Opinions - The Eastern Echo

Review: 'Adolescence' series explores social media impact

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Sunday, March 30, 2025

"Adolescence" is full of compelling performances that captured the depth how social media is toxic. Jamie Miller was seen as a weak link by students which led him to commit a murder of his classmate Katie.

Review: 'The Leopard' is full of war, love, and politics

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Saturday, March 29, 2025

In "The Leopard," Don Fabrizio is this loving father and Prince of Sicily who faces heartbreaking obstacles. He cares for his family and will do anything for them.

Review: 'Severance' season 2 brings an already mind-bending show to masterful new heights

By Frank Remski · Friday, March 28, 2025

“Severance” was a sci-fi thriller series on Apple TV+ where people split their memories from their other memories, making them two people. The second season had new highs for the series, with incredible acting, twists, and cinematography.

Review: 'Opus' is a flawed but promising horror about a cult of fame

By Frank Remski · Thursday, March 27, 2025

“Opus” is a horror film about a pop star’s cult. It is a gripping film with outstanding visuals and music. However, the weak script kept the film from reaching its full potential.

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Review: Japanese Breakfast’s new album ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)’ has a dreamy sonic atmosphere

By Frank Remski · Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Japanese Breakfast’s fourth album, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)“ was true to its title with a dreamy, atmospheric sound. Although the overall album was a little too short, needing longer songs and more lyricism. Nonetheless, it was a solid release from the band.

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Review: 'Inaccurate Conceptions,' an EMU student directed play, is humorous

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Tuesday, March 25, 2025

The student actors did a great job portraying their characters in "Inaccurate Misconceptions." They kept the audience interested and engaged throughout the show.

Review: 'Picture This' takes the audience on a comedic adventure for love

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Tuesday, March 18, 2025

"Picture This" shows the true authenticity of Indian culture. The traditions and costumes are captured beautifully during the wedding events.

Review: 'The Electric State' lacks the energy needed to pull off its concept

By Frank Remski · Monday, March 17, 2025

“The Electric State” was a Netflix action film about a robotic war. Although it had potential with some creative visuals, it ended up lackluster with an unsurprising plot.

Review: 'The Monkey' is too gory

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Theo James was impressive in "The Monkey," considering he played twins with opposite personalities.

Review: Lady Gaga unleashes maddeningly good pop music with 'Mayhem'

By Frank Remski · Monday, March 10, 2025

“Mayhem” is Lady Gaga’s first pop album since 2020. A synthpop album that explored both old and new sounds, it was filled with catchy, perfect pop music ready to become staple Gaga songs. The album was preceded by three singles including “Abracadabra” and the Bruno Mars collaboration “Die With a Smile.”

Review: ‘Zero Day’ is insufferably shallow and self-important

By Frank Remski · Thursday, March 6, 2025

“Zero Day” is a political thriller, limited series from Netflix. It followed a former U.S. president navigating a nation-wide cyber attack. Though the series presented itself as a thoughtful take on U.S. politics, it had nothing insightful to say and was far too vague. On top of its shallowness, it was bland.

Review: Netflix's original series, 'Valeria,' streams its final season

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Wednesday, March 5, 2025

"Valeria" was a beautiful series showing four women's journeys. It showed how these women matured in their 30s.

Review: 'La Dolce Villa' depicts the beauty of Italy

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The wholesome relationship that develops between Olivia and her father, Eric, in "La Dolce Villa" was beautifully done. It captured the importance of reconnecting with family.

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Review: Rebecca Yarros brings an intense fantasy sequel in new book, 'Onyx Storm'

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Monday, March 3, 2025

In "Onyx Storm," Xaden and Violet’s relationship dives deeper as they face multiple challenges, but their love is unbreakable no matter what happens.

Review: 'Heart Eyes' follows a Valentine's Day gone wrong

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025

Holt’s performance was impressive, and she showed her character’s true fear of being chased by a murderer in "Heart Eyes." This movie takes the audience on a killing spree.

Review: 'My Fault: London' is steamy and thrilling

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025

"My Fault: London" captures the true essence of love and how it can catch one completely off guard. The chemistry between the main characters is passionate and full of emotion.

Review: In 'Captain America: Brave New World,' Red Hulk comes alive

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025

Sam Wilson goes on a journey to become a new Captain America without the super soldier serum. He is determined to succeed as a normal human being Captain America.

Review: 'Apple Cider Vinegar' uncovers the fraud of Belle Gibson

By Mariam Fakhreddine · Monday, Feb. 17, 2025

"Apple Cider Vinegar" is an emotional rollercoaster for Milla Blake, who endures Belle Gibson's misleading information. Gibson deceives innocent people to profit from them through donations and social media.

EMU Theatre and the audience unite for the queer joy of 'The Rocky Horror Show'

By Frank Remski · Monday, Feb. 17, 2025

EMU Theatre’s performance of “The Rocky Horror Show” opened on Feb. 14. A hilarious, satirical play that pokes fun at science fiction horror and explores queerness, the audience was encouraged to play along. As such, it was an immersive experience where the audience became a part of the show.

Opinion: 5 lovely fiction books for Valentine’s Day

By Frank Remski · Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

Here are five book recommendations for Valentine’s Day! They cover a wide array of love, whether it be romantic, platonic, or complicated. They include queer love stories and various genres from fantasy, sci-fi, and literary fiction, and coming of age.