Jakob Eiseman, Editor

“The United States vs. Billie Holiday” — Hulu

A new biopic from director Lee Daniels (“Precious,” “The Butler,”) is coming to Hulu on Friday, Feb. 26 in the form of “United States Vs. Billie Holiday.” The film will follow the famous American jazz singer and Philadelphia born Billie Holiday, played by Andra Day (“Marshall,” “Ben-Hur,”) in a part of her career where she was continually pursued by the United States government for refusing to stop sing her song “Strange Fruit,” which is about the mistreatment of Black men in the south. Rising to fame in the 1930s, Holiday was targeted by racist groups and Jim Crow activists for her music and positions on integration and politics. The government conducted a sting operation, led by Agent Jimmy Fletcher, played by Trevante Rhodes (“Moonlight,” “Bird Box,”) who was meant to bust Holiday on drug charges. Although Holiday suffered an untimely death in 1959, her music would go on to inspire many key figures of the civil rights movement, and the director thought that the message of this biopic would mean more in today’s social climate than any other. 

“Supervillain: The Making of Tekashi 6ix9ine” — Showtime 

The oft belittled mumble rapper Daniel Hernandez, also known as Tekashi 6ix9ine, is getting a biographical docuseries on Showtime. The miniseries, which debuted on the service on Sunday, Feb. 21, will follow how a heinous person who has done so much wrong and is so hated by the media was allowed to succeed in American pop culture. Hernandez not only plead guilty to the use of a child in a sexual performance after posting a video that showed the alleged assault of a 13-year old girl, but also plead guilty to nine felony charges of varying weight, was caught beating his mother and girlfriend and gave out the personal details of his fellow gang members in a court of law and was sentenced to several years in prison. “Supervillain,” which is narrated by Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” “The Usual Suspects,”) and features Hernandez himself in interviews has a twofold purpose, according to director Karam Gill: to show the world what is wrong with the rap industry’s glorification of gang culture, and to create a product that will gain more fame and popularity than Hernandez himself.

P5S: Persona 5 Strikers — PS4, PS5, Switch

Editor’s Note: The Collegian is not comparing this next piece of media to the serious and socially conscious pieces above. Although the film and television portions of this column carry very serious messages, the Collegian also finds it important to discuss positivity and exciting trends in the entertainment industry.

Persona 5 Strikers, which was released in Japan in February 2020, finally released in the West on Tuesday, Feb. 23 after a year of waiting for its localization. The game is a direct sequel to 2017’s Persona 5, which is currently rated as one of the best role-playing games of the 2010s. Persona 5 Strikers is not a turn based role-playing game like those that came before it, but a real-time action game developed by the team that created Dynasty Warriors and Hyrule Warriors, which was featured in the Collegian in November 2020. Persona 5 Strikers retains its talented English voice cast from the previous entries with Xander Mobus playing the unnamed lead character, Max Mittleman playing Ryuji Sakamoto, Erika Harlacher playing Ann Takamaki and Matt Mercer playing Yusuke Kitagawga. The game features the “Persona” series’ unique style with flashy, comic-book-like visuals, imagery alluding to French author Maurice Leblanc and fast moving, action-packed animated scenes.

eisemanj1@lasalle.edu

Nolen Kelly, Staff

“Euphoria” is the television equivalent of putting your hands on your head and saying “Oh my God” every five minutes and each time in a different tone. In June 2019 the first season of “Euphoria” was released onto the world and centers on Rue, played by Zendaya Coleman, a 17-year-old drug addict who attempts to return to her normal habits after a summer-long stint in rehab. The show is as funny as a hernia and features 11 hour-long episodes of pure adrenaline and anxiety. Through crazy editing techniques, gut wrenching performances and excellent writing, Euphoria finds several ways to break you and your spirit and it is only the first season.

For those that are like me and are hesitant to view former Disney Channel stars as serious actors, then I implore you to at least try. I don’t love Zac Efron, but “Neighbors” was a great departure for the former “High School Musical” star and put him on my radar as someone to look out for. Same for Zendaya. I was never really a fan of hers even on the Disney Channel but just after the first episode I immediately fell in love with her acting. She was lovably fun in “Spider-Man: Far from Home” but I shed actual tears for her watching “Euphoria.” It is not just Zendaya that I could gush over because I could gush over almost every character this show features. Each episode begins with a six-minute segment that focuses on a character and details why they are the way they are. Each character is so well-written and is given so much time to breathe, they all just break your heart in different ways. Rue’s story is just one constant punch in the stomach after another. When she experiences her highest highs, it is worth celebrating and when she hits her lowest lows you feel like this. Rue’s rollercoaster of a story is the rollercoaster no one should ever experience but it is so hard to not watch as it all unfolds. My personal favorite character is one of the most indescribably evil, manipulative and slimy characters who deserves to burn in hell, Nate Jacobs. The main antagonist of the show is just the absolute worst, man, I love to hate this guy every chance he is on screen. All the love I have for Rue is doubled in the amount of disdain I have for Nate. 

Not only is this show acted great, but it also looks absolutely insane. The gorgeous lighting and camera work of each scene is trance-inducing goodness. There is a frequent use of purples and blues giving a lush and calming feeling to the insanity happening all around. There are quite a few party scenes that feature a lot of flashing lights and it really helps to make the energy of the scene feel very manic. Lighting and coloring both have multiple uses besides making a room look pretty. They serve as flashes for camera transitions and indicate how a character is feeling based off of the colors. There are several moments where the conversations and happenings are crazy, but they are heightened by the frantic and quick camera work. There are frequent quick cuts that mesh the days certain characters spend together and it has potential to become confusing but with the seamless transitions and flow they make it very clear what order of things you are watching. It is all just so admirable how well-crafted the editing and visual storytelling is in just this first season alone. 

“Euphoria” season one is full of so much great detail and character development it would be a crime against television history to not renew it for a second season. It has been renewed for a second season, thankfully, but I cannot stress enough just how great this show is and how badly the world needs more “Euphoria.” There was a lot that I left out and did not talk about but hopefully this was enough of a nudge to give the show a watch for those who have not seen it. Watch “Euphoria.” Warning: this show is very dark and may be very intense for some people. There is a ton of drug consumption, extreme situations and some disturbing acts of violence. Without giving too much more away, “Euphoria” is a show that easily is one of the best on television right now and should be watched by anyone who is curious what emotional and painstaking TV looks like. On a scale of awful to perfection, I would describe season one of “Euphoria” as incredible. 

kellyf4@lasalle.edu

Jeriann Tripodi, Staff

Welcome to the wonderful world of entertainment. The following news includes highlights of celebrities, television, movies and music this week. 

Kim Kardashian files for divorce from Kanye West 

Reality star and socialite Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from rapper Kanye West after seven years of marriage. Kardashian is asking for joint custody of the pair’s four children. According to TMZ, West and Kardashian have previously agreed to co-parent in the months leading up to the divorce. In addition, sources claim that the divorce was not “dramatic,” as both have accepted that the marriage was over. 

Fans think Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are engaged

Khloe Kardashian sent fans into a frenzy after posting an Instagram picture modeling SKIMS and a pair of heels from her new shoe line. It was not the clothes, nor the attractive pose, that made fans go crazy in the comments; but rather the fact that Kardashian proudly showed off her left hand that sported a very large diamond ring. Fans speculated that the 36-year-old was engaged to her on-again, off-again boyfriend Tristan Thompson. However, Kardashian has not confirmed nor denied the engagement rumors.   

Regé-Jean Page hosts SNL and makes audience swoon

Actor Regé-Jean Page has made his hosting debut on “Saturday Night Live,” and the audience was pleased with his performance and charm. The 31-year-old actor, who is best known for his starring role on the recently trending Netflix series, “Bridgerton,” joked about being a heartthrob in his opening monologue. The audience especially enjoyed when Page briefly sang the chorus of “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers and performed his famous line, “I burn for you,” from his character Duke of Hastings on “Bridgerton.” Next week, heartthrob Nick Jonas will take the stage as host. 

Disney releases the first “Cruella” trailer 

On Feb. 17, Walt Disney Studios released the official “Cruella” trailer. This live-action film, starring Emma Stone, takes place in London during the 1970s and focuses on the origins of Cruella de Vil, the villainous character from “101 Dalmatians.” The trailer’s vibe and music has reminded viewers of Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” as one YouTube comment stated, “Cruella De Vil is Disney’s Harley Quinn.” “Cruella” was supposed to be released last year, but was postponed due to COVID-19. It is now set to hit theaters on May 28. 

Daft Punk breaks up

On Feb. 22, electronic musical duo Daft Punk announced their breakup through a YouTube video titled “Epilogue.” The eight minute video shows the pair walking through a desert as one member blows up in a destruction and gets left behind. Formed in 1993, the French-based Grammy award-winning group was known for their unique robot masks that concealed their identity throughout their 28 years of fame. Their biggest hits and features include, “One More Time,” “All Around the World,” “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” “Starboy” and “Get Lucky.” 

Number one on the Billboard charts: week of Feb. 20, 2021

According to “The Hot 100” on the charts, the number one song in the U.S. is “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo. This is the fifth week the pop song is number one on the charts. According to the “Billboard 200,” the number one album in the U.S. is “Dangerous: The Double Album” by Morgan Wallen. The country album is at the top spot for the sixth week straight.

tripodij2@lasalle.edu

Jeriann Tripodi, Staff

Header Image: Film Daily

Nicki Minaj’s father killed after hit and run accident

On Feb. 12, rap singer Nicki Minaj’s father, Robert Maraj, passed away from his injuries at a New York hospital after being hit by a driver while attempting to cross a street. According to police, the driver sped off and witnesses were unable to get a clear description of the vehicle. Minaj has yet to speak publicly on the matter, but her representative did confirm the 64-year-old’s death.

Judge rules in case involving conservatorship over Britney Spears’s estate

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny ruled that Jamie Spears is to serve as co-conservator with Bessemer Trust over Britney Spears’s estate. The pop singer previously filed for her father’s removal as sole conservator, and has petitioned that a professional financial institution fully takes over her estate. At prior hearings, Spears’s attorney, Samuel D. Ingham III, has argued that his client was “afraid” of her father.

Paris Hilton testifies that she was abused at teen treatment facility

Media personality and heiress to the Hilton hotel company, Paris Hilton urged Utah lawmakers to pass a law that will protect teenagers in treatment facilities. At the committee hearing, Hilton spoke about the physical, emotional, mental and even sexual abuse she endured while staying at these facilities as a teenager. One of these facilities was Provo Canyon School, located in Utah, where the now 39-year-old stayed at when she was 16.

Ellen DeGeneres spotted looking sad after getting stood up by mystery person

Daytime talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres was seen by herself at a shopping center in Montecito. According to DailyMail, the 63-year-old looked depressed as she scanned the parking lot before taking out her phone. An onlooker then overheard DeGeneres speaking into her iPhone, “ah okay, okay, another time then, no, no problem,” before walking several blocks to her Porsche Panamera.

“iCarly” arrives to Netflix and immediately reaches top 10

Seasons one and two of the hit Nickelodeon series, “iCarly,” became available to Netflix on Feb. 8. Within a day of it’s release, “iCarly” reached the top 10 list on Netflix. By Wednesday, the teen sitcom landed at the number two spot. This release comes ahead of a revival of the show, which will be made available to ViacomCBS’ Paramount+. According to Newsweek, most of the main stars will return, such as Miranda Cosgrove, Nathan Kress and Jerry Trainor; however, Jennette McCurdy will not appear in the “iCarly” reboot.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” gets an official release date

Groundbreaking. Thought provoking. Extremely obvious. Presenting the official title of the #SonicMovie sequel: Sonic the Hedgehog 2! Catch #SonicMovie2 in theatres in 2022. pic.twitter.com/SlVk7fakp3

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) February 10, 2021

In a teaser trailer, Paramount has announced that the “Sonic” movie sequel will officially be titled “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” and will arrive to theaters on April 8, 2022. The official Twitter page for “Sonic the Hedgehog” also posted the trailer teaser and stated in the caption, “Groundbreaking. Thought provoking. Extremely obvious. Presenting the official title of the #SonicMovie sequel: Sonic the Hedgehog 2! Catch #SonicMovie2 in theatres in 2022.” According to the film’s logo, Sonic’s friend, Tails, will be in the sequel.

Number one on the Billboard charts: week of Feb. 17, 2021

According to “The Hot 100” on the charts, the number one song in the U.S. is “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo. This is the fourth week the pop song is number one on the charts. According to the “Billboard 200,” the number one album in the U.S. is “Dangerous: The Double Album” by Morgan Wallen. The country album is at the top spot for the fifth week straight.

Jakob Eiseman, Editor

Header Image: NBC, Walt Disney Studios, Searchlight Pictures, edit courtesy of Jakob Eiseman

“Young Rock” — Peacock

A story about the life of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is going to be told as an NBC original semi-fictionalized comedy called “Young Rock.” Probably a play on the popular but critically detested CBS series “Young Sheldon,” the series will feature vignettes from several parts of The Rock’s life at age from age 10 to the present. Johnson will play himself in present day segments with Adrian Groulx playing him at age 10, Bradley Constant playing him at age 15 and Uli Latukefu (“Alien Covenant,” “Marco Polo”) playing him at age 18 to 20. The series is directed by Jeffrey Walker who was a director on “Modern Family” as well as “Riot.” “Young Rock” premiered on Tuesday, February 16 at 8 p.m. and will be available for streaming on Peacock later this week.

“Flora & Ulysses” — Disney+

While Disney+ is in the middle of releasing its superhero show “WandaVision,” with several other coming in several weeks, and HBO Max is promoting its next superhero movies, Disney has decided to release a more lighthearted, family movie that plays on the tropes of the oversaturated superhero media market, making fun of and leaning into parts of those movies that critics love to hate on. “Flora & Ulysses” is a story about a 10-year-old, Flora, who is already upset with the way the world is. One day, her pet squirrel gains the powers of a small, fluffy superhero, and Flora and her pet go around town saving people. The movie is a feel-good story that will no doubt be cheesy and fun. The movie was released on Disney+ on Monday, February 15.

“Nomadland” — Hulu

“Nomadland” is a drama and slice-of-life story about a woman who lost her home as a result of the American housing bubble and the Great Recession. Fern, played by Frances McDormand (“Fargo,” “Almost Famous”), is a sassy, adventurous woman who, having lost her job in Empire, Nevada, sells all of her belongings and takes a van down the highway into the country to live as a nomad. Along the way she picks up seasonal jobs and learns to live in her van until she meets a group of fellow nomads who have been gathered for years, learning to live off the land and continuously travel to observe the American countryside. Along her journey Fern meets several colorful characters who live a unique way of life and who each have their own flaws and drama that drive the story forward. “Nomadland” makes its streaming premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 19.

eisemanj1@lasalle.edu

Cianan Meagher, Staff

Header Image: Mo Wax

Introductions

Henry Rollins, punk icon and former Black Flag frontman, is probably best known for his provocative and inflammatory stage presence during the height of his career in the early 1980s. But, later years revealed a burgeoning maturity and softer side to his rough and tumble persona as well as a more varied and nuanced taste of music than the ferocity of his former punk mask would suggest. And, in his brief stint as a guest video jockey on MTV, the renegade renaissance man would make an impassioned plea with the Generation X youth of the day to listen to something other than the Billboard Top 40.

Much like Rollins pleaded with Gen X to expand their musical taste in the 90s, I also want to preach the benefits of a broader musical palette with this column by recommending lesser known and older selections of my own. You might love some of these albums and hate others, and that’s okay, we all have varying tastes; but, as Rollins advocates, limiting your playlist to only your comfort zone is robbing yourself of a wider world of music.

Background

UNKLE is headed by James Lavelle and DJ Shadow, pioneers in the development of electronic music and hip-hop respectively. Released in 1998, the group’s debut album “Psyence Fiction” is an experimental mixture of genres which lends to its unique sound and diverse features list, with guests ranging from alt-rock icons like Radiohead’s Thom Yorke to hip-hop staples like Mike D of Beastie Boys fame. At the time of its release, the album received a mixed reception from critics that were disappointed in the less accessible, avante-garde direction the group decided to take with their impressive list of high profile collaborators, prompting Shadow to disown the project entirely over the negative press, but over the years it’s developed a cult-status among electronic and trip-hop fans alike.

Why you should give it a listen

For better or worse this album sounds unlike anything else I’ve ever listened to. Its unique mix of electronic, hip-hop and alt-rock is truly something to behold. This eclectic hodgepodge of genres and artists is something that, by all reason, should be nowhere near as competent and coherent as it is. Lavelle and Shadow did a fantastic job at creating an atmosphere of a late 90s UFO-conspiracy-tinged fever dream, with one critic describing the album as the “soundtrack for a surreal, melancholy art film that exists in Shadow’s and Lavelle’s heads.” Truly, the fledgling group was able to put together a fully realized, if unconventional, vision. If an unorthodox marriage of some of the most popular underground genres from the turn of the century sounds like something you’d have a passing interest in, I suggest you check this album out.

Highlights For Your Playlist:

“U.N.K.L.E. Main Title Theme”

Like the theme song for a dark sci-fi Saturday morning cartoon that never existed, this instrumental track’s catchy sample and hypnotic beat make for an upbeat track that would be right at home on a workout playlist for when you need some motivation.

“Rabbit in Your Headlights”

Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals, combined with a moody piano and an unexpected beat drop at the half-way point make this track a melancholic but satisfying listen. It would make a great addition to a bag playlist for when you just need to be in your feelings.

meagherc1@lasalle.edu 

Jeriann Tripodi, Staff

Header Image: CNN

The Weeknd’s Super Bowl halftime performance becomes a meme

Pop singer The Weeknd was the sole vocal performer at the Pepsi 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show this past Sunday. While performing his hit “Can’t Feel My Face,” the Grammy-winning artist made his viewers feel “dizzy” as he stared closely at the camera while spinning around with mirrors behind him. Soon afterwards, memes capturing this moment went viral. One viral meme stated, “My parents on Facetime.” Meanwhile, another viral post stated, “5-year-old me in the grocery store looking for my mom.” 

Christopher Plummer passes at age 91 (1929-2021)

On Feb. 5, actor Christopher Plummer passed away at the age of 91. Plummer was best known for his starring role in “The Sound of Music,” where he played Captain von Trapp. Younger audiences likely remember the Hollywood icon from his starring roles in the films “Knives Out” and “Up.” At age 82, Plummer became the oldest actor to win an Oscar. 

“Bachelor” for senior citizens is back on and now casting

During a commercial break for “The Bachelor,” it was announced that casting is open for seniors looking for love in a new “Bachelor” spin-off series. Plans for the reality series featuring contestants in their golden age was originally announced in early 2020 and was set to air that fall, according to Variety. However, COVID-19 led to the show’s postponement. 

Jennifer Lawrence gets injured on set of “Don’t Look Up”

While filming the ending scene for the upcoming Netflix film, “Don’t Look Up,” actress Jennifer Lawrence’s face got cut with glass after an explosion scene went wrong. Lawrence and co-star Timothee Chalamet were shooting inside a restaurant when the window shattered. The glass cut her eyelid to the point where it “would not stop bleeding,” according to TMZ. Production was suspended after the incident. 

Number one on the Billboard charts: Week of Feb. 6, 2021

According to “The Hot 100” on the charts, the number one song in the U.S. is “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo. This is the third week the pop song is number one on the charts. According to the “Billboard 200,” the number one album in the U.S. is “Dangerous: The Double Album” by Morgan Wallen. The country album is at the top spot for the fourth week straight. 

tripodij2@lasalle.edu

Jakob Eiseman, Editor

“Rock Camp the Movie” — VOD

Directed by Doug Blush (“20 Feet from Stardom,” “Icarus”) and Renee Barron (“Eat. Race. Win.,” “Project Accessory,”) “Rock Camp the Movie” is a documentary following four members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, an annual event 20 years running in which budding stars, amateur performers, rock legends and everyone in between come to south Florida for a four day camp full of workshops, concerts, performances and meet and greets. With Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp 2020 being cancelled and 2021 being delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the film will be a look into the culture and style of the event without having to actually gather in Florida. Some celebrity guests that appear in or have interviews in “Rock Camp the Movie” include Alice Cooper, Roger Daltry, members of Judas Priest, Gene Simmons, Tony Franklin and Sammy Hagar. The documentary follows several members of the camp whose goal is to play on stage with their heroes. “Rock Camp the Movie” premiered in theaters in mid-January and is now available for online VOD streaming for $12 on the film’s website as of this week.

“The Equalizer” — CBS, Paramount+

If you watched the 2021 Super Bowl and its gratuitous CBS advertisements then you probably know all there is to know about “The Equalizer.” But, in case you missed it — “The Equalizer” is a reboot of the oft rebooted 1980s drama series of the same name about a retired government agent who becomes a vigilante, protecting the citizens of New York from different types of criminals. This time around, the main character is not played by British actor Edward Woodward, but Queen Latifah, known for her rap career and appearances in major musicals such as “Hairspray.” Latifah, playing former agent Robyn McCall, will turn to the streets of New York to enact her own justice after becoming disillusioned with the government’s methods. While this reboot is different from the 2014 Denzel Washington reboot, it still seems heavily inspired by the original, almost to a fault. “The Equalizer” premiered on CBS and Paramount+ immediately following the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — Nintendo Switch

After seven years, the number one game on the Nintendo Wii U finally makes its way into modernity by getting an updated port on the Nintendo Switch. The financial failure that was the Wii U nearly knocked Nintendo out of the console industry until Super Mario 3D World released in 2013 to high critical acclaim and record-breaking sales for the system. It, partnered with the Super Smash Bros. series, single-handedly saved the Wii U from an early grave. Now that nearly every other Wii U title has migrated to the modern Nintendo Switch (which has been the best-selling device on the market for three years now), it was time for the critical darling to finally make its way over. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is an updated and tuned-up version of the classic game in the “Mario” franchise with added content in the form of the Bowser’s Fury set of levels and online multiplayer. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury releases exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on Friday, Feb. 12 for $59.99.

eisemanj1@lasalle.edu

Sean Cornely, Staff

Header Image: PhillyVoice

The Flyers seemed to be off to a great start in the beginning of the year, especially after taking down the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 and then 5-2 in a back-to-back fashion. However, problems emerged after Selke Winner Sean Couturier went down with a harsh rib injury, causing head coach Alain Vigneault, also referred to as “AV,” to shift the lines around quite a bit. He recalled young gun Morgan Frost, who immediately got injured, alongside Phil Meyers, and was forced to play both Sam Morin and AHL journeyman Nate Prosser.

The Flyers went on to lose three of their next four games, once to the Buffalo Sabres, and twice to the Boston Bruins. Both games were borderline embarrassing. Headlined by an inability to get pucks on net and a lackluster defensive effort, the Flyers looked disinterested, lazy and just flat out bad.

They hit the road on Jan. 26 to take on the New Jersey Devils up in Newark, looking for an opportunity to bounce back. And bounce back they did. Philly went out and took down the Devils 5-3 in a win that finally felt good. James van Riemsdyk potted two deflections on the power play, a point of concern for the Flyers since the NHL Playoff Bubble in Toronto. Captain Claude Giroux slapped his haters in the face that night after racking up three assists in the game that made him the longest tenured captain in Philadelphia Flyers history. 20-year-old Joel Farabee netted a goal as well after not putting up a point since his four point outing in his season debut, a good rebound for the promising young player.

After a day off, the Flyers headed back into the Prudential Center to take on the Devils again in the second leg of their series, to which the Flyers prevailed. The 3-1 win launched the Flyers’ momentum and clearly helped the team gain confidence. Nate Prosser even netted his first goal as a Flyer in the first period. The struggling defenseman Eric Gustafsson slapped together two assists to get his confidence back up, and the young, talented goalie Carter Hart made 33 saves, allowing only one goal.

Gritty’s favorite team returned to Philadelphia to take on the New York Islanders in a quick two game series. After not being able to beat them in regulation the entire playoffs last summer, the Flyers decided to do the exact same thing and only beat them in overtime in two consecutive games. OT heroes Scott Laughton and Kevin “Hollywood” Hayes both netted game winning goals respectively. Joel Farabee turned it up a notch as he collected his first career hat-trick in the second game, to which Gritty promptly tossed an industrial sized Flyers hat onto the ice. This hat-trick was historical for Young Beezer as he became the second youngest Flyer to sore a hat-trick, next to Legend Eric Lindros. He also became the fourth member of the orange and black to net a hat-trick before turning 21 years old.

On Feb. 3, the Flyers took a 4-3 loss against the Boston Bruins, followed by a 2-1 loss to them on Feb. 5. On Feb. 7 the Flyers broke their losing streak with a 7-4 victory over the Washington Capitals. They will play the Capitals again on Feb. 9.

cornelys1@lasalle.edu

Jakob Eiseman, Editor

Header Image: PlayStation, YouTube, HBO; edit courtesy of Jakob Eiseman

“The Investigation” ー HBO, HBO Max

From Tobias Lindholm, one of the most critically acclaimed film directors in the Scandinavian Peninsula, comes a new crime thriller miniseries about a missing persons investigation in Sweden. “The Investigation” is based on a true story and follows a police commissioner and a prosecutor as they attempt to find the evidence to convict a suspect connected to the murder or kidnapping of a journalist conducted underwater in a submarine. The series is a new take on Lindholm’s signature dramatic style popularized by his films “The Hunt (2012),” “A Hijacking” and “A War,” as it is a six-part miniseries instead of a feature-length film. “The Investigation” stars Søren Malling, a famous Danish film actor, as Jens Møller, the lead detective at the Copenhagen Police Department, and Pilou Asbæk, known in the west for his roles in “Game of Thrones,” “Ghost in the Shell” and “Overlord,” as Jakob Buch-Jepsen, the chief prosecutor attempting to bring the suspected killer to court. “The Investigation” episode one premiered on HBO and HBO Max on Feb. 2.

“Life in a Day 2020” ー YouTube

On July 25, 2020, over 300,000 people around the globe filmed themselves living their daily lives and sent it in to director Kevin Macdonald’s team to be compiled for this ambitious documentary. The same task was undertaken ten years ago and is available on YouTube and currently sits at over 17 million views. This time, “Life in a Day 2020” was picked up and funded by YouTube itself, meaning that Macdonald and producer Ridley Scott (“The Martian,” “Blade Runner”) had a much larger budget for editors, music, graphics and outreach teams to learn more about individual submissions. “Life in a Day 2020” will capture a unique view on the world as most people’s videos will no doubt touch on the coronavirus pandemic. The film has already become a Sundance official selection for 2021 and is fluctuating around a 70 score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of publication. “Life in a Day 2020” premieres on YouTube on Feb. 6.

“Destruction AllStars” ー PlayStation 5

Destruction AllStars is a vehicular destruction derby put into interactive form. The PlayStation 5 exclusive title comes from Liverpool based Lucid Games, the developers of Need for Speed Payback and Geometry Wars. Destruction AllStars was announced at the “PS5 Reveal Showcase” in June 2020 with a price tag of $69.99 and set to release alongside the new hardware on Nov. 12, 2020. After critics and fans took note of the game’s cartoony style, gratuitous violence and lack of visible gameplay in trailers, the title was pushed to February and made a PlayStation Plus title, meaning those that subscribe to the service can own the game for no extra charge. The game, which released on Feb. 1 is stylish, leans into chaos and confusion and takes inspiration from two massively popular multiplayer games: Rocket League, which pits players in a car to play soccer, and Fortnite which popularized consistently updated multiplayer worlds and is still the number one game in America to this day.

eisemanj1@lasalle.edu