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The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

“Joker” is a controversial cinematic masterpiece

Though the "Joker" featuring Joaquin Phoenix is riddled with controversy, it is a spectacular film.
Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips produce prominent work, but not without criticism from the public.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer October 8, 2019

Amid one of the most anticipated releases of the year, "Joker" was riddled with controversy. While many looked forward to an origin story for the Clown Prince of Crime, some Americans are still traumatized by the latest film that focused on the iconic villain. On the opening night of the biggest box...

From Yeezus to Jesus: Kanye fans should not fear his gospel attempt

Kanye West shifts his music to gospel instead of secular music.
Kanye’s attempts at gospel during his live shows have proven that fans should not fear a spiritual Kanye.
Sammy Newcomer October 5, 2019

With his new album “Jesus is King” releasing this fall, Kanye West once again turned to his pre-album release routine of making bold claims to keep himself in the spotlight. Although the album has been pushed multiple times from its original release date, select fans had the opportunity to hear the...

Theatre 21 demolition forces program to adapt

Senior theatre major Emily Delagda on stage in "Eleemosynary.
The construction of the new cinema and media arts building will displace other academic programs—including theater productions.
Kayla Santos, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 5, 2019

(This story was originally published in print on Oct. 3, 2019). As the cinema and media arts program expands into its own full-fledged school, plans for dedicated cinema building are in order. To make room for the upcoming building, Perez Hall and Theatre 21 will be demolished, according to dean of...

Five Spider-Man stories to adapt to the big screen

As one of the most iconic characters ever, Spider-Man's return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues the essential storyline they laid out in "Spider-Man: Far From Home."
With Spidey's return to MCU, Disney and Sony should consider these unique twists for upcoming films.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer October 4, 2019

(This story was originally published in print on Oct. 3, 2019). After the tumultuous series of events regarding Spider-Man’s removal from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sony and Disney have struck up a new deal, which allows Spider-Man to have one more solo film and an appearance in another Avengers...

The essential Natalie Portman watchlist

Actress Natalie Portman portrays Padmé Amidala in Star Wars.
Prepare for her newest film with these seven essentials.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer October 3, 2019

“Leon: The Professional” In Natalie Portman’s first acting role she plays Mathilda, a young girl who becomes an apprentice to an assassin after her family is murdered. Aged 13 at the time, Portman showcased emotional maturity rarely seen in child performances and provided a stark contrast to the...

Get spooked with this Halloween watchlist

Get spooked with this Halloween watchlist
Spooky season is officially underway, so check out some of these Halloween essentials this October
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor October 1, 2019

Fall is officially here, and along with it comes colorful trees, pumpkin spice everything and the spookiest holiday of the year.  This October, be sure to watch your way through all of these iconic, festive and hair-raising Halloween films as the holiday fast approaches. “Beetlejuice” A 1988 comedic...

“Rambo: Last Blood” finishes the iconic action series.

“Rambo: Last Blood” finishes the iconic action series.
Gory action, thrilling sequences and a peaceful introduction properly conclude the action-packed series.
Adam Pigott, Staff Writer September 28, 2019

Combining excessive gore with over-the-top action, “Rambo: Last Blood” earns its place among its predecessors. However, Adrian Grunberg’s recent adaptation of super-soldier Rambo is far from a masterpiece. The slow start is boring, but the fifth Rambo film has many exciting moments that make it...

M83 presents a cinematic masterpiece

“DSVII” finds inspiration through epic fantasy films, resulting in a beautiful soundtrack.
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor September 26, 2019

M83 blends synth-pop with a variety of genres to create ambient, nostalgic pieces. Dazzling and emotionally impactful, their music has appeared in a variety of films, such as French comedy “You and the Night,” blockbuster “Oblivion” and the well-known dystopian film “Divergent.”  Their latest...

Brad Pitt shoots to the stars in “Ad Astra”

Brad Pitt's newest film "Ad Astra" lacks in entertainment.
“Ad Astra” is sluggish in pace yet worth a watch for its compelling cinematography.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer September 24, 2019

“Space, the final frontier.” For many years this line has been the signature line of the “Star Trek” franchise. Humans have looked to the stars in all their wonder for centuries, wondering what mysteries lie beyond the great darkness in the sky, as every star has the potential to harbor some...

Fitz and the Tantrums’ “All The Feels” fails to show variety

The indie-pop band presents an entertaining album, but does not branch out from their norm.
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor September 21, 2019

After a handful of successful hits in their past two albums, Fitz and the Tantrums return with their latest release, “All The Feels.”  The alternative rock-pop band’s new music is catchy and contains a quality message but is overly repetitive. POTENTIAL COMEBACK Known for “HandClap” and...

Music Therapy degree program set to come to Biola

Music Therapy degree program set to come to Biola
Biola aims to add a Music Therapy degree option to its Conservatory of Music.
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor September 20, 2019

(This story was originally published in print on Sept. 19, 2019). With music on the rise as a powerful, unique method of therapy, the growing interest is being met by the communications and music departments. MUSIC THERAPY MEETS BIOLA Biola plans to implement a music therapy degree option into its...

Experience 8-rounds of this Sylvester Stallon watchlist

Watch Sylvester Stallon's best movies before "Rambo: Last Blood" releases.
Before you see "Rambo: Last Blood," check out some of Sly’s essentials.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer September 19, 2019

From his humble beginnings as an underdog boxer from Philly to his most recent role in the final installment of the “Rambo” franchise, Stallone has had a long, successful career in Hollywood. Showcasing brute at its finest, Stallone has been the face of action movies for the last three decades. This...