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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

Why horror is actually the most Christian genre

Elements of spiritual warfare, such as demonic imagery, are prominent in the horror genre as seen in William Friedkin’s 1973 film “The Exorcist”.
With Halloween just around the corner, many Christians fear that horror films glorify violence and evil. But in actuality, the horror genre often exemplifies the true battle between good and evil, one of the core themes of the Bible.
Kelly Van Duine, Staff Writer October 25, 2024

I once had someone tell me that I shouldn’t watch horror films because they would influence me and fill my head with evil. They asked me how I, as a lifelong horror fan, could possibly enjoy films that contained such dark content. I always found this way of thinking to be faulty; in all the horror...

Biolans pick their favorite Halloween movies

The classic horror film "It" is one of several spooky movies to watch this Halloween season.
In honor of spooky season, check out the movies haunting campus.
Brendan Peters, Staff Writer October 11, 2022

The return of spooky movies marks the beginning of the fall season, but the question is which movies to watch. Here are some go-to favorites for this time of year, including some familiar shows and other lesser-known watches. HOCUS POCUS The 1993 Disney classic remains the most-watched Halloween movie...

“Scream” is an unsuccessful revival

“Scream” is an unsuccessful revival
This 2022 entry in the long-standing franchise struggles to grasp what made the original good.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer January 15, 2022

“Scream,” also known as “Scream 5,” is the latest entry in the famous ‘90s slasher franchise, made famous by its self-awareness of the classic horror films tropes that defined the genre for decades. The original director, the late Wes Craven, left the series on an indefinite hiatus.  Now,...

An essential Halloween watchlist

An essential Halloween watchlist
Here are the most essential horror films to watch this Halloween.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer October 28, 2021

With Halloween just around the corner, there are a plethora of horror films to get in the holiday mood. With so much to choose from, here is a curated list of the most essential horror films that present their own unique takes on this classic genre. “THE SHINING” Despite its initial negative reception...

The best movies to watch for a quarantine Halloween

The best movies to watch for a quarantine Halloween
Whether you enjoy scary or spooky, there are plenty of movies to stream this Halloween.
Joshua Flores, Staff Writer October 31, 2020

While celebrating with cozy sweaters and spiced lattes or carving a pumpkin with your favorite candy in hand, no Halloween gathering is complete without a scary, or silly, movie. From classic slasher films to recently released comedic adventures, streaming services provide a number of great titles to...

The most underrated films to stream during quarantine

The most underrated films to stream during quarantine
Catch these must-see flicks on Hulu and Netflix.
Emily Coffey, Kayla Santos, and Lauren McBride April 30, 2020

“Blue Valentine” (Netflix) A hidden gem starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, “Blue Valentine” follows the story of a married couple whose relationship is caught in a downward spiral. The film employs beautiful color symbolism as the scenes jump back and forth in time, displaying the...

“Gretel & Hansel” is beautiful yet hollow

“Gretel & Hansel” is beautiful yet hollow
Alluring cinematography cannot hide the film’s shallow story.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer February 4, 2020

As one of the most famous fairy tales ever told, “Hansel & Gretel” has had multiple adaptations in various mediums for almost two centuries, but none have compared to the original story. Its last notable adaptation, “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” followed Hansel and Gretel as witch...

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...

“It Chapter Two” clowns with excited audiences

“It Chapter Two” fails to live up to audiences expectations.
The frightening sequel fails to live up to its predecessor.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer September 10, 2019

EMBODIMENT OF FEAR Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” But what if that fear was a demented, child-eating, shape-shifting, killer clown that is hell-bent on devouring you in one bite? Well, look no further because Pennywise the clown, played by Bill...

“Pet Sematary” haunts superficially

“Pet Sematary” haunts superficially
Audiences are in for a mediocre thrill with the latest Stephen King adaptation.
Jacob Allen, Freelance Writer April 11, 2019

(This story was originally published in print on Apr. 11, 2019). Stephen King’s novel “Pet Sematary” was first adapted into a major motion picture 30 years ago. A master of the horror genre, King’s book-to film adaptations are often profitable, so it comes to no surprise that a remake of the...

Jordan Peele shocks “Us” again with his second horror flick

Jordan Peele shocks “Us” again with his second horror flick
Peele’s follow up to “Get Out” is a creepy but intelligent horror film that is stunning viewers across the nation.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer March 26, 2019

Children are generally praised for their ability to see life through innocent eyes. However, there comes a time when the horrors of this world become reality, changing our childhood with a single traumatic event that haunts us for the rest of our lives. The pain and fear do not just go away after our...

“Velvet Buzzsaw” carves up immense potential

“Velvet Buzzsaw” carves up immense potential
Director Dan Gilroy’s second feature film contains all elements of good horror, but fails to live up to Gilroy’s previously established pedigree.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer February 5, 2019

A masterful work of art is a true sight to behold. Each intentional stroke of a brush creates details that should move a person toward emotion or to ponderings of life. Well, the art in “Velvet Buzzsaw” does much more than that. The works of art in this film move the characters and draw them in with...