has similar themes to other successful franchises such as ‘Euphoria’ and ’13 Reasons Why,’ but has failed to attain the same level of hype.

Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

Though the character isn’t written to be autistic in the show, she still serves as a positive portrayal of what it means to have autism.

Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

While many competition series capitalize on stressful situations, Alex Horne’s does the opposite, allowing for casual, hilarious viewing.

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

While the crime drama has paved the way in featuring plus-size female leads, does this representation trump other questionable casting choices?

Lauren Koop, London School of Economics - Peking University

Though the TikTok trend may appear to be a joke, it highlights the glaring hypocrisy of similar aesthetics like KoreanCore.

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

With a reboot on the horizon, it’s important to address the tendency of the original show to treat its less exorbitantly rich characters with downright cruelty.

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

As with this popular adult TV show, it has become a trend for people to look up to various imaginary personalities who exhibit blatantly negative traits.

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

The podcast gained popularity because of the friendly conflicts between the hosts, but too much of a good thing may cause the show’s downfall.

Amy Harris, Utah State University

Japanese animation typically has to be translated to English, but should it be a one-to-one translation? Or should translators change things to make references and jokes more understandable for Western audiences?

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

The book ‘Talking to Strangers’ explores the logical fallacies people fall into when interacting with others, and their detrimental effects are exemplified in popular media.

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

Here is a look at the character’s complicated and sometimes controversial history in the MCU, and how her solo film finally allows her to shine.

Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

The Netflix series is more slow-burn and character-focused than is typical of its genre but is exciting and engaging nonetheless.

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

Is writer-director Lars von Trier too connected with the main character of his controversial 2018 horror film?

Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

Even though there isn’t a transgender character until later on in the show, any trans person will be able to relate to the main character’s identity struggles.

Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

Prime Video hopes to incorporate elements of HBO’s hit ‘Game of Thrones,’ such as sex and violence, into its LOTR prequel series, but risks doing a disservice to its source material in the process.

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

The beloved show helped introduce younger audiences to the magic of show tunes through storytelling and genre-blending.

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The influencer is opening up about her awful experience behind the scenes of the YouTube Original show, but her former costars are pushing back on her narrative.

Daniel Reed

Here are some ways to grow your channel.

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

Both films exist in the action-adventure genre, but their common qualities extend far beyond genre and similar settings.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

Is this R-rated trend the evolution of the genre and will the MCU ever transform to follow it?

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

After the release of the July 30 premiere date for the second season of this Netflix original, fans wait impatiently for the return of John B and his friends’ action-packed hunt for treasure.

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

After lesbophobic BookTokers made their prejudices known, lesbians and allies alike came together to share their love of sapphic romance novels.

Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

The limited murder-mystery series is a gruesome portrait of small-town American life that begs the question: How far do family ties go?

Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

The Duggars entered the public eye in 2008 through the reality TV show ’19 Kids and Counting’ and were loved by thousands, but resurfacing controversies led to the family’s downfall.

Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

The algorithm of the popular social media app makes scrolling through content even more addicting as users continue engaging with videos they find funny or enjoyable.

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Millions of fans remain loyal to the series, but in order to maintain audience satisfaction, the Netflix original must return to its glory days.

Ariana Quijano, Georgia State University

The newly conservative influencer’s absurdly over-the-top political rants have become a source of great humor on the video-sharing app.

Karen Lu, Yale University

In addition to some of the better-known webcomics like ‘Noblesse’ and ‘Lore Olympus,’ here are a few others that are worth reading.

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Some of these influencers’ platforms foster harmful attachments between themselves and their impressionable young fans.

Jael Davis, DePaul University

Not every piece of art necessarily ages well, even over a short span of time. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s play is the perfect example of this.

Alice Han, Pepperdine University

While it may not be surprising that Todd Phillip’s impactful 2019 film influenced the English singer-songwriter’s latest music video, the similarities between the two are truly uncanny.

Brunella Tipismana, Smith College

This popular website tool has not only become a critical hub for information regarding social justice topics but also serves to promote small businesses — while perhaps altering the conception of our digital selves at the same time.

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

It’s time to reflect on this American media personality’s run on talk shows, as well as his distinct comedic style, evolving format and plans for the future.

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Marvel’s cinema franchise confirming this character’s sexual identity demonstrates the importance of increasing diversity and representation in popular media.

Fatima Sani, Rollins College

From box office hits like ‘Avengers: Endgame’ to game-changers like ‘Avatar,’ it would seem everything the actress touches turns to gold.

Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

The transition to inexpensive titles has divided consumers and signals an ongoing trend within the gaming industry.

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

The young reporter has already established himself as a short-form video extraordinaire despite having only made content for less than two years.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The ‘Love, Simon’ spinoff is taking huge strides away from its predecessor in its realistic representations of teenage sexuality and the difficulties that arise with coming of age.